The name Sras Srang roughly translates to 'Royal Bath', and early inscriptions in the stonework state that 'the water is stored for the benefit of all creatures, except the dyke-breakers (the elephants)'.

The initial construction of the baray was done during the reign of king Rajendravarman, the king's chief architect Kavindrarimathana built the dykes that surround the baray, the same architect built the temples East Mebon and Pre Rup. Two centuries later, king Jayavarman VII lined the baray with sandstone, and created the Bayon-style statues on the west viewing platform that exist today.

During the dry season when the water level is low, it is possible to see some stones in the middle of the lake - suggesting that there may have been once an island temple similar to East & West Mebon, in the centre of the lake.