The Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex in Kompong Thom province was officially added to Unesco’s list of World Heritage sites, a development that will likely be another boon for the country’s flourishing tourism industry.

The site, which contains 50 temples and spans roughly 2,000 hectares of forest, will become the third in Cambodia to receive the recognition. Unesco listed Preah Vihear temple in 2008 and the Angkor Wat temple complex in 1992. 

Sambor Prei Kuk, which translates as ‘the temple in the richness of the forest’, is celebrated for its unique archeological traits inherited from the 7th century Chenla era.

“We, all the Kampong Thom people, are very proud and happy with this news,” said Kampong Thom provincial governor Sok Lou. “We are not concerned that tourists will have a bad impact on our temples because the Unesco will know how to take care of it.”