PHNOM PENH – Phnom Da and Angkor Borei, two of Cambodia’s significant archaeological and historical sites, are in the early stages of documentation as officials begin preparations for their potential inclusion on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

The documents are expected to be submitted to UNESCO in early 2027, said Chhay Visoth, director of the National Museum of Cambodia who leads the effort.

Experts from eleven ministries and institutions, along with Takeo Provincial Governor Vei Samnang, took part in the first inter-ministerial meeting at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts on May 7.

Visoth said the meeting aimed to introduce members of the inter-ministerial committee and working group and to provide an update report for Phnom Da and Angkor Borei.

Visoth said the meeting explored the feasibility of including other mountainous areas in the documentation.

“When working on cultural heritage matters, administrative tasks are also involved, especially area management. At this stage, we cannot predict the challenges we may face until the work begins,” Visoth said.

“Once certain tasks are completed or challenges arise, we will convene additional meetings to address them.”

He acknowledged the process will require collaboration among ministries, relevant institutions and provincial authorities.

Phnom Da and Angkor Borei were tentatively listed in 2020 and are being considered for potential inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Located in Angkor Borei district, Takeo province, Angkor Borei spans around 300 hectares and was once the capital of Funan and an early Khmer capital.

Phnom Da, a mountain adjacent to Angkor Borei, features temples and caves. The principal temple, now known as Phnom Da Temple, was built in the 11th century on foundations remaining from the Funan period.

The tangible cultural properties consist of the Angkor Archeological Park (1992), the Temple of Preah Vihear (2008), the Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura (2017), and Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar (2023).

The country’s intangible cultural heritage on the UNESCO list consists of: the Khmer Shadow Theatre or Sbek  Thom  (2008); the Royal  Ballet of  Cambodia  (2008), Tugging Rituals and Games (2015), Chapei Dang Veng (2016), Lkhon Khol Wat Svay Andet (2018), and Kun Lbokator, traditional martial art in Cambodia (2022).

On March 31, the country submitted the nomination of Manha Sangkranta — the ceremonial and symbolic beginning of the Khmer New Year — to UNESCO. The outcome of this nomination is expected in 2027 or 2028.

The country has also submitted a nomination to UNESCO for the recognition of the traditional Khmer wedding ceremony as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which may be reviewed later this year.