Feel the vastness. West Baray stretches before you a colossal man-made lake.
Welcome to West Baray or Baray Teuk Thla as the locals know it. This impressive reservoir west of Angkor Thom is the largest baray built during the Angkor era. It’s also one of the largest man-made reservoirs globally. Imagine a capacity of around 53 million cubic meters of water. That’s a lot of water.
Its construction began under King Suryavarman I in the 11th century. King Udayadityvarman II completed the project. The sheer scale is breathtaking. The West Baray is 7.8 kilometers long and 2.1 kilometers wide.
Think about the effort. The Khmer engineers didn’t just dig a hole. They incorporated earlier structures. Parts of King Yasovarman’s capital city including the Phnom Bakheng temple are integrated into the eastern dike. However in other areas construction of the West Baray destroyed or submerged previous settlements. The Ak Yum temple was partially submerged. Archaeological finds like an inscription stele dating back to 713 AD reveal a significant settlement existed before the baray. This settlement was largely destroyed during its creation.
The West Baray wasn’t just for show. Early experts believed it served as a massive water reservoir. This reservoir supplied irrigation canals during dry seasons enabling multiple rice harvests yearly. Later studies suggest a deeper meaning. The baray may have symbolically represented the Hindu Sea of Creation with the West Mebon temple at its center. This temple sits on an artificial island in the middle of the reservoir. In the dry season you can walk to it. During the rainy season you’ll need a boat.
Today the West Baray continues to serve multiple purposes. Local farmers still use the water for their rice fields. The reservoir is a popular spot for swimming relaxing and enjoying local food. The water remains in the western part throughout the year extending eastward during the rainy season. A lock on the south side now controls water flow to the nearby fields. Even though it’s off the beaten path exploring the entire perimeter on a motorbike or bicycle is an adventure. The road conditions vary greatly along the reservoir.
West Baray is more than just a lake. It’s a testament to Khmer ingenuity a reflection of their beliefs and a vital part of the local community. It’s a place of history recreation and natural beauty all rolled into one.