Visitors to Siem Reap province’s Angkor Archaeological Park can now enter most areas of the Angkor Thom complex’s central Bayon temple, save notably for the highest level – the central tower and sanctuary – which will be under maintenance from December 1 until further notice.

This is according to a statement issued on November 25 by the Apsara National Authority (ANA) addressed to relevant state and private institutions, local authorities, tourism-related actors, potential visitors and the general public.

The ANA said it has drawn up three main new routes for tourists to follow during the period that “still capture the grandeur of the temple, reduce overcrowding, provide safety for visitors, and enhance the overall quality of the experience”.

It noted that the routes would provide sightseers a 55-minute, 75-minute and 105-minute option to soak up the temple and all of its main features and furnishings at their leisure, including areas less often seen and spots that offer truly stunning photo opportunities.

Ladders, barricades, directional signposts, information boards and other amenities have been installed at each gallery to guide visitors through the temple, the authority said.