West Baray Angkor
The West Baray is a large reservoir located just to the west of Bayon Temple and Angkor Thom in the Angkor archaeological park a few kilometres from Siem Reap.
What Is a Baray?
A baray is a reservoir, which were used at Angkor for storing water and powering their mind-blowing hydraulic system.
The West Baray
Some eight by two kilometres in size, the West Baray is the largest reservoir in the Angkor complex. It is believed to be one of the largest reservoirs in the world to be cut by hand. The water inside the reservoir was kept there by 39-foot high dykes.
West Mebron is a Hindu temple that stands in the middle of the reservoir on an island. It is accessible by boat from a small dock in the middle of the south bank.
The baray was built in the 11th century during the reigns of King Suryavarman I and King Udayadityavarman II.
Two theories exist as to why Angkor people built the reservoirs. One is that they kept water that was channelled through irrigation canals to irrigate rice crops. The other suggests that the baray had a more symbolic purpose, representing the Sea of Creation in Hindu legend. However, even if the latter is true, clearly the baray would have proved invaluable water storage, especially during the Cambodian dry season.
As the baray was built over existing structures, archaeologists have discovered some interesting sites buried beneath it.
The West Baray remains full of water to this day, and now attracts many Khmer people to the beaches along its southern edge.
Nearby Attractions
The baray is close to Bayong temple and Angkor Thom, as well as Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm. It is relatively simple to combine a visit to these temples with the West Baray. Just ask a tuk tuk driver in Siem Reap.
