Temples of Angkor - Cambodia - page 292

whole ensemble is enclosed by two large concentric walls around what would have been
the unique feature of an inner moat, sadly now dry.
Banteay Samré is 400m east of the Eastern Baray. A visit here can be combined with a
trip to Banteay Srei or Phnom Bok in a half-day trip.
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Western Baray &
Western Mebon
The Western Baray, measuring an incredible 8km by 2.3km, was excavated by hand to
provide water for the intensive cultivation of lands around Angkor. Just for the record,
these enormous barays weren't dug out, rather huge dykes were built up around the edges.
In the centre of the Western Baray is the ruin of the Western Mebon temple OFFLINE MAP ,
where the giant bronze statue of Vishnu (now in the National Museum) was found. The
Western Mebon is accessible by boat (US$10 for the boat) from the dam on the southern
shore.
The Western Baray is the main local swimming pool around Siem Reap. There is a
small beach of sorts at the western extreme (complete with picnic huts and inner tubes for
rent), which attracts plenty of Khmers at weekends.