East Baray
Vast ancient reservoir offering serene landscapes and stunning sunset views, with the historical East Mebon temple nearby.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
East Baray
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast ancient reservoir offering serene landscapes and stunning sunset views, with the historical East Mebon temple nearby.
"Experience breathtaking sunsets over the expansive waters of the East Baray, a truly magical sight."
🌅 Sunset Magic
Catch the sunset over the East Baray for stunning views. Bring your camera!
🚲 Explore by Bike
Rent a bike in Siem Reap to explore the East Baray and surrounding temples at your own pace.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
East Mebon Temple
On an island within the former East Baray
A 10th-century temple dedicated to Shiva, once central to the vast East Baray reservoir.

Sunset Views
Along the East Baray
Experience breathtaking sunsets over the expansive waters of the East Baray, a truly magical sight.

Tranquil Reservoir Landscape
Surrounding East Baray
Enjoy the peaceful, expansive landscape of the ancient reservoir, a serene escape from bustling temples.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your East Baray Visit
Navigating the East Baray Area
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset Magic
Catch the sunset over the East Baray for stunning views. Bring your camera!
🚲 Explore by Bike
Rent a bike in Siem Reap to explore the East Baray and surrounding temples at your own pace.
💧 Water Levels Vary
The East Baray's water levels can change. Check local conditions before planning boat trips.
🏛️ Temple Adjacent
Visit East Mebon temple, located on an island within the former East Baray.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Magic
Catch the sunset over the East Baray for stunning views. Bring your camera!
🚲 Explore by Bike
Rent a bike in Siem Reap to explore the East Baray and surrounding temples at your own pace.
💧 Water Levels Vary
The East Baray's water levels can change. Check local conditions before planning boat trips.
🏛️ Temple Adjacent
Visit East Mebon temple, located on an island within the former East Baray.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the serene and expansive landscape of the East Baray, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling temples. The opportunity to witness stunning sunsets and explore historical sites like East Mebon are highlights. Some find the water levels can vary, impacting boat trip possibilities.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The East Baray is accessible from Siem Reap by tuk-tuk or bicycle. Many visitors combine a visit to the East Baray with nearby temples like Ta Prohm and East Mebon. A tuk-tuk ride to Ta Prohm, which is on the southern edge of the East Baray, takes about 21 minutes.
Tuk-tuks are readily available in Siem Reap and can be hired for a day to explore the East Baray and surrounding temple complex. Cycling is also a popular option for those who enjoy active exploration.
Boat trips on the East Baray are possible, especially during times when water levels are sufficient. It offers a unique perspective of the reservoir and its surroundings.
For a comprehensive experience, consider renting a bicycle in Siem Reap to explore the East Baray and its adjacent temples at your own pace.
Many Angkor Wat tours can be customized to include the East Baray and its associated temples. It's worth inquiring with local tour operators for tailored itineraries.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the East Baray itself is a natural landscape, you will need an Angkor Pass to visit the temples located within or around it, such as East Mebon. Purchase your Angkor Pass at the official visitor center before heading out.
The East Baray is an open landscape and does not have specific opening hours. However, the temples in the vicinity, like East Mebon, generally follow the Angkor archaeological park's hours, typically from sunrise to sunset.
Angkor Pass prices vary depending on the duration of your visit (1, 3, or 7 days). It's recommended to check the official Angkor Enterprise website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Angkor Passes, which are required for entry to temples near the East Baray, can be purchased online through the official Angkor Enterprise portal or at the designated ticket office.
No special entry requirements exist for the East Baray itself. However, ensure you have your valid Angkor Pass when visiting any temples within the archaeological park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The East Baray offers a vast, serene landscape. You can explore the East Mebon temple, enjoy sunset views, and appreciate the historical significance of this ancient reservoir.
Absolutely! The East Baray provides stunning photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset. The ancient temples nearby also offer incredible shots.
While the East Baray itself is a natural area, you'll find cafes and restrooms near the major temples like East Mebon. Some cafes might have slightly higher prices due to their location.
Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, as you will be visiting temples. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the area.
Allocate at least half a day to explore the East Baray and its adjacent temples, allowing time for travel, exploration, and enjoying the scenery.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurants and cafes located near the temples surrounding the East Baray, such as East Mebon. Some offer traditional Khmer cuisine.
You can find a variety of local Khmer dishes and some international options at the restaurants and cafes in the vicinity of the East Baray.
While some cafes near the temples might be pricier, exploring slightly further afield or looking for local eateries can offer more budget-friendly choices.
Bringing your own water and snacks is a good idea, especially if you plan to spend an extended period exploring. Remember to dispose of any waste responsibly.
Travelers have recommended places like Nick Restaurant and Aaraama Restaurant for their unique views and good food in the Siem Reap area, which could be combined with a visit to the East Baray.
📸 📸 Photography
The East Baray itself offers beautiful wide-angle shots, especially during sunrise and sunset. The East Mebon temple provides unique architectural details and historical context for photos.
Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for photography at the East Baray, offering softer light and fewer crowds. The golden hour before sunset is particularly stunning.
Drone usage is generally restricted within the Angkor Archaeological Park. It's best to check the latest regulations with the Apsara Authority before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscape of the East Baray. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the East Mebon temple.
While specific photography tours for the East Baray might be less common, many Angkor Wat photography tours can be customized to include this area and its surrounding temples.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of East Baray
Within the East Baray, an artificial island was created, upon which the East Mebon temple was built. This temple, completed in 953 AD, was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and served as a symbolic representation of Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu cosmology. The temple's architecture, with its tiered platform and elephant sculptures, reflects the grandeur and religious devotion of the era. The East Baray's existence was intrinsically linked to the religious and agricultural practices of the time, making it a cornerstone of Angkorian society.
Today, much of the East Baray is dry, revealing its immense dimensions and the remnants of its past glory. Visiting the area offers a glimpse into the sophisticated water management systems and the profound connection between nature, religion, and daily life in ancient Cambodia. The historical context adds a layer of appreciation to the serene landscape that remains.
Exploring the East Baray by Bicycle
When cycling, you can easily combine a visit to the East Baray with nearby temples such as East Mebon, Ta Prohm, and Preah Khan. This offers a comprehensive experience of the Angkorian landscape beyond the main temple complexes. Remember to carry plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and use a bike lock when you dismount to explore. The freedom of cycling allows for spontaneous discoveries and a more intimate connection with the historical sites.
Sunset and Photography at East Baray
For the best photographic results, aim to arrive in the late afternoon. The soft, warm light of the 'golden hour' enhances the landscape and the ancient structures. While the East Baray itself offers expansive vistas, the nearby East Mebon temple provides a striking silhouette against the sunset sky. Remember to bring your camera and perhaps a tripod for stable shots in low light conditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit