The Department of Forest Management, Cultural Landscape and Environment under the Apsara National Authority (ANA) – a body tasked with managing the Angkor Archaeological Park – cut down 16 trees deemed to be of high risk to visitors around Kravan temple in Siem Reap province.

The operation took place on October 2-3 after the department’s working group together with relevant departments had inspected the site and found that the trees posed a risk.

"The work was done to ensure tourists’ safety, avoid accidents, and make it easier to visit the temple," the department said in a statement.

It said they included one dead tamarind tree and three pomegranate trees.

Twelve trees were also pruned, including luxury trees, which have so many branches growing near the temple and the entrance. They had 37 branches pruned to lighten the trunks to prevent them falling on the temple and visitors.

Kravan temple is in the east of Angkor Wat and south of Banteay Kdei temple. It was built in the 10th century during the reign of King Hasavarman I and dedicated to Vishnu.

ANA said tourists always fall in love with the beauty of this ancient temple. The brick temple has five towers facing the east. The carvings on the floor are excellent as they are clear enough to appreciate.

Although the temple is small, the brick sculptures are still perfect and a favourite of tourists, according to ANA.