Banteay Srei
Out of the many temples in Angkor, Banteay Srei is a hidden gem of a place well worth a visit, although it is a fair drive from the main temples of Angkor.
Getting to Banteay Srei
Banteay Srei (or Srey) is a 10th century temple dedicated the Hindu God Shiva. Around a 30-minute drive from Siem Reap, this ancient site is well worth a visit if you get the chance.
The drive alone will take you through some of Siem Reap’s most beautiful countryside. Once there, the sandstone carved temples are some of the most ornate Cambodia has to offer. The temple is surrounded by woodland and rice fields, with some lookout points situated strategically for great photo opportunities.
Although the site is much smaller than the sprawling complexes of Angkor, the experience is more personal in nature. We would advise an early morning visit to beat the heat and the majority of crowds that arrive by bus.
History and Design of Banteay Srei
It is well worth a visit to this small temple, which is highly decorated with carvings. The temple is constructed in pink sandstone and the relief and depth of the carvings, the high level of detail and decoration of the temple probably led to its modern name of ‘Banteay Srei’ which roughly translates to ‘Citadel of Women’.
Built during the reign of King Rajendravarman, it was commissioned by one of the king’s counsellors and was not a royal temple. The temple has three towers, the central and southern tower is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, and the north tower dedicated to Vishnu. Unusually, there is not a tower dedicated to Brahma.
A long causeway leads to the temple on the east side. This passes through a boundary wall and moat surrounding the main temple. There is a viewing platform outside the wall on the northern side and there is a smaller entrance to the temple on the west side that is now closed off.
The Banteay Srei temple closes to visitors at 5:00 pm, due to the location of Banteay Srei, it is often combined with a visit to Kbal Spean / Phnom Kulen.
Where is Banteay Srei?
The temple lies about 20km north of the main Angkor temples
Nearby Attractions
Removed from the temples in the main Angkor complex, it is near to Kbal Spean / Phnom Kulen.
