The sight is located within Angkor. To prepare for your visit, read the AsiaExplorers Angkor Travel Guide for useful information. Visitors to Angkor stay at the town of Siem Reap. If you are looking for budget accommodation in Siem Reap, use the Cambodia Budget Accommodation Guide to find a place to stay.
Built in the 11th Century started by King Suryavarman I (reigned 1001-1050)
completed by King Udayadityavarman II (reigned 1050-1066)
West Mebon is a small temple within a man-made island, which itself is within the huge man-made reservoir called West Baray.
West Mebon was built on the orders of King Udayadityavarman II, in the 11th Century, on the man-made island. It comprises a large square pond of some 100 meter square with a sandstone platform in the middle. Today only the east and south gopuras are still standing, along with the walls along the gopuras. A magnificent bronze Vishnu was found on the West Mebon in 1936 and can now be view at the National Museum in Phnom Penh.
West Mebon
Today nothing much remains of the West Mebon temple, except for its east and south gopuras. This is definitely not a place for anybody but a more serious Angkor enthusiast.
How to go to West Mebon
West Mebon is not a major sight in Angkor, and considering it is not easy to reach, is often outside most tour itineraries. To reach the West Mebon, first read the directions to the West Baray. You may need to hire a boat to take you to West Mebon. The boat ride in West Baray itself forms a most pleasant excursion.
If you are travelling independently and need a tuk tuk that knows the way to the West Baray, you can contact my tuk tuk driver, Mr Han (contact details below) to see if he is available.
Entrance to West Mebon.
Ruins of West Mebon.
Ruins of West Mebon.
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Siem Reap Travel Guide
If you are visiting Angkor, it's almost definite that you will be staying in a hotel or guesthouse in Siem Reap. You will probably also need to hire a tuk tuk to take you around. Click the thumbnail on the left to view vital details to make your stay in Siem Reap more pleasant.
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