Banteay Srei is one of the masterpieces of Angkor-era art and architechture. The ‘miniature’ temple, 32 km north of Siem Reap, was constructed of dense, pink sandstone that both allowed artisans to carve spectacular relief carvings on nearly every surface of the temple and allowed the carvings to remain almost perfectly intact after more than 1000 years.
Banteay Srei is known as the ‘precious gem’ of Angkor for its stunning pink sandstone towers that are tiny in relation to the monumental architecture of the other ruins of Angkor. However, its diminutive size only adds to its charm and the pink sandstone, which is particularly dense, allowed artisans to create deep and intricate carvings that cover nearly every surface of the temple.
Banteay Srei was one of few temples that was not commissioned by a king of Angkor; the temple was constructed in 967 under the orders of a spiritual advisor and mentor to kings Rajendravarman II and Jayavarman V. Once surrounded by a sizable city in service to the temple, Banteay Srei translates as the ‘Citadel of Women,’ leading some to believe that it was intended as a retreat for female members of the royal family, though this is a merely a modern name. The original name of the temple was Isvarapura and the temple housed a powerful shiva-linga of the devaraja.
The lily-filled moat and forested grounds of Banteay Srei make the temple pleasant to stroll around without the services of a guide, but as there are so many carvings on so many different parts of the temple, most of which depict episodes from Hindu lore, a visit to Banteay Srei is greatly enhanced by hiring a knowledgable guide to accompany you.
Picnics are permitted on the grounds of Banteay Srei, but extreme heat and humidity may hamper lengthy sittings. That said, watching the temple turn shades of pink and peach as the sun crosses the Angkor sky is a magical experience, albeit one that is typically shared by hordes of tourists arriving on tour busses.
Also annoying are the incessant souvenir sellers, touts and guides that patrol the entrance to Banteay Srei every day of the year. While bothersome, some tour guides offer excellent and informative services.
As Banteay Srei is located somewhat far from Angkor and Siem Reap, a visit should also include a visit to nearby Kbal Spean as part of a day-trip-to-banteay-srei (See Day 3 of this itinerary). . While both Banteay Srei and Kbal Spean require visitors to have valid passes to Angkor Archaeological Park, single day passes are now available at Banteay Srei visitors center.
When to Go
The best time to visit is very early in the morning, before the first tour busses have arrived, or near sunset when the fading light creates beautiful hues of pink and peach.
Getting There
Most people travel to Banteay Srei by taxi or tuk-tuk in combination with nearby Kbal Spean. If you are on a bicycle or have your own motorbike, take Route 67 north from Siem Reap. Flights connect Siem Reap with Phnom Penh in 25 minutes.
Need to Know
- What is it? One of the most beautiful temples of the Angkor era.
- Nearest town: 32km northeast of Siem Reap.
- Dont Miss: The intricate sandstone carvings of this beautiful, diminutive temple.
- Trivia: Banteay Srei is one of few temples of Angkor that was not commissioned by a king.
- Opening hours: Open from 5am-5pm
- Entrance fees: Passes to Angkor Archaeological Park, including Banteay Srei cost US$20 (one day), US$40 (three days), and US$60 (seven days).
- Date: second half of the 10th century (967)
- King: Rajendravarman II (reigned 944-968) and Jayavarman V (reigned 968-1001)
- Religion: Hindu (dedicated to Shiva)
- Art style: Banteay Srei