West Baray

• Recommended reason: You can get around by motorbike or bike, but the roads are rough in some places.
• Recommended visit time: 2-3 hours

West Baray (Baray Teuk Thla) meaning “clear water reservoir" in Khmer is a large reservoir located in the western part of Angkor Wat. At 7.8 kilometers long and 2.1 kilometers wide, it is the largest reservoir built during the ancient Angkorian era. It is also one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the world, with a maximum capacity of about 53 million cubic meters.

In the center of Baray is a small island with the crumbling remains of the West Mebon temple. This temple was built in the same architectural style as the Bapuon Temple next to the Bayon Temple, so we assume that the Baray Temple was built in the 11th century. Other than that, we know little about the reason for its construction. There are theories that it was used for irrigation, but this has been largely disproved, and there are also theories that it was used for ceremonies or flood management.

History of the West Baray

The construction of West Baray began in the 11th century under King Suryavarman I and was completed under the reign of Udayatiyavarman II. During the construction of the large reservoir, the ruins of the previous construction were destroyed or flooded. The nearby Akhyon Temple was partially submerged by the waters and only part of the site remains today.

Archaeological work in the area has uncovered an inscribed stone tablet that dates the temple to 713 AD. This means that there was once a sizable settlement in the area, but it was almost entirely destroyed when West Baray was built.

Elsewhere, however, the West Baray temple appears to contain much earlier buildings. Part of King Yasovarman's capital city (centered on Phnom Penh Bakheng) was used for the construction of the Eastern Causeway.

West Mebon is also of historical significance, with a huge bronze statue of Vishnu found in the area. Although the statue is no longer here, it is kept in the National Museum in Phnom Penh.

Usage and Symbolism

It is believed that the western baray was built because the eastern baray was not large enough to support the expanding Angkorian empire. the baray may have been a large water storage tank that was then used during times of drought. This would allow farmers to grow more than one rice crop per year. It is also believed that the western baray was symbolic, representing the sea of creation in Hindu mythology.

A large lock has now been added to the south side (which you will see when you first arrive). This is used to supply water to the fields in the southern part of the desert. In addition, the place has become a popular place with swimming, local food and hammocks which attracts many tourists.

What can you do in the West Baray？

West Baray is a popular place for tourists and locals alike. It is especially busy on weekends and holidays. You can rent rubber bands to swim on the beach. You can also sit in a hammock and have a bite to eat by the water. You can also take a boat ride to see the West Mebon temple.

If you like to go off the beaten path, you can venture around the entire reservoir. The south side of the road is nice, through the Ak Yum Temple to reach the southwest side. As you travel along the western and northern parts of Baray, the road gets worse and worse until it's almost non-existent. However, at any time of the year you can ride bicycles and motorcycles, but driving is not recommended.

How to get there？

by bicycle

West Baray is about 12 kilometers from Siem Reap and is easily accessible. Most people take a tuk-tuk, but if you don't mind riding on the main road, you can also get there by bicycle.

By private car

From Siem Reap, take National Highway 6 towards the airport to reach West Baray. Once you reach the airport traffic circle continue straight for another 3 or 4 kilometers. Turn right and follow the road until it ends.

Take a tuk-tuk

Once you reach West Baray, there will be a steep hill. If you take a tuk-tuk, you will have to get off and walk up the hill.