West Baray

The West Baray is a rectangular reservoir about eight kilometres by two, dug in the eleventh century and bounded by earth embankments, and it is the largest of the Angkorian water works and the only major one still holding water; whether these barays were primarily for irrigation or for symbolism is a long-running argument among archaeologists. At its centre is the West Mebon, an island temple where a large bronze reclining Vishnu was found, now in the National Museum. The eastern shore is where Siem Reap comes to swim and picnic at weekends, with food stalls, inner tubes and hammocks, and it is much more a local place than a tourist one. Boats run to the island when the water is high.

What you actually see

• The vast water sheet - eight kilometres of reservoir still in use.
• Weekend picnics - Cambodian families swimming and eating on the shore.
• West Mebon - the island temple reached by boat when water allows.
• The embankments - the earth dykes that hold the whole thing.

When to go

November to March; water is highest just after the rains and drops through the dry season, which affects boat access to the island. Weekends bring the crowds and the atmosphere; weekdays are empty.

Honest expectations

This is a local recreation spot, not a monument visit, and the shore is scruffy with stalls and litter in places. Swimming is unsupervised. The island temple is ruined and access depends on water level. Reaching the shore needs transport.

Nearby

Angkor park lies east; Siem Reap is southeast.