Angkor Temples to Undergo Renovation Under Unified Master Plan

The Cambodian government is proceeding with a plan to renovate Buddhist temples within the Angkor complex according to a unified master plan. This initiative aims to enhance the cultural and religious values and identity of all Cambodian citizens, and has received support from the Supreme Sangha Council of Cambodia. During the "Master Plan Dissemination Program for Temples in the Angkor Complex" held on August 8, 2026, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Phoeurng Sackona, stated that the renovation of temples, both currently and in the future, is for the benefit of the monks, to showcase the value of Buddhism, and to properly organize religious affairs for future generations, both foreign and Khmer, to learn and understand. The initial phase of the master plan includes five temples located within the Angkor Thom complex: North Angkor Temple, South Angkor Temple (near Angkor Wat), Preah Vihear Chong Leang Temple, Preah Angkor Kok Thlok Temple, and Preah Indra Tep Temple. The subsequent phase will cover an additional 30 temples situated within a 401 square kilometer area of the Angkor complex. Pin Sem, a senior monk and member of the Sangha Council of Cambodia, expressed support for the master plan to properly organize temples within the Angkor complex, stating that this arrangement will not only elevate the value of Buddhist temples but also benefit the tourism sector. Kim Son, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme Patriarch, appealed to the abbots of temples within the Angkor complex and the monastic officials of Siem Reap province, led by Pin Sem, to collaborate in ensuring the proper renovation of numerous temples in the Angkor complex area. Sim Bunthoeun, Director of the Department of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction at the APSARA National Authority, noted that tourists are currently showing significant interest in Buddhist temples in the Angkor region. He emphasized that the current master plan development is aimed at ensuring the orderly and accurate organization of temples within this World Heritage site, in accordance with Buddhist principles, beliefs, and long-standing Cambodian cultural traditions, stating that "temples cannot be organized arbitrarily." Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local