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29. GENERAL REMARKS REGARDING THE VISIT TO SAMBOR PREI KUK:
a) The visit to Sambor Prei Kuk on Saturday, June 8 that included all of the ad hoc experts enabled them to appreciate the significance of this pre-Angkorian temple complex recently inscribed on the World Heritage List (Cracow, 2017).
b) It is one of the early capital cities in the countries of Southeast Asia, more particularly the Kingdom of Chenla.
c) The site director made an introductory presentation regarding the layout of this site that covers nearly 25 square kilometers, home to three main monument complexes that nicely symbolize the meaning of the name of the site in the Khmer language: “temple in the luxuriant forest”.
d) That image certainly remains in the memory of the visitors: a complex of brick constructions harmoniously spread out in the forest.
e) A walk through the remains of the various prasat enabled the experts to appreciate the architectural quality of the brick temples with their characteristic octagonal towers, typical of the so-called Chenla style, dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries A.D.
f) The site is managed by a dynamic, competent team that has undertaken restoration work on the brick towers with much care, in compliance with the principles now universally accepted of minimalist intervention making it possible to read the architectural history of the monuments.
g) The site is scrupulously clean and the surrounding forests are obviously well-managed. The pathways of the tour itinerary are done with local materials of a color close to that of the architectural environment.
h) The ad hoc group of experts expresses its sincere thanks to the APSARA National Authority and UNESCO for scheduling the visit of this exceptional site. It is a genuine showcase in the forest, now starting to attract many national tourists and having the potential of also attracting international visitors.