Baray

#22 among destinations in Cambodia

Temple

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Facts and practical information

A baray is an artificial body of water which is a common element of the architectural style of the Khmer Empire of Southeast Asia. The largest are the East Baray and West Baray in the Angkor area, each rectangular in shape, oriented east-west and measuring roughly five by one and a half miles. Historians are divided on the meaning and functions of barays. Some believe that they were primarily spiritual in purpose, symbolizing the Sea of Creation surrounding Mount Meru, font of the Hindu cosmos. Others have theorized that they held water for irrigation of fields. Others believe that it was used to store water, the current most popular theory. It is possible that the function was a combination of these explanations, or others. ()

Alternative names: Coordinates: 13°26'3"N, 103°48'0"E

Location

SiemréabCambodia

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Day trips

Baray – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Bayon, Phnom Bakheng, Baksei Chamkrong, Phimeanakas.

4 miE
Angkor Thom temple with smiling faces
Bayon, Siem Reap
102 min walk • In the heart of Siem Reap, Cambodia, the ancient temple of Bayon stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Khmer Empire. This iconic 12th-century temple is renowned for its distinctive architectural feature: the serene and smiling stone faces that adorn its towers...
3.8 miE
Ancient temple complex with sunset views
Phnom Bakheng, Siem Reap
98 min walk • Phnom Bakheng is an emblematic temple standing majestically in the ancient city of Siem Reap, Cambodia. Perched atop a hill, it offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including the world-renowned Angkor Wat.
3.9 miE
Pyramid-shaped temple in quiet setting
Baksei Chamkrong, Siem Reap
101 min walk • Baksei Chamkrong is a historic temple that stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Siem Reap, Cambodia. This ancient Hindu temple, which translates to "The Bird Who Shelters Under Its Wings," is located near the famous Angkor Wat and is part of the...
3.8 miE
Remains of a 10th-century Hindu temple
Phimeanakas, Angkor Archaeological Park
98 min walk • Phimeanakas or Vimeanakas at Angkor, Cambodia, is a Hindu temple in the Khleang style, built at the end of the 10th century, during the reign of Rajendravarman, then completed by Suryavarman I in the shape of a three tier pyramid as a Hindu temple.
4 miE
Ruins, Historical place, Temple
Angkor Thom, Angkor Archaeological Park
102 min walk • The Royal Palace was first built by king Suryavarman I and used continuously from the 11th to the late 16th century AD. During that period, the area was transformed and restored several times.
4.6 miSE
Museum, Historical place, Performing arts
Cambodian Cultural Village, Siem Reap
117 min walk • Cambodian Cultural Village was a theme park and cultural museum in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It was located on road no. 6, 3 kilometers to and from the airport, 6 kilometers from the town and 5 kilometers from the famous Angkor Wat temple complex.
2.2 miE
Ruins of an 11th-century pyramid temple
Baphuon, Angkor Archaeological Park
57 min walk • The Baphuon is a temple at Angkor, Cambodia. It is located in Angkor Thom, northwest of the Bayon.
3.8 miSE
Museum, Military museum
War Museum Cambodia, Siem Reap
98 min walk • The War Museum Cambodia is located at Siem Reap in Cambodia, near National Highway No. 6 between the city of Siem Reap and the International Airport. The purpose of this museum is to keep the memory of the civil war in the history of Cambodia alive and to preserve the unique collection for posterity.
~40 ftN
Temple
West Mebon
1 min walk • The West Mebon is a temple at Angkor, Cambodia, located in the center of the West Baray, the largest reservoir of the Angkor area.
4 miE
Ancient royal viewing platform
Terrace of the Elephants, Angkor Archaeological Park
104 min walk • The Terrace of the Elephants is part of the walled city of Angkor Thom, a ruined temple complex in Cambodia. The terrace was used by Angkor's king Jayavarman VII as a platform from which to view his victorious returning army.
4.1 miE
Carved 12th-century stone terrace
Terrace of the Leper King, Siem Reap
104 min walk • The Terrace of the Leper King is located in the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom, Cambodia. It was built in the Bayon style under Jayavarman VII, though its modern name derives from a 15th-century sculpture discovered at the site.