• My Saves
  • My Feed
  • My Interests
  • Advertise
  • Governing Body
  • From The Founder's Desk
  • Contact Us
The Better Cambodia
  • News
    NewsShow More
    PM Hun Manet Highlights Economic Progress and Global Investment at Sihanoukville SEZ
    PM Hun Manet Highlights Economic Progress and Global Investment at Sihanoukville SEZ

    Sihanoukville, Cambodia – May 22, 2025:Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed the…

    By
    TBC
    PM Hun Manet Urges Continued Investment in Human Capital for Cambodia’s Sustainable Growth at the Education Graduation Ceremony
    PM Hun Manet Urges Continued Investment in Human Capital for Cambodia’s Sustainable Growth at the Education Graduation Ceremony

    Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet has reinforced the government's strong commitment to…

    By
    TBC
    Japan’s Continued Support for Cambodia: USD 1.18 Million Grant to Boost Education and Youth Empowerment
    Japan’s Continued Support for Cambodia: USD 1.18 Million Grant to Boost Education and Youth Empowerment

    In a significant move to bolster Cambodia’s educational and youth development sectors,…

    By
    TBC
    Cambodia’s Mining Sector Records $100 Million in Non-Tax Revenue in 2024, Up 79% from Previous Year
    Cambodia’s Mining Sector Records $100 Million in Non-Tax Revenue in 2024, Up 79% from Previous Year

    Cambodia's mining sector witnessed significant growth in 2024, generating nearly $100 million…

    By
    TBC
    Direct Flights and Global Promotions: Cambodia Teams Up with Qatar Airways for Tourism Growth
    Direct Flights and Global Promotions: Cambodia Teams Up with Qatar Airways for Tourism Growth

    In a major step to enhance tourism between Cambodia and Qatar, the…

    By
    TBC
  • Editors Pick
    Editors PickShow More
    Cambodia’s Trade Resilience: Turning U.S. Tariff Hikes into Regional Growth Opportunities
    Cambodia’s Trade Resilience: Turning U.S. Tariff Hikes into Regional Growth Opportunities

    On April 2, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariff increases…

    By
    Surya Narayan
    Cambodia’s Rise as a Manufacturing and Investment Hub: A Global Perspective

    In recent years, Cambodia has emerged as a preferred destination for manufacturing…

    By
    Surya Narayan
    Cambodia’s Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

    Cambodia is taking remarkable strides towards environmental conservation, as demonstrated by the…

    By
    Surya Narayan
    Building Cambodia’s Future: The Case for a Sovereign Wealth Fund Like Temasek Holdings

    Singapore’s economic success story is a reflection of visionary leadership, strategic investment,…

    By
    Jas Sohl
    Kampot-Kep Salt – Cambodia’s Natural Treasure

    In the coastal provinces of Kampot and Kep, salt harvesting has been…

    By
    Surya Narayan
  • Stories
    StoriesShow More
    The Timeless Tale of Vorvong and Sorvong: A Glimpse into Khmer Folklore

    The epic Khmer folklore of Vorvong and Sorvong stands out, weaving a…

    By
    Surya Narayan
    Empowering Cambodian Youth: Anjali House’s Mission to Shape Futures

    In the heart of Siem Reap, Anjali House, a community learning center…

    By
    Nadalena DeJulio
    Life’s Journey: A Bike Ride Around Tonle Sap Lake

    In a remarkable display of strength and determination, Pheak Keo embarked on…

    By
    Surya Narayan
    Phare Creative Studio: 15 Years of Cambodian Creations for Social Good

    Phare Creative Studio (PCS) is a social business that has been operating…

    By
    Surya Narayan
    Dieng Dorm: The Muffin Man of Siem Reap

    Have you ever heard of the Muffin Man, SiemReap? He lives in…

    By
    Pisey Roeurm
  • Business
    BusinessShow More
    PM Hun Manet Reinforces Pro-Business, Pro-Environment Agenda at Ford Plant Opening

    PURSAT, April 22 – Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet reiterated…

    By
    TBC
    Cambodia’s Economy to Grow by 6.1% in 2025 and 6.2% in 2026, Says ADB Report
    Cambodia’s Economy to Grow by 6.1% in 2025 and 6.2% in 2026, Says ADB Report

