Srah Srang

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.

Srah Srang is a great man-made reservoir, or baray, built in the middle of the 10th century just east of Banteay Kdei. It was originally constructed by the 10th-century king Rajendravarman; the stone landing on its western bank was added later by Jayavarman VII, probably around the same time as Banteay Kdei itself.

An inscription records that the reservoir was to be used by all the creatures of the kingdom except elephants - dismissed as “the dike breakers.” It remains a popular recreation spot for Cambodians today, particularly children who swim here around sunset.

A place to watch the sun. The landing, ornamented with statues of lions, nagas and garudas, is a favoured spot to watch the sunrise before exploring Banteay Kdei or nearby Ta Prohm. Towards dusk crowds gather again as colours sweep across the sky and are mirrored, to stunning effect, in the still water.

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.

• 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.