Banteay Srei: The Jewel of Khmer Art

The intricate pink carvings of the "Citadel of Women".

If Angkor Wat is about grandeur and scale, Banteay Srei is about perfection and detail. Located 35km from the main park, this 10th-century temple is built from rare pink sandstone. The carvings here are so delicate and precise that legend says they could only have been carved by the hands of women.

Built 967 AD (10th Century)

Distance 35km from Siem Reap

Material Red Sandstone

Ticket Included in Angkor Pass

Why It’s Unique

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The Pink Stone

The temple is built from a unique hard red sandstone that can be carved like wood. This allows for deep, 3D reliefs that have survived for over 1,000 years with incredible sharpness.

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Miniature Scale

Be prepared: it is small! The doorways are barely 1 meter high. It was built as a private temple by a Brahman counselor (Yajnavaraha), not a King, which is why it is not massive in size.

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The Guardians

The central sanctuary is guarded by statues of mythical monkey warriors (Vanaras). They kneel in silence, protecting the home of Shiva.

💡 Planning Strategy

1. Timing is Critical: Banteay Srei is small and has almost no shade. The mid-day sun (11 AM - 2 PM) is brutal. Go at 7:30 AM or 4:00 PM for the best light and cooler temperatures.

2. The "District Loop": Since you are driving 45 minutes to get here, combine it with the Cambodia Landmine Museum (5 mins away) and the Banteay Srei Butterfly Centre.

Start the Journey

The drive through the countryside to get here is half the fun!

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