Srah Srang & Kandal Srah Srang, Siem Reap

Historic Site and Reservoir in Siem Reap

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Diego Delso

Srah Srang is a large reservoir in Angkor, Cambodia, situated south of the East Baray and east of Banteay Kdei. Measuring 700 by 350 meters, it is bordered with laterite blocks capped by sandstone, featuring a landing stage or terrace on its western side and an island temple at its center. This terrace has a cruciform design adorned with naga balustrades ending in the six-headed naga fan, with a garuda perched atop the naga's body, adding to the reservoir's intricate details. The steps descending to the water are flanked by guardian lions, and this landing stage, directly opposite Banteay Kdei's entrance, is a favored spot for watching the sunrise. The reservoir's eastern side also offers a serene vantage for sunset. Excavations in its northwest corner revealed a 1,600 square meter cemetery, where mortuary jars with cremated remains and artifacts from the reign of Udayadityavarman II were uncovered by archaeologist B.P. Groslier.

Srah Srang was originally constructed in the mid-10th century and expanded around the early 13th century by Jayavarman VII, who added the terrace. In the center lies Kandal Srah Srang, a small temple dating back to the 10th century and restored between the 12th and 13th centuries. Recently restored by APSARA and reopened to the public in October 2021, the temple gained attention when two ancient turtle sculptures were unearthed during the restoration. One of the turtles, opened during the excavation, contained a white crystal dragon and a trident, now preserved for study at the Preah Norodom Sihanouk Angkor Museum.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (155)

Srah Damrei (Elephant Pond), located in Anlong Thum on Phnom Kulen, is an off‑the‑beaten‑path archaeological site featuring life‑size sandstone carvings—a large elephant plus two lions and a frog‑like figure—set beside a basin; visitors praise it as a beautiful, adventurous stop reached best by motorbike (often via a guided loop from the Kulen Waterfall car park), noting rough dirt trails and the need for local guides or riders to navigate the jungle tracks.

Seng Pheng

4 months ago

"#សៀមរាប - ស្រះដំរីនៃមហេន្រ្ទបពិតn#SiemReap - Elephant Pond of the Real MahanatranSrah Damrei (ស្រះដំរី) on Phnom Kulen is the historical andarchaeological site on top of Phnom Kulen (Mount Kulen). It's a group of large, monolithic carvings of animals, including a giant elephant, two lions, a bull, and a frog-like figure, all carved from the natural sandstone. The name Srah Damrei, or "Elephant Pond," refers to the carvings and the nearby basin. This site is a significant part of the history of the Khmer Empire and is located about 5.5 km southwest of the village of Anlong Thom on the mountain. Mount Kulen is a symbol of Mount Sumeru, the first city of the Angkor era, the starting point of the glorious civilization of the Cambodian Empire, the Angkor era. Of course, the trip to Mount Kulen, Elephant Pond was not disappointing, although the off-road trip made my motorcycle break and break the tire, but what is important is the beauty and wonder of the Sculptures, which is built from huge stones, facing west, in the forest of the ancient city, which was in the era of the ancestors, the wonders of Angkor that the next generation of Cambodians ca ot do.n#timetotravel #travel4what #timetotravel_seng..."

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Megaworld Asia

a year ago

"The Elephant Pond Loop: Starting at the Kulen Waterfall car park, the loop is a two hour circuit which takes in four sightseeing attractions in theremote areas of the national park: 1. Poeng Tbal 2. Aram Rong Chen Temple 3. Damrei Krab Temple 4. Srah Damrei (aka Elephant Pond). The tour goes in a clockwise direction with the Elephant Pond being the final stop, before the ride back to the Kulen Waterfall car park. Off the beaten track: This is not a mainstream tourist junket. To do this tour you’ll need to hire a local guide, and his motorbike, and go as a pillion passenger. The tour price, including the motorbike hire, is sixty thousand Cambodian Rial (15 USD). Warning: Do not attempt to do this circuit solo as there’s a myriad of trails ru ing through the jungle and little, or no, sign posting. The trails are dirt tracks which are only suitable for motorbikes. Only the local guides know the correct routes and without them, you will get lost. Srah Damrei: This is the final stop on the Elephant Pond Loop Tour, and it is definitely the best. The site is located approximately three km to the southwest of Damrei Krab Temple and the trail runs through farming areas. The main attraction of this site is the life size statues, carved from sandstone boulders. There are four large statues: an elephant, two lions, and what looks like a frog. The site dates back to the eighth or ninth century and was part of a Kingdom established by Jayavarman II, on Kulen Mountain. Apparently, this Kingdom was the birthplace of the Khmer Empire, and it precedes the Angkor period. Approximately two hundred meters to the west of the figurines, is a lookout which gives unimpeded views across to Siem Reap. It’s worth noting that this site is located on one of the high points of Kulen Mountain. Once you head back to the Kulen Waterfall site, you’ll understand this very clearly. The trail descends through what is the worst section of jungle track on the loop. The guides go in counterclockwise direction to avoid having ascend this steep section of the trail. Safe travels, Mega...."

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Ti poek

3 months ago

"The best place for Adventure 🍃❤️nI really highly recommend this place!"

The Srah Srang & Kandal Srah Srang appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Siem Reap!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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