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Heritage & monuments

West Baray

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West Baray

Overview

West Baray is a rectangular artificial reservoir located west of Angkor Thom. Spanning 7.8 kilometres by 2.1 kilometres, it is the largest artificial reservoir among the Angkor ruins. Travellers visit to see the ancient Khmer water management system and to take in the open expanse of water, which contrasts with the surrounding temple structures.

Getting There

The site is situated roughly 12 kilometres northwest of central Siem Reap. Visitors can travel by tuk-tuk, car, or bicycle. The journey from the city centre takes about 25 to 35 minutes by motorized transport.

Time to Allow

Plan to spend 1 to 2 hours on site. This provides sufficient time to view the water from the dike, stroll along the shore, and take a local boat out to the island temple if desired.

When to Visit

Late afternoon is suitable for cooler temperatures and open water views. The area tends to get crowded with local visitors on weekends and public holidays, while weekday mornings are significantly calmer. Water levels are highest during the wet season and drop during the dry season.

Nearby Attractions

The reservoir can be easily combined with several nearby historical monuments:

  • West Mebon (0.1 km): A temple located on an artificial island in the centre of the reservoir.
  • Ak Yum (2.8 km): An ancient stepped pyramid temple situated near the southern bank.
  • Prasat Chrung (5.3 km): Corner shrine towers set along the outer wall of Angkor Thom.

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

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West Baray Nearby stays

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Good to visit alongside

Baray

Heritage & monuments

Baray

This is a Khmer-era reservoir within the Angkor archaeological site in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Stretching vast distances from east to west, it offers a glimpse into the water management skills of the ancient Khmer civilization.

0.0 km away
West Mebon

Temples & religious sites

West Mebon

West Mebon is a temple at the center of the West Baray reservoir among the Angkor ruins in Siem Reap. Since it sits within Angkor's largest reservoir, you'll need to reach it by boat, and it's believed to have been built around the 11th century.

0.1 km away
Ak Yum

Heritage & monuments

Ak Yum

Ak Yum is an ancient temple in the Angkor area, known as the oldest surviving "temple mountain" in Southeast Asia. Believed to date to the 8th century, it's a site well worth including in any Angkor tour.

2.8 km away
Prasat Chrung

Heritage & monuments

Prasat Chrung

Prasat Chrung refers to the sandstone temples built at each of the four corners of Angkor Thom's city wall, dedicated to Avalokiteshvara in the Bayon style. Their distinctive east-facing cruciform layout makes them a worthwhile stop while touring the Angkor temples.

5.3 km away
Baphuon

Temples & religious sites

Baphuon

Baphuon is a three-tiered temple mountain located inside Angkor Thom, northwest of the Bayon. Built in the mid-11th century to honor Shiva, it showcases distinctive arched architecture.

6.1 km away
Phnom Bakheng

Heritage & monuments

Phnom Bakheng

Phnom Bakheng is a temple-mountain-style Hindu shrine within the Angkor complex near Siem Reap, dedicated to the god Shiva. Believed to have been built in the late 9th century during the reign of King Yasovarman, it offers a glimpse of early Angkorian temple architecture.

6.1 km away