    Phnom Penh, Apr. 9 – Cambodia’s economy is set to maintain a…

    By
    TBC
    EU and IFAD Announce €80 Million Investment to Modernise Cambodia’s Agricultural Sector
    EU and IFAD Announce €80 Million Investment to Modernise Cambodia’s Agricultural Sector

    The European Union (EU), in collaboration with the European Investment Bank (EIB)…

    By
    TBC
    Cambodia’s Rise as a Manufacturing and Investment Hub: A Global Perspective

    In recent years, Cambodia has emerged as a preferred destination for manufacturing…

    By
    Surya Narayan
    Japanese Business Delegation Praises Cambodia’s Investment Growth as CDC Approves 110 Projects in Early 2025
    Japanese Business Delegation Praises Cambodia’s Investment Growth as CDC Approves 110 Projects in Early 2025

    A Japanese business delegation representing around 40 companies has expressed appreciation for…

    By
    TBC
  • Opinion Piece
    Opinion PieceShow More
    How Cambodian Entrepreneurs Can Successfully Set Up a Business in the United Kingdom, A Strategic Guide to Growth and Bilateral Benefits

    The United Kingdom continues to be a global leader in business, innovation,…

    By
    Jas Sohl
    Cambodia’s Trade Framework: A Gateway to Global Markets

    Over the past two decades, Cambodia has methodically established a robust regulatory…

    By
    Jas Sohl
    Cambodia’s Cashew Industry, A Future of Growth and Prosperity

    Cambodia’s agricultural sector is experiencing a strong rise in cashew production, making…

    By
    Jas Sohl
    INDO-PACIFIC IN SHARP FOCUS

    Conventional wisdom among scholars and diplomats is that the world cannot afford…

    By
    Dr Mohan Kumar
    The Role of Motivation and Dedication in Buddhist Practice: A Path to Spiritual Growth

    Every human life is seen as a precious opportunity, rich with the…

    By
    Samheng Boros
  • Press Release
    Press ReleaseShow More
    Cambrew LTD Launches first ever Carlsberg Official Store on Wingmall, Expanding Digital Retail Presence in Cambodia
    Cambrew LTD Launches first ever Carlsberg Official Store on Wingmall, Expanding Digital Retail Presence in Cambodia

    Cambrew Ltd., part of the Carlsberg Group and one of the leading…

    By
    TBC
    A Cambodian Business Story and the Impact of Pung Kheav Se
    A Cambodian Business Story and the Impact of Pung Kheav Se

    Pung Kheav Se is known as one of Cambodia’s most prominent private…

    By
    TBC
    Grab Partners with Executive Auto to Elevate Ride Experience with High-End Vehicles
    Grab Partners with Executive Auto to Elevate Ride Experience with High-End Vehicles

    Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Grab Cambodia is proud to announce its partnership…

    By
    TBC
    Wing Bank Partners with FootprintLab to Launch Cambodia’s First ESG-Linked Banking Solution
    Wing Bank Partners with FootprintLab to Launch Cambodia’s First ESG-Linked Banking Solution

    Coinciding with Earth Day, Wing Bank has announced a groundbreaking partnership with FootprintLab to accelerate…

    By
    TBC
    Koh Pich Grows Greener: 1,000 Trees Planted and New Park Inaugurated to Mark Green Oasis Anniversary
    Koh Pich Grows Greener: 1,000 Trees Planted and New Park Inaugurated to Mark Green Oasis Anniversary

    April 2025, Koh Pich, Phnom Penh – Green Oasis, a community tree-planting initiative co-organized…

    By
    TBC
  • 🔥
  • Invest In Cambodia
  • Unsung Heroes/ Impact
  • The Better Asia
  • Agriculture
  • Technology
  • Places to Visit
  • Sustainability
Font ResizerAa
The Better CambodiaThe Better Cambodia
Search
  • Home
  • Stories
  • News
  • Startups
  • Cambodian Brands
  • Unsung Heroes/ Impact
  • Sustainability
  • Artisans of Cambodia
  • Invest In Cambodia
  • Guests Posts
  • The Better Asia
  • Governing Body
  • From The Founder’s Desk
  • Contact us
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • My Saves
  • My Interests
  • My Feed
© 2025 TBC Media. All Rights Reserved.
The Better Cambodia > Blog > The Better Asia > Cambodia > Do you know? Angkor is known as the world’s first megacity and as a hydraulic city.
CambodiaHistoryTechnologyVisit Cambodia

Do you know? Angkor is known as the world’s first megacity and as a hydraulic city.

