North Baray (Jayatataka) - Ancient Water Reservoir, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cultural Heritage Climate

Water Storage Rural-Urban Fringe

Water Demand (conservation) Management

Nature-based Solutions (large scale)

river rehabilitation

Created at: 07 Dec 2024

Description

The North Baray, also known as Jayatataka or Veal Reach Dak, is an ancient water reservoir built under the reign of King Jayavarman VII (1181–1218) in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Its construction involved raising a dam around the reservoir, which spans 3,600 meters in length and 930 meters in width. At its center lies the Neak Poan temple, connected to surrounding sites like Preah Khan and Angkor Thom through an intricate canal system.

The Baray serves as a critical element of the Angkorean Hydraulic System, with several essential functions:

Replenishing groundwater to maintain humidity in the sand layer supporting temple foundations, ensuring their long-term stability.
Irrigation for downstream agricultural use.
Water supply for daily needs.
Flood control, acting as temporary water storage during the rainy season.

After being dry for over 500 years, the Baray was rehabilitated in 2007 by the APSARA National Authority, restoring its role in the region’s water management. The restored system now supplies water to the moats of Angkor Thom, Preah Khan, and Neak Poan temples, with annual water inflow reaching 5,000,000 cubic meters by 2011.

Today, the Baray is a key educational and tourism site, offering insights into the sophisticated hydraulic systems of the Angkorian civilization. Nature tours and community boat rides on the southern part of the reservoir engage visitors in learning about ancient water management practices and the local community’s involvement. A visit to Neak Poan temple emphasizes the underground connections of its basins with the North Baray.

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Images

Fieldvisit 13 July 2024 - by Ruben Matahelumual

Neak Poan Temple; Fieldvisit 13 July 2024 - by Ruben Matahelumual

About the author

Ruben Matahelumual

• Submitted 1033 projects
• Expert at Climate Events - Learning From Trouble
• Germany