Why Visit:
West Baray is a huge ancient man-made lake near Angkor Thom. It was built in the 11th century and is very big—about 7.8 km long and 2.1 km wide. In the middle of the lake is an old temple called West Mebon, built on an island. The lake is a quiet place where you can swim, boat, have a picnic, or relax with local people.
Activities:
Walk or boat to West Mebon temple (walk when water is low in dry season).
Swim and relax by the lake.
Enjoy nice views of the water and rice fields.
Rent chairs, umbrellas, or tubes for fun in the water.
Visit nearby villages and temples.
Ticket Price:
No entry fee for the lake itself, but you need an Angkor Pass for other temples.
Visitor Tips:
Visit in the dry season (November to April) when the water is lower and you can walk to the temple.
Bring sun protection and water.
Combine with visits to nearby temples or a bike ride around the lake.
Local vendors sell fresh fruit and drinks.
Perfect for a quiet break from busy temple tours.
Best Time to Visit:
Dry season (November to April) for swimming and easy temple access.
West Baray Lake is a peaceful and scenic spot to enjoy nature, history, and local life near Angkor.