A “baray” is a water reservoir built by the ancient Khmer people. The West Baray is the largest example of such a reservoir, and the only example that still holds water. Visitors to the baray are stunned by its enormity and natural appearance. It is difficult to believe that the West Baray is an artificial lake and not a congenital one. This gargantuan reservoir is navigable by boat, up to 5 meters deep in places, and even contains its own man-made island.
The West Baray is a baray, or reservoir, at Angkor, Cambodia, oriented east-west and located just west of the walled city Angkor Thom. Rectangular in shape and measuring approximately 7.8 by 2.1 kilometers, the West Baray is the largest baray at Angkor. Its waters are contained by tall earthen dikes. In the center of the baray is the West Mebon, a Hindu temple built on an artificial island.
Construction of the baray probably began in the 11th Century during the reign of King Suryavarman I. and was finished later under King Udayadityavarman II.
The Angkorian engineers who created the West Baray appear to have in places incorporated earlier construction. The east dike, for instance, appears to be largely a section of a dike that enclosed the capital city of King Yasovarman, which had the Phnom Bakheng temple at its center. In other places, the baray obliterated or submerged earlier human-made sites. The south dike, for instance, partially buried a brick pyramid temple, Ak Yum. And the western floor of the baray appears to have once been inhabited—archeological work has found wall bases, steps, and pottery shards there. An inscription stele discovered in the area, dating from 713 A.D., offers further evidence of earlier settlement, defining rice fields that were offered to a queen Jayadevi.
Early French experts believed the West Baray to have functioned as a vast holding tank for water that fed irrigation canals in dry times, allowing multiple crops of rice each year. Many later studies, however, theorize that the baray had mainly symbolic functions, serving as a vast earthly depiction of the Hindu Sea of Creation, with the West Mebon temple at its center.
West Baray Vladimir Ira.jpg
In modern times, an irrigation lock was built in the baray's southern dike, raising the water level and allowing provision of water to fields to the south. Today the baray retains water in its western end year-round. In the rainy season, water advances to the eastern dike.
With clear, still waters, the baray today is a popular place for swimming and boat rides by local residents. It has occasionally served as a landing site for seaplanes.
To construct the West Baray, the Khmer people erected four earthen dikes in an 8 km by 2 km rectangle. Once the dikes were completed, rainwater filled the baray. Originally, the West Baray blanketed 1760 hectares of land with an average depth of 7 meters. Today, only the western two-thirds of the baray is filled with water and the average depth is about 4 meters.
It is believed that King Suryavarman I ordered the construction of the West Baray sometime in the 11th Century. According to archeological theory, the project was completed under the rule of King Udayadityavarman II, who reigned until 1066.
Today, the West Baray is fed by a series of channels, delivering water from the moats around the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Native Cambodians use the baray and its nourishing channels for irrigation, transportation, and tourism. Although a boat ride across the West Baray is not one of the most popular tourist activities in Cambodia, it is certainly one of the most awe-inspiring.
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Sombai Road,Salakamreuk Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
Located away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap, Authentic Khmer Village Resort offers traditional Khmer-style wooden houses on stilts within private tropical gardens. The resort features an outdoor saltwater pool and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property.
Guests arriving by car can benefit from the complimentary parking on-site. It is 1.2 km to Wat Damnak. The vibrant Pub Street and Old Market are 1.5 km from Authentic Khmer Village Resort. The Royal Residence is 2.7 km from the property. Angkor Wat is 9.1 km away. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 11.6 km from Authentic Khmer Village Resort. The property offers complimentary two-way airport transfers and shuttle services.
All air-conditioned rooms feature a private terrace. The seating area is fitted with a safe and a minibar. En suite bathrooms include shower facilities, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services. A space for guests to indulge in massage treatments is also available.
Authentic Khmer Village Resort's in-house restaurant serves local Khmer cuisine. The pool bar offers a variety of refreshing drinks.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.9 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Vithei Charles De Gaulle, Road to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
Located on the main road to Angkor Wat, 6 km away, Regency Angkor Hotel features an outdoor pool and fitness centre. Free WiFi is offered in rooms. The property is 2.5 km from the Siem Reap Old Market area.
Featuring a balcony with views of the garden, the air-conditioned rooms have a private bathroom. They are equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, minibar and desk.
Guests at Regency Angkor Hotel can enjoy a breakfast buffet at White Orchid Restaurant. The restaurant serves both Asian and Western cuisine. Other food and beverage options include the Earl's Café Shop and Crystal Pool Bar. There is a hot tub and a steam and sauna room located next to the swimming pool.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services. Alternatively, guests enjoy access to the property's hot tub, steam and sauna room.
