“Ancient Temple Becomes Latest Playground: Influencer Faces Backlash for ‘Temple Run’ Stunt!”
The complex, which includes the famous temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, was constructed with blocks of sandstone and has survived war, earthquakes, and forest overgrowth.
Some have argued that certain footage denigrated the almost 900-year-old sculptures
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Over the years, international conservators have contributed to the ongoing restoration efforts.
“While the trend has temporarily boosted online interest in Angkor, it’s essential to promote safe access, educational visitation, and respect for the local religious, spiritual, and social significance of the sites,” Ginevra Boatto, Cambodia country director of the World Monuments Fund, told Bloomberg.
Hans Leisen, who has headed the German Apsara Conservation Project to preserve sculptures at Angkor Wat for 30 years, told the publication of the TikTok trend: “It’s nonsense. If you’re running through the temple, you won’t see the beauty of the carvings.”
@unemployedginge Temple Run in real life🐉 Angkor Wat, Cambodia🇰🇭 #travel #travelling #solo #backpacking #fyp #adventure #solotravel #foryoupage #cambodia #seasia #hitchhiking #foryou #templerun ♬ original sound – Apollo_tee2.0
Hans further shared: “And if you fall or stumble, you’ll touch a wall to stabilize yourself and endanger the fragile carvings.”
In Cambodia, the Apsara National Authority, the government agency that oversees the Angkor complex, issued a code of conduct for visitors at least eight years ago that prohibits touching carvings and leaning on temple structures.
