Would You Be More Likely to Visit Angkor Wat if it was Illuminated At Night?

Photo: CNN

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The 12th century temple complex known as Angkor Wat is by far the most popular tourist site in Cambodia, drawing a million travelers a year to walk among its austere columns and soaring spires, many of which are overgrown with tree roots that resemble the tentacles of an octopus. Hoping to wring a few more dollars out of tourists - and enhance the visitor experience, of course - the government recently announced that it is considering installing artificial lighting throughout the ancient city so the temples can be open at night. The AP points out that visitors are typically ushered out of the area at sunset, and the new lighting will enable the park to stay open as late as 8:30 p.m.

Conservationists, however, are less thrilled with the idea. They worry that the area's resources - particularly the already overtaxed underground water supply - aren't sufficient to support an influx of tourists, who will require roads, hotels, and all the other amenities that go along with the tourism industry.

I can see their point, and would be sure to tread as lightly as possible, but I kind of like the idea of seeing Angkor Wat at night. I imagine some of the statues, carvings, and shadows would be pretty amazing, particularly after happy hour. And hopefully they'd use really environmentally-friendly lighting, like LED lights, in a smart and innovative way, creating lots of trippy, dramatic angles. But I'd also hope they left most of the park undisturbed, all the better to retain its unique position at the nexus of natural and supernatural.