APSARA National Authority Restores 20-Meter West-Corner Naga Balustrade

The APSARA National Authority, through its Department of Conservation of Monuments and Preventive Archaeology, is restoring and reinforcing the structure of a 20-meter stretch of the western corner Naga balustrade on the first tier’s southern side of Angkor Wat Temple.

Mr. Soy Sophearin, an archaeologist with the APSARA National Authority, emphasized that the southern Naga balustrade had previously collapsed entirely, requiring the APSARA National Authority to undertake restoration and structural reinforcement. Because this is a prime spot where tourists often stand to take photos of the temple towers reflected in the southern pond—with the damaged section directly in the camera view—the APSARA National Authority designated this restoration work as a priority project.

The restoration project for this 20-meter Naga balustrade began in June and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. The team has dismantled the stones, repaired broken pieces, and carved base supports and body segments to replace missing or severely deteriorated stones. Experts noted that this 20-meter section contains 8 Naga bodies and 9 base supports. The remaining original stones can only form 3 to 4 sections of the Naga body, while the rest must be replaced with new stone.

Currently, the APSARA National Authority is also documenting risk assessments for the remaining Naga balustrades around Angkor Wat Temple to prepare future restoration plans

Text: Neang Samnang

Photos: Sin Praney