West Baray
បារាយណ៍ខាងលិច
A giant man-made reservoir dug in the 11th century, about 8 km long. The lakeside hammock cafés are where locals go to swim and cool off on weekends.
West Baray is a giant reservoir built in the 11th century, about 8 km from east to west and 2 km wide. It still holds water today and stands as a testament to the water management system of the Angkor era. On an island in the lake is the West Mebon temple, which you can reach by hiring a small boat. Little of the temple remains. Along the south shore is a row of bamboo stilt cafés with hammocks, serving grilled fish, grilled chicken and coconut water. On weekends, Siem Reap families come here to picnic, swim and cool off, giving a taste of local life. The sunset over the lake is beautiful in the evening. The lake is about 12 km northwest of town, near the airport, roughly 25 minutes by tuk-tuk. An Angkor Pass is not required.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Phnom Bakheng
- Baphuon
- Bayon Temple / Angkor Thom
- Terrace of the Elephants & Terrace of the Leper King
- Angkor Wat
- Preah Khan
- Thommanon
- Chau Say Tevoda