The nearest airport, Siem Reap International Airport is 12 km from the property. Regency Angkor Hotel offers complimentary pickup services from the airport.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.4 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Salakamreuk Road, Salakamreuk Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
Featuring free WiFi, a swimming pool and on-site restaurant, Le Jardin d'Angkor Hotel & Resort offers accommodation in Siem Reap. The vibrant Pub Street is 2.5 km from the property. A 24-hour front desk is available.
Angkor Wat is 8 km from Le Jardin d'Angkor Hotel & Resort, while Angkor Night Market is 2.5 km from the property. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 6 km away. The property offers complimentary airport pickups and shuttle services to the city centre.
Each air-conditioned room includes a flat-screen TV, safety deposit box and working desk . There is also a seating area for your convenience. All rooms feature views of either the pool or garden. Every room has a private bathroom with shower facilities, bath robes, slippers and free toiletries. Balconies are also available for you to unwind in after a long day.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services. The hotel also offers bicycle rentals for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Street 27, Wat Bo Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
A 5-minute walk from Pub Street, Glory Angkor Hotel is a modern property featuring an in-house restaurant, an outdoor pool, and free WiFi access. A complimentary pick-up service is available from the airport or bus station.
Fitted with large windows that offer ample natural light, rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV and coffee/tea making amenities. The en suite bathrooms include free toiletries.
The hotel is 200 m from Angkor Trade Centre and 300 m from Wat Preah Prom Rath. Cultural Village is less than 7 km away, while the popular Tonle Sap Lake is 11 km away. The Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 8 km away.
Glory Angkor Hotel operates a tour desk and a 24-hour front desk which can assist with massage, laundry or transport rental services.
Guests can enjoy both lunch and dinner at the in-house restaurant, which serves authentic Cambodian meals. Round-the-clock room service is available.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.3 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Wat Thmei, Kouk Chak, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
One of our best sellers in Siem Reap!
Featuring a garden, terrace and free WiFi, Grand Venus La Residence is located in Siem Reap, 3.7 km from Angkor Wat. This 5-star hotel offers a shared lounge. Guests can enjoy pool views.
The rooms at the hotel are equipped with a seating area. Rooms come with a coffee machine and a private bathroom, while selected rooms will provide you with a balcony and some have garden views. Guest rooms at Grand Venus La Residence have air conditioning and a desk.
A continental breakfast is served daily at the property. The restaurant at the accommodation specializes in American, Cambodian and Asian cuisine.
Grand Venus La Residence has an outdoor pool. Cycling is among the activities that guests can enjoy near the hotel.
Non-stop assistance is available at the reception.
Pub Street is 4 km from Grand Venus La Residence. The nearest airport is Angkor International Airport, 12.9 km from the accommodation.
Solo travelers in particular like the location – they rated it 9.4 for a one-person stay.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Bopha Leak Kloun Street, Steung Thmey Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
Conveniently located in Siem Reap, Rose Royal Boutique Villa features a 24-hour front desk and a business centre. Guests have access to the large outdoor salt-water pool with plenty of sun lounges. Offering free WiFiaccess throughout the property, Rose Royal Boutique Hotel is just 1 km from the famous Old Market and Pub Street.
This non-smoking property is 300 m to Angkor Night Market, while Siem Reap International Airport and Cultural Village are within 7 km away. The well-known Tonle Sap Lake can be reached with a 12 km drive. Shuttle services can be arranged at a surcharge.
Decorated in hues of green, air-conditioned rooms come with tiled flooring, personal safe and sofa seating area. Minibar, bathrobes and a flat-screen cable TV are also included. The en suite bathroom offers shower facility, hairdryer and free toiletries.
Guests at Rose Royal Boutique Villa can rent a bicycle/car to explore the vicinity, or approach the friendly staff for sightseeing and travel assistance. Conveniences such as currency exchange, luggage storage and babysitting services are also available.
The in-house restaurant serves a menu of a la carte dishes for guests to enjoy. A variety of wine and cocktails can be ordered from the bar, while room service options are provided on request.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.3 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.
Guest Name: Ms. Lyn
Country: Philippines
City: Manila
N.of Person: 1 pax
Travel date: 23-09-2024
Booked: Ream National Park Kayaking & Boat Trip Day Tour
Tour Style: Beach Break Holiday
Duration: Full Day
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