Srah Srang Royal Reservoir at Sunrise
Just a two-minute walk from Banteay Kdei's east gate lies Srah Srang — the 'Royal Bath' — a 700 m by 350 m reservoir that has held water since the 10th century and today holds some of the most painterly sunrise reflections in all of Southeast Asia. Come before 6 AM, claim a spot on the cruciform stone landing stage, and watch the sky turn amber and rose above a mirror-flat lake guarded by stone na
The Landing Stage & Its Guardians
The western terrace of Srah Srang is a masterpiece of Khmer design: a cruciform laterite platform whose balustrades end in the upright heads of nagas (serpents), each mounted by a garuda with wings unfurled, flanked by two majestic guardian lions that face the water.
Visitors also find a large garuda riding a three-headed serpent resting on a platform alongside other mythical creatures — an open-air sculpture gallery that most people walk straight past on their way to the water's edge.
In the dry season, when water levels drop, the stone remnants of what may once have been a mebon — a mound temple on an artificial island — emerge from the centre of the reservoir, a ghostly silhouette at dawn.
Sunrise Without the Selfie Sticks
Srah Srang is a genuinely crowd-free alternative to Angkor Wat for sunrise, with reviewers consistently noting they had the terrace almost entirely to themselves, sometimes sharing it only with locals lighting incense.
A friendly local vendor often sets up near the terrace in the early morning selling hot tea and coffee — a small, warm ritual that makes the wait for first light feel distinctly Cambodian.
The light is best in the mornings for capturing the reservoir's setting and details, with the glassy surface doubling the colour of the sky and the silhouettes of surrounding palms.
History & Practical Notes
Originally dug in the 10th century by Kavindrarimathana, a Buddhist minister of King Rajendravarman II, Srah Srang was later remodelled by King Jayavarman VII in the early 13th century as part of his sweeping building programme across Angkor.
Inscriptions on site suggest its purpose was not merely royal bathing but was intended to provide water 'for the benefit of all creatures' — a communal generosity that still resonates when you see local families picnicking on its banks.
The reservoir sits directly opposite the main entrance to Banteay Kdei, making a combined visit effortless: cross the road, explore the temple, then return to the terrace for sunset or the following morning's sunrise.
Srah Srang Royal Reservoir at Sunrise on video
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