Srah Srang
Monastery Angkor-era baray used historically for royal bathing
At Angkor, Srah Srang is a rectangular 10th‑century baray (reservoir) used historically for ritual bathing; photographers and temple circuit visitors come for sunrise reflections and nearby monuments.
Srah Srang is a man-made reservoir (baray) at the Angkor archaeological complex in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, originally constructed during the Angkor period and used as a royal water feature.
The site is known for its broad rectangular pool with stepped terraces and a small island platform that has a stone landing and balustrade. Many visitors come for the reflective water at sunrise and for birdwatching along the marginal vegetation.
Srah Srang was created as part of Angkor’s hydraulic network and has been altered and maintained across centuries of occupation. Its terraces and stone works are typical of Angkor-period reservoirs and later repairs.
The reservoir sits immediately east of the Banteay Kdei temple complex and south of Angkor Thom, within the greater Angkor group near Siem Reap town.
- Sunrise views: Best light for photos is at sunrise when the low-angled light and still water produce strong reflections of the banks and island platform.
- Main features: Stepped stone banks and a central island platform with a landing and balustrade are the site's most photographed features.
How to Get to Srah Srang #
Srah Srang is inside the Angkor Archaeological Park east of the main temple complex, roughly 6 km from Siem Reap town centre. The usual way to visit is by tuk‑tuk or bicycle from Siem Reap - a tuk‑tuk ride typically takes 10-20 minutes depending on traffic; many visitors combine it with a circuit of nearby monuments. If you are driving, follow the roads into the Angkor Park (from Siem Reap town head toward the Angkor entrance) and park at the temple access area; the baray and bathing terrace are a short walk from the vehicle parking.
Tips for Visiting Srah Srang #
- Visit at sunrise - the water is usually calm then and you'll get the best reflections and far fewer tour groups than at sunset.
- Combine Srah Srang with nearby Banteay Kdei and Ta Prohm on the same circuit to save travel time between Angkor sites and avoid repeating journeys across the park.
- Walk the quieter stretches of the eastern bank rather than staying on the main viewing platform; they give better compositions of the island/landing and fewer people in your shots.
Best Time to Visit Srah Srang #
Visit Srah Srang in the dry season (November-February) for cooler, drier weather and the most reliable conditions for exploring the reservoir and nearby Angkor sites.
Weather & Climate near Srah Srang #
Srah Srang's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 19°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1344 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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February
February is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (142 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (173 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (191 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (192 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (272 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (195 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall.
