West Baray

West, just past the airport is a turnoff from the big No6 Road that takes you to the shore of the rectangular lake West Baray, made during the Jayarvaman dynasty of the Angkor empire. The lake size depends on the wet or dry season, but in the middle is a small island on which there are ancient ruins as well as contemporary Buddhist shrine. The boatride out here is quiet - there isn't much boat traffic here - and the island is likely to have a handful of people on it: vendors who are willing to sell silk (but they politely leave you alone) as well, quite possibly, a quintet of blind musicians playing traditional instruments. The local tradition is to give these musicians a donation of a few dollars - and frankly they're worth every penny because of the tranquility they lend to being on the island, more or less alone. This is a place to gather your thought, to bring a picnic perhaps, and to take a break from the tourist hordes at the temples. In fact for this writer it was my favourite three hours in Siem Reap. The shrine features a small painted Buddha and the woman there was happy for us to take photos, but that's not an invitation to trample over tradition. (Take your shoes off and don't point your feet at the Buddha.)  A visit to the island is a good activity after seeing the Silk Farm. Your driver will politely wait at the shore, though why not invite him along also?