On 29 December, the APSARA National Authority reported that a Chinese tourist accidentally dropped an iPhone 15 into the Baray reservoir at Neak Pean Temple while sightseeing and crossing the bridge.
Following the report, a task force from APSARA, working together with the on-site security team and the HCC-Angkor team, initiated an underwater search operation at the site. The phone was later located and returned to its owner.
Footage from the scene showed the tourist visibly anxious as multiple authorities entered the water to conduct the search. After the phone was recovered, the tourist expressed relief and appreciation to the personnel involved.
Incidents involving lost belongings can occur at any major heritage site that welcomes large numbers of visitors each year. What differs, however, is the level of attention given to such situations. In this case, even a minor inconvenience was addressed through coordination, time, and effort by multiple teams on the ground.
In Siem Reap, site management extends beyond preserving monuments or managing visitor flows. It also involves ensuring that visitors move through heritage sites safely, enjoy their experience, and leave with positive memories of their time in Cambodia. How small situations are handled, often away from public view, can quietly shape the overall visitor experience.
Author: Kheav Chantharina