Banteay Srei is an exquisite miniature; a fairy palace in the heart of an immense and mysterious forest; the very thing that Grimm delighted to imagine, and that every child's heart has yearned after, but which mature years has sadly proved too lovely to be true. And here it is, in the Cambodian forest at Banteay Srei, carved not ...
The roads have been recently repaired and it takes about 30 minutes from Siem Reap to get to the temple. To reach Banteay Srei, follow the main road north out of Siem Reap, turn right at Angkor Wat and follow the road to Srah Srang where you turn right past Pre Rup.
At the East Mebon there is a check post where you need to obtain clearnce. Turn right again at the road before the East Mebon; pass through the village of Phoum Pradak, where there is a junctions (if you continue straight, after about 5 minutes, you will reach Banteay Samre). At this point, you come to a fork; take the road on the left and follow it to Batneay Srei which you will reach shortly after crossing two rivers - on your left hand side.
Banteay Srei is an exquisite miniature; a fairy palace in the heart of an immense and mysterious forest; the very thing that Grimm delighted to imagine, and that every child's heart has yearned after, but which mature years has sadly proved too lovely to be true. And here it is, in the Cambodian forest at Banteay Srei, carved not out of the stuff that dreams are made of, but of solid sandstone.
Location: 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) north-east of East Mebon
Access: enter and leave the temple by the east entrance
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
Banteay Srei or Banteay Srey (Khmer: ប្រាសាទបន្ទាយស្រី) is a 10th-century Cambodian temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Located in the area of Angkor in Cambodia. 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 Yasodharapura 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 a "precious gem", or the "jewel of Khmer art.
The temple was rediscovered only in 1914, and was the subject of a celebrated case of art theft when André Malraux stole four devatas in 1923 (he was soon arrested and the figures returned). The incident stimulated interest in the site, which was cleared the following year, and in the 1930s Banteay Srei was restored through the first important use of anastylosis at Angkor whereby a ruined building or monument is restored using the original architectural elements to the greatest degree possible. Until the discovery of the foundation stela in 1936, it had been assumed that the extreme decoration indicated a later date than was in fact the case. To prevent the site from water damage, the joint Cambodian-