About this video
Discover one of Cambodia's most incredible ancient engineering marvels that most tourists never see! The West Baray in Siem Reap is a MASSIVE 1,000-year-old reservoir built by the Khmer Empire - and the views will blow your mind!
🎥 What You'll See in This Video:
🏍️ Authentic motorbike journey around the massive 16km West Baray reservoir
🏛️ Beautiful Wat Svay Romeat Pagoda hidden along the shores
✈️ Siem Reap's old airport from ground level perspective
🌅 Stunning views over ancient waters from various viewpoints
📚 The incredible history behind this engineering masterpiece
🔍 Did You Know? The West Baray covers 11,000 hectares and was built in the 11th century to support Angkor's massive population. It's one of the largest hand-built reservoirs in the world!
📍 FILMING LOCATIONS:
- West Baray (Baray Teuk Thla)
- Wat Svay Romeat Pagoda
- Old Siem Reap Airport area
- Various viewpoints around the baray
🛩️ 0:00 - Introduction & Old Siem Reap Airport
Exploring the abandoned cargo entrance of the old airport
Just 5 minutes from Siem Reap city center
🏍️ 0:30 - Motorbike Journey Begins
Setting off to explore West Baray reservoir
11th century Khmer Empire construction (largest man-made lake)
🛬 1:26 - Behind the Old Airport Runway
Local life without aircraft noise
People doing laundry and enjoying the silence
Discussion about private flights and future plans
🏛️ 5:28 - Wat Svay Romeat Pagoda
Introduction to friend Sophie as local guide
Exploring the beautiful, quiet pagoda
Respectful temple etiquette (shoes off, hats off)
🏞️ 8:09 - West Baray Lake Discovery
Dry season vs rainy season water levels
8km x 2km massive reservoir dimensions
Local life and fishing activities
🚤 9:44 - Mebon Temple & Boat Activities
Boats to the central Mebon temple
Fishing with nets and local picnics
Best visiting times: 6-7 AM or sunset
🌅 11:31 - Sunset Viewing Spots
Bakheng Temple for sunset views
Phnom Bakheng as alternative sunset location
West Baray perfect for western sunset views
🍽️ 14:11 - Local Food & Temple Life
Grilled food near the pagoda
Monks' lunch time and traditional baskets
🦚 16:13 - Peacock Encounter
Unexpected peacock mating display
Wildlife around the temple grounds
🚴 16:57 - Biking Along West Baray
Red dirt roads after rainbow
Scenic routes around the reservoir
8km reservoir size confirmation
🌊 20:02 - Water Gate & Dam System
Sluice gate for water management
Local market and food stalls
Boat tickets to West Mebon temple
🏪 21:11 - Local Market Experience
Fashion and local designs
Fresh grilled fish, chicken, and coconut water
Bustling weekend atmosphere
🎣 23:41 - West Mebon Temple Boats
Boat transportation to temple
Water management system explanation
Seasonal water level changes
🏛️ 25:35 - Ak Yum Temple (7th Century)
Ancient temple older than Angkor Wat
7th century construction (pre-Angkor period)
Historical significance
🌊 27:40 - Department of Water Management
West Baray spillway (built 2013)
Flood management system
Traditional village life
🐟 28:51 - Fresh Fish & Local Life
Local fishing catches and grilled fish
Village lifestyle around the reservoir
National Road 6 journey
🛣️ 30:03 - National Road 6
Main road for Southeast Asia bike tours
Connection between Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia
🏁 31:41 - Journey Conclusion
Beautiful weather and scenery recap
Why West Baray should be on your travel list
Final thoughts and call to action
Key Highlights:
🏛️ Ancient temples (7th-11th century)
🌊 Largest man-made lake in the world
🛩️ Abandoned airport exploration
🌟 PLANNING YOUR VISIT TO CAMBODIA?
📱 Download These Apps:
Grab (for transportation)
Google Translate (Khmer language)
📷 SPECIAL THANKS:
https://www.instagram.com/sophie.cambodia/
⚖️ DISCLAIMER:
All footage was captured responsibly with respect for local communities and regulations. Motorbike travel in Cambodia - always wear helmets and follow traffic rules!
#Cambodia #SiemReap #WestBaray #KhmerEmpire #TravelVlog #DroneFootage #AncientEngineering #SoutheastAsia #HiddenGems #AngkorPeriod #CambodiaTravel #Archaeology #TravelGuide #CambodiaHistory #BackpackingAsia
Filmed in June 2025 | 4K Quality | Original Content
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