Baray Toek Thla
Kampong Chhnang [Kâmpóng Chhnang]
West Baray, also known locally as Baray Toek Thla meaning "Clear Water Reservoir," is a vast rectangular water reservoir located just west of Angkor Thom in Cambodia. Measuring approximately 7.8 by 2.1 kilometers, it is the largest baray within the Angkor archaeological park and one of the largest hand-excavated reservoirs in the world. Constructed primarily during the 11th century under Kings Suryavarman I and Udayadityavarman II, the reservoir is contained by towering earthen dikes nearly 12 meters high. At the center of the baray lies the West Mebon, a Hindu temple built on an artificial island, symbolizing the mythical Sea of Creation in Hindu cosmology. The reservoir’s design integrates earlier structures, such as parts of King Yasovarman's capital dike and the partially buried Ak Yum temple. While once thought to serve irrigation purposes, modern research suggests the baray had mainly symbolic and religious significance. Today, the reservoir holds water year-round in its western section and serves as a local recreational spot for swimming and boating, offering a serene contrast to the nearby ancient temples.
Planifiez votre voyage en Cambodge avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: The best time to visit West Baray is during the dry season when the water level is stable and the weather is pleasant for boat rides and swimming. Visitors are advised to bring sun protection and stay hydrated. While access is free, arranging a local boat tour can enrich the experience. No advance tickets are required, but early morning visits can offer a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful light for photography.
Faits intéressants
- •West Baray is one of the largest handcut water reservoirs on Earth, with a capacity of about 53 million cubic meters of water.
- •The West Mebon temple is uniquely situated on an artificial island in the center of the baray.
- •Parts of the reservoir’s dikes incorporate earlier structures from previous Khmer capitals.
- •Archaeological evidence indicates earlier human settlement beneath the baray’s western floor, including wall bases and pottery shards.
- •The baray has occasionally served as a landing site for seaplanes in modern times.
Histoire
The construction of West Baray began in the 11th century during King Suryavarman I’s reign and was completed under King Udayadityavarman II.
The reservoir incorporated earlier infrastructure such as the eastern dike from King Yasovarman’s capital enclosure and partially buried older temples like Ak Yum.
Historically, it was initially believed to function as an irrigation reservoir supporting rice cultivation.
However, later studies emphasize its symbolic role representing the Hindu Sea of Creation with the West Mebon temple at its center.
In modern times, an irrigation lock was added to the southern dike to regulate water for surrounding fields, and the reservoir remains a significant water body in the region.
Guide du lieu
West Mebon Temple11th century
A Hindu temple located on an artificial island at the center of West Baray, dedicated to Shiva and symbolizing the Hindu Sea of Creation. It features laterite and sandstone construction with intricate carvings typical of the Khmer Empire.
Earthen Dikes11th century and earlier
Tall embankments approximately 11.9 meters high that contain the waters of West Baray. The eastern dike incorporates sections from earlier capital city fortifications built by King Yasovarman.