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Angkor Archeological Park

Sras Srang

Explore the heart of the Khmer ancestral empire

     Royal Bath modeled around the year 1200 by Jayavarman VII. During the dry season, you can see the remains of an ancient temple in the center of this reservoir, like the Mebon in the center of the Baray. Good place to relax and walk around.

For a beautiful start to your touring day head to the east- facing terrace overlooking the enchanting Srah Srang, a 700m (23foot) man-made lake to the east of Banteay Kdei. This body of water offers a pleasant escape throughout the day but is especially serene in the early light of day. Maurice Glaize, the author of the first definitive guide to Angkor temples in 1944, even likened Srah Srang to the Grand Canal at Versailles. In the late afternoon it is worth taking a stroll around the south of the lake away from the road to watch villagers from South Srah Srang Village fish and children play in the water.

Inscriptions tell us that Srah Srang, “royal bath” was originally dug during the 1oth century by Kavindrarimathana, an architect to King Rajendravarman, as a watering place for animals. The name Srah Srang is of later origin.

A small, lightweight sanctuary was likely built in the centre akin to East Mebon in the Yashodharatataka and is evidenced by a jumble of stone blocks visible at low water levels. The basin was remodelled to its current form by Jayavarman VII who installed the small pier and likely added the sandstone edging.

     The well-proportioned terrace of laterite covered with sandstone probably supported a wooden pavilion. At the front there is a large garuda riding a three-headed naga. Two especially attractive lions flank a stairway leading to the water and provide a strategic framing point for photographers. Note also the refined ornamentation of the naga balustrades.

In the distance you can make out the towers of Pre Rup, a contemporary structure to the first basin on this site.

Discover all the current projects happening in Sras Srang

Info and tips for visitor

Date :

End of the 12th century

Style

Bayon

Opening hours

5:00 am to 5:30 pm

Reign

Jayavarman VII

Religion

Buddhist

Tour

15 minutes to a couple of hours depending on visitors

Click to take a tour of the photo gallery of Sras Srang