West Mebon (ប្រាសាទមេបុណ្យខាងលិច) stands on an island in the middle of the West Baray, the largest reservoir in the Angkor area. After a long restoration, this 11th-century temple is due to open officially in November 2026, giving visitors a new reason to look beyond the classic Angkor circuit.
Compare passes, pick a route and find every temple guide in our Angkor travel guide.
The APSARA National Authority says the restoration is complete and it is preparing the site for its official opening. The exact date, opening hours and access arrangements have not been published yet, so check them with APSARA or your hotel before you go.
Why West Mebon is special
Most Angkor temples are approached along causeways or forest paths. West Mebon is different: it rises from the water of a vast human-made reservoir. The West Baray measures about 8 km long and 2 km wide, and the temple sits on a platform at its center. The view changes through the day as the light moves across the water, which makes the journey part of the visit.
A short history
West Mebon was built in the mid-11th century, during the reign of King Udayadityavarman II (1050 to 1066), and was dedicated to Vishnu. Over the centuries it largely collapsed, and many of its stones and statues were lost. Maurice Glaize carried out an earlier restoration between 1942 and 1944.
The great bronze Vishnu
In 1936, fragments of a huge bronze statue of Vishnu reclining on the serpent of eternity were found at the temple. It is the largest Khmer bronze ever found, and the complete figure was more than five meters long. It has been kept at the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh, and after conservation in France it has been shown abroad. It is expected to return to Cambodia after its international tour, so check before planning to see it in Phnom Penh.
How the temple was restored
The Franco-Cambodian project was led by the APSARA National Authority with the French government, and work began in 2012 with archaeological trenches in the dried-out reservoir. The team used anastylosis, which means returning original stones to their original places rather than building a copy. Carvers recreated missing decoration in the original forms.
The project also passed on skills. With support from the ALIPH foundation, Artisans d’Angkor trained new stone carvers, because few specialists remained. In 2022, APSARA announced that nine of the temple’s twelve towers were standing again.
Planning your visit
Getting thereUntil now, visitors have reached the temple by boat from a pier on the south bank of the West Baray when the water is high. When the water is low, it has been possible to walk. Arrangements may change with the official opening.
When to goEarly morning and late afternoon bring softer light on the water, and they are also cooler for the walk around the temple.
What to bringSun protection and water, as there is little shade on the reservoir. Dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, as at other temples.
Combine it withPair it with a day at Angkor. Our first-time guide to Angkor and three days in Siem Reap can help you plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is West Mebon open to visitors?
The official opening is planned for November 2026. The exact date had not been published when this page was last checked.
Where is West Mebon?
It is on an island in the West Baray, in the west of the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap province.
How is it different from East Mebon?
Both temples stood in great reservoirs, but the East Baray is now dry, so East Mebon stands on land. West Mebon is still surrounded by water for much of the year.
Can I see the bronze Vishnu at the temple?
No. The statue is not at the temple. It belongs to the National Museum of Cambodia and has recently been shown abroad.
Sources: opening plans and completion from the APSARA National Authority, as reported by The Star; history, restoration and access from Cambodge Mag; training project from the ALIPH foundation. Last checked 31 October 2026.