Banteay Srei

What to See at Banteay Srei

The Pink Sandstone Carving

Banteay Srei’s pink and red sandstone is harder and finer-grained than the grey sandstone used at Angkor Wat, allowing carvers to achieve a level of detail closer to woodworking than stone masonry. Door lintels, pediments, and false doors are covered edge to edge in scenes from Hindu mythology, rendered with a precision that has barely eroded in over a thousand years.

The Devata Figures

The temple’s female guardian figures (devata) are its most celebrated feature — serene, detailed, and considered the finest carved female figures anywhere in Khmer art. Look closely at the jewellery, hairstyles, and fabric folds, all carved with extraordinary patience.

Central Sanctuary Towers

Banteay Srei’s three small central towers, fronted by guardian statues (some replicas — originals were moved for protection or stolen, including a notorious 1923 theft by André Malraux, later France’s Minister of Culture), are roped off from close approach to protect the stonework, but remain clearly visible from the surrounding walkway.

How to Get to Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei sits apart from the main Angkor circuit, about 37km northeast of Siem Reap town (an hour each way by tuk-tuk).

• Tuk-tuk: $25–30 for a half-day round trip, often combined with the Cambodia Landmine Museum en route
• Car with driver: $35–45, more comfortable for the longer distance
• Organised tour: Widely offered combined with Banteay Samre and the Cambodia Landmine Museum as a “far temples” day

Best Time to Visit

Because of the distance, Banteay Srei sees far fewer dawn visitors than the main Angkor temples — but tour buses arrive in force from mid-morning. Aim to arrive by 8am for the best light and the smallest crowds.

Practical Information

• Covered by the standard Angkor Pass — no separate ticket needed
• The temple itself is compact; most of the visit is spent admiring detail rather than covering ground
• Bring a zoom lens or binoculars — many of the finest carvings are roped off at a small distance
• Combine with the Cambodia Landmine Museum (15 minutes away) for a fuller half-day

Nearby Attractions

Banteay Samre, a well-preserved Angkorian temple in a similar architectural style, is a short detour on the way back toward Siem Reap and rarely crowded.