Surya Narayan
Last updated: May 6, 2023 11:34 am
Surya Narayan
288 Views
Share
3 Min Read
SHARE

Angkor is known as the world’s first megacity and a hydraulic city. According to Evans et al. (2007), the area of Angkor’s urban complex was around 900 to 1,100 square kilometers, which is over four times the size of modern-day New York City. Angkor was a low-density city with dwellings and water tanks scattered over the region and linked by roads.

Between AD 800 and 1400, the Angkor civilization, also known as the Khmer Empire, was a powerful kingdom in Southeast Asia. It was notable for its vast water management system, which stretched over 1200 square kilometers (460 square miles) and connected the natural lake Tonle Sap to large man-made reservoirs (called baray in Khmer) via a series of canals, drastically altering the local hydrology.

The Khmer canal system connected into permanent water sources such as lakes, rivers, groundwater, and rains. Southeast Asia’s monsoonal climate divided the year into rainy (May-October) and dry (November-April) seasons. The region receives 1180-1850 millimeters (46-73 inches) of rain per year, with the majority falling during the rainy season.

Tonle Sap is one of the most prolific freshwater ecosystems in the world due to the Mekong River’s periodic flooding. Groundwater can be accessed at Angkor at ground level during the wet season and 5 meters (16 feet) below ground level during the dry season.

- Advertisement -

Water techniques utilised by the Angkor civilization to cope with the significantly shifting water quantities included placing their buildings on mounds or stilts, creating and dredging tiny ponds at the family level and larger ones (named trapeang) at the village level.

Most trapeang were rectangular and generally aligned east/west: they were associated with, and maybe governed by, temples. Most temples also had their own moats, which were square or rectangular and oriented in the four major directions.

Large reservoirs, known as baray, and linear channels, roadways, and embankments were utilised to regulate water at the city level, and they may have created an intercommunication network as well. Today, there are four major baray in Angkor: Indratataka (Baray of Lolei), Yasodharatataka (East Baray), West Baray, and Jayatataka (North Baray).

They were very deep, 1-2 meters (3-7 feet) below ground level, and 30-40 meters (100-130 feet) wide. Baray were constructed by constructing earthen embankments 1-2 meters above ground level and feeding them with natural river channels. Embankments were often used as roads.

Geographic studies of the existing and former systems at Angkor reveal that Angkor engineers built a new permanent catchment area, resulting in three catchment areas when there were previously only two. The artificial canal ultimately flowed downward and became a river, altering the region’s natural hydrology.

TAGGED:Cambodia

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up for The Better Cambodia's newsletter to receive the latest articles and stories. Stay informed and inspired with our positive content!

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any buzzstream.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Telegram Email Copy Link Print
BySurya Narayan
Follow:
Founder at The Better Cambodia | Communication Advisor to the Minister attached to the Prime Minister of Cambodia | Marketing Director at True North Lean
Previous Article Why should you start your tech company in Cambodia?
Next Article Cambodia tops the ASEAN region in women’s employment.
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

- Advertisement -

You Might Also Like

Visit Cambodia

Two popular Bantey Srei, Preah Dak community dishes

By
Pisey Roeurm
NewsTechnologyThe Better AsiaUnsung Heroes/ Impact

A group of students has transformed Khmer literature into a digital art platform.

By
Pisey Roeurm
The Better AsiaVisit Cambodia

According to giant travel professionals, Cambodia is the best travel destination.

By
Clemy Balasoto
Invest In CambodiaThe Better Asia

To strengthen Cambodia’s cloud competency, Royal Group collaborates with eCloudvalley.

By
Surya Narayan
© 2025 TBC Media. All Rights Reserved.
No thanks.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

Not a member? Sign Up