Hopes and dreams: Run New bike routes extend Ta Ek town established Angkor’s magical allure
ANALYSTS believe that converting the Run Ta Ek development area into a town will result in economic potential, enhanced infrastructure, a larger population and increased commercial activity.
The government has officially recognised the establishment of Run Ta Ek Techo Sen town, spanning two communes in Siem Reap, in a bid to boost economic and tourism potential in the province.
Situated in the Banteay Srei district, home to the famous Banteay Srei Temple, Run Ta Ek was originally one of two relocation sites for residents who were asked to move from the protected Angkor Archaeological Park.
A sub-decree signed by
Prime Minister Hun Manet on January 16 created the town by incorporating Run Ta Ek commune and Balaing commune from the Prasat Bakong district. The administrative centre is in Run Ta Ek commune.
“Run Ta Ek Techo Sen town will align with new Article 18 of the Law on the Administration of the Capital, Provinces, Municipalities and Districts, along with new Article 3 of the Law on the Elections of the Capital, Provincial and District Councils,” the sub-decree said.
This establishment will take effect before the elections for the capital-provincial-district councils of the fourth mandate.
Yang Kim Eng, president of the People Centre for Development and Peace, suggested that the government enhance infrastructure and give the town a distinctive character to draw in tourism and boost economic activity, similar to other towns.
“Once we turn this area into a town, its development is crucial to ensure relocated residents enjoy a welcoming environment with ample services. This transformation should also provide them opportunities to generate income, just like their previous location,” he said.
Chhort Bunthang, a research fellow at the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC), said that turning any area into a town generally brings economic potential, improved infrastructure, a larger population and increased commercial activities.
“I believe the government appreciates the residents who moved from the Angkor area. Transforming Run Ta Ek into a town will enhance their livelihoods, offering services like education, health and economic opportunities,” he said.
Originally home to just 442 families, Run Ta Ek was developed by the APSARA National Authority (ANA) – a body tasked with managing the Angkor Archaeological Park – to accommodate people who relocated from the Angkor area in exchange for houses and farming land.
Presently, the number of families relocating voluntarily to Run Ta Ek has ballooned to 5,865.*
THE APSARA National Authority (ANA) has constructed a “bicycle bridge” in the vicinity of Ta Keo Temple, making it more convenient for tourists to cycle through the Angkor Archaeological Park.
ANA spokesman Long Kosal said on January 17 that building the bicycle path is part of the body’s plan to boost tourism. This initiative enables visitors to explore the Angkor area by cycling, witnessing temples and local life along the way. Bicycling, popular among tourists for both health and enjoyment, aligns with this development.
“The bike path construction has a positive impact on temple conservation, and it’s a fresh approach to encourage tourists to linger. If they simply visit the temple, they tend to head home once it’s explored. However, offering a bicycle journey could extend their stay, providing a richer experience,” he said.
Sok Soseila, deputy director of the ANA’s Department of Water, Forestry and Infrastructure Management, said on January 16 that they began crafting bicycle paths in the archaeological park in 2020 to enhance the cycling experience for tourists. These paths cover over 23km, featuring four bridges.
The Ta Keo Temple bicycle bridge is one of four built by the ANA to help cyclists distinguish between regular roads and bridges and those designed specifically for bicycles. It spans 65m and boasts a width of 2.5m.
Three additional bicycle bridges – Angkor, Kraing Krouch and Neak Poan – join the Ta Keo bridge. Additionally, small bridges span two other locations: the Yosothor moat and the former Neak Poan water gate.
Soseila said the primary goal of establishing bicycle routes in Angkor is to enhance safety by separating regular traffic from cycling paths, thereby reducing accidents between motorists and cyclists. This move also aims to cut down on vehicle exhaust impacting the temples.
Regarding the bicycle bridge’s construction style, he said they have opted for a simple design harmonising with the natural surroundings, aligning with the ANA’s ethos of balancing conservation and development.
Encouraging visitors to hop on bicycles, Soseila noted the positive impact on the environment. Cycling not only offers extra time to delve into nature but also helps reduce harmful fumes, further benefiting temple conservation.