The Apsara National Authority (ANA), a body tasked with managing the Angkor Archaeological Park, has requested that visitors refrain from parking their vehicles on the streets in the area because it obstructs traffic and lessens the beauty of the temples.
The request came after ANA observed that people were parking their vehicles on the roads despite the presence of clearly visible “No Parking” signs throughout the area and reminders from park staff members.
ANA spokesman Long Kosal told The Post on September 7 that in order to enhance the beauty of the temples in the Angkor area the department of public order and cooperation at the ANA have introduced a total ban on parking any vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles and bicycles on the streets within Angkor Park.
Furthermore, vendors are instructed to refrain from selling goods in the area and walking on the grass lawns or eating food on the streets of Angkor Park have also now been banned.
“Because the Angkor area is a destination for national and international visitors, when people park their cars – and especially when they block one side of the road entirely – it causes traffic jams in areas where people need to walk,” he said.
He added that in the Angkor resort area there were parking lots for bicycles and motorcycles already set up in convenient locations.
“There are also many suitable parking places at each location in the Angkor Resort area. Therefore, in order to promote good public order and safety we request that brothers and sisters use these existing parking spaces,” he said.
He called on all members of the public who intended to visit the Angkor area to follow the parking instructions and to only park their vehicles in designated areas to uphold the common good.
“By participating, it benefits public order. If we can avoid all these problems then the tourists who come to visit will have a happier trip and this will help to increase tourism even further over time,” he said.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the ANA team has continued to maintain the temple parks and have used the downtime to undertake repairs that are difficult with crowds present such as fixing roads, planting lawns and trees and repairing the stonework at temples throughout the Angkor area.
