Bus ban at Angkor Wat

SIEM REAP, 3 April 2013: To help conserve the Angkor Wat world heritage site, buses carrying  24 people or more will not be allowed into the park area.

Siem Reap and Apsara Authority officials in charge of the Angkor temple conservation area that covers more than 400 hectares implemented the temporary ban on buses, despite objectives from bus owners who say the ban will lead to a loss of tourism revenue.

An unnamed source at Apsara was quoted by the Phnom Penh Post last month saying the decision was made last January, but the ban was only enforced 11 March and will continue until after the water festival, 13 to 15 April.

The sheer number of tourists and the bus traffic into the park seriously compromises the area’s environment.

“It is causing traffic jams lasting from two to five hours,” an official told the daily newspaper, but this could not be independently confirmed by travel agents who are the main clients of the bus owners.

The temporary notice will also apply to Angkor Thom temple at the entrance at Tonle Oum’s Gate. Small and medium-size vehicles, such as motorbikes and cars, can enter as normal, the source cited.

In the future, the ban may be extended to the  entire Angkor area because tourists are increasing by 20% to 25% annually.

The source added: “If the ban goes smoothly, we could support 3 or 4 million visits a year.”

Siem Reap province governor, Sou Phirin, issued a notice on 30 January stating that 24-seat vehicles driving from Bayon temple to the south gateway are required to park in front of Angkor Wat temple after dropping off passengers at Bakheng temple.

Previously, the authorities banned 36-seat buses and some bus owners fear that once the 24-seat bus ban is accepted it could eventually lead to a ban of smaller 12 to 14 seat transport.

Bus revenue will fall, but backers of the scheme argue that it is more important to preserve the historic monuments, restrict entrance and ensure heritage remains intact for future generations to see.

Angkor Wat is the country must-see attraction which drew 2.06 million international travellers, last year, up 27.95% compared to 1.61 million in 2011.

The Angkor historical park is Cambodia’s largest cultural tourism destination located 315 km from the capital Phnom Penh. The temple was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992.

Sourced: ttrweekly