Phnom Da temple in Cambodia's Takeo province (Photo: angkor-temples-in-cambodia.com)

(KPL/VNA) Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts is working with inter-ministerial partners to nominate the ancient temples of Phnom Da and Angkor Borei in Takeo southern province as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

An inter-ministerial meeting involving 11 ministries and organisations was recently held in Phnom Penh under the chairmanship of culture minister Phoeurng Sackona. Takeo provincial governor Vey Samnang also participated in the discussion.

Phnom Da and Angkor Borei, both in Angkor Borei district, Takeo province, are considered key historical and archaeological sites in Cambodia’s cultural heritage.

According to UNESCO, Phnom Da refers to a mountain south of Angkor Borei town, which is home to two standing temples and several nearby caves. The principal temple, now known as Phnom Da Temple, was constructed in the 11th century atop foundations dating back to the Funan period. Scholars regard this site as the origin of the “Phnom Da style,” the first known Khmer art tradition.

Meanwhile, Angkor Borei, believed to have been the capital of the ancient Funan kingdom and an early Khmer urban centre, spans approximately 300 hectares. The site features numerous brick structures and served as a model for later urban developments, including Sambor Prei Kuk and Angkor, both of which are already UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Cambodia currently boasts four World Heritage Sites: the Angkor Archaeological Park, the Temple of Preah Vihear, the Sambor Prei Kuk Archaeological Site, and the Koh Ker Temple complex.

The government is also preparing nominations for three sites related to the Khmer Rouge regime: the former M-13 Prison in Kampong Chhnang province, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre, both located in Phnom Penh. 

KPL