Banteay Srei
A compact Khmer sanctuary celebrated for exceptionally intricate pink-sandstone carvings, pediments, guardians, libraries, and enclosing galleries.
Photo: Tsui · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Country
- Cambodia
- Region
- Siem Reap Province
- Civilisation
- Khmer
- Period
- 10th century CE
- UNESCO
- World Heritage ↗
Through time
The story
Banteay Srei is a 10th century CE Cambodian temple dedicated to the Hindu gods Shiva and Parvati. Located in the area of Angkor, it lies near the hill of Phnom Dei, 25 km (16 mi) north-east of the main group of temples that once belonged to the medieval capitals of Yaśodharapura and Angkor Thom. Banteay Srei is built largely of red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to the elaborate decorative wall carvings which are still observable today.
The buildings themselves are miniature in scale, unusually so when measured by the standards of Angkorian construction. These factors have made the temple extremely popular with tourists, and have led to its being widely praised as the jewel of Khmer art.
Adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0.
What you will see
- Carved pediments
- Central sanctuary
- Guardian figures
Before you go
- Check opening hours and ticket rules shortly before your visit — they change seasonally.
- Plan for the heat. Most ancient sites have little shade; go early or late.
- Respect the barriers. Fragile surfaces are protected for the next visitors.
Discoveries from Banteay Srei
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