Cambodia Seeks UNESCO Status for Phnom Da and Angkor Borei

Cambodia has launched formal efforts to nominate Phnom Da and Angkor Borei—two of the country’s oldest archaeological treasures—for UNESCO World Heritage status.

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, backed by 11 government institutions, convened an inter-ministerial meeting in Phnom Penh on Thursday to begin preparing the nomination dossier. Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona and Takeo provincial governor Vei Samnang led the session.

Both sites are situated in Takeo province’s Angkor Borei district and are considered critical to understanding Cambodia’s ancient past.

Phnom Da, a small mount south of Angkor Borei town, is home to two temples and a series of caves. Its principal temple, dating to the 11th century but built upon foundations from the Funan period, is recognised as the birthplace of the "Phnom Da style"—widely seen as the earliest expression of Khmer artistic tradition.

Nearby Angkor Borei spans around 300 hectares and is believed to have been the capital of the ancient Funan kingdom. It is one of the earliest known Khmer urban centres and a precursor to Cambodia’s more famous heritage sites, including Sambor Prei Kuk and Angkor.

UNESCO currently lists four Cambodian sites as World Heritage Sites: Angkor Archaeological Park, the Temple of Preah Vihear, Sambor Prei Kuk, and Koh Ker Temple complex.

Alongside this latest effort, Cambodian authorities are preparing nominations for three sites tied to the Khmer Rouge era: the Former M-13 Prison in Kampong Chhnang, and Phnom Penh’s Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre.

If successful, the inclusion of Phnom Da and Angkor Borei would further cement Cambodia’s global cultural standing and help preserve two foundational chapters in the nation’s history.

-2025-05-23