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Heritage & monuments

West Baray

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West Baray

West Baray

The West Baray is a large man-made reservoir located west of the Angkor temple complex. It is the largest of the barays in the region, defined by earthen embankments that reach heights of up to 12 meters. Visitors go here to see the scale of ancient Khmer hydraulic engineering and the expanse of water enclosed by these embankments.

Getting There

The site is accessible from Siem Reap city centre via tuk-tuk or motorbike. The journey typically takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic and the specific starting point within the city.

Time to allow once there.

Duration of Visit

Most visitors spend between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours at the site, depending on whether they walk along the embankments or visit the central structure.

When to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the midday heat, as there is limited shade along the embankments. The site is generally less crowded than the primary temples of Angkor Wat or Bayon, though it sees more activity during the peak dry season.

Nearby Attractions

This site can be combined with other nearby monuments to optimize travel time:

  • West Mebon: Located 0.1km away, this temple sits on an island within the reservoir.
  • Ak Yum: A temple located 2.8km from the baray.
  • Prasat Chrung: A further site located 5.3km away.

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near West Baray

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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West Baray Nearby stays

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Good to visit alongside

Baray

Heritage & monuments

Baray

The barays are man-made reservoirs from the Khmer Empire that remain scattered across the Angkor area. Their vast, elongated basins give a sense of just how large the ancient kingdom once was.

0.0 km away
West Mebon

Temples & religious sites

West Mebon

West Mebon is a temple standing in the middle of the West Baray, Angkor's vast reservoir, believed to have been built during the reigns of Suryavarman I and Udayadityavarman II in the 11th century. Its setting, seemingly floating on the water, makes a striking impression.

0.1 km away
Ak Yum

Heritage & monuments

Ak Yum

An ancient temple surviving within the Angkor archaeological area, believed to have been built in the 8th century. It is known as the oldest example of the "temple mountain" style in Southeast Asia, making it a meaningful stop for Angkor exploration.

2.8 km away
Prasat Chrung

Heritage & monuments

Prasat Chrung

Prasat Chrung refers to sandstone shrines at each of the four corners of the Angkor Thom walls, built in the Bayon style and dedicated to Avalokiteshvara. Their cross-shaped, east-facing design makes them a worthwhile stop while exploring Angkor.

5.3 km away
Baphuon

Temples & religious sites

Baphuon

An 11th-century temple within Angkor Thom, northwest of the Bayon. This three-tiered temple mountain was dedicated to Shiva and built as the state temple under Udayadityavarman II.

6.1 km away
Phnom Bakheng

Heritage & monuments

Phnom Bakheng

Phnom Bakheng is a mountain-shaped Hindu temple at the Angkor archaeological site, dedicated to the god Shiva. It is a historic temple believed to have been built during the reign of King Yasovarman in the late 9th century.

6.1 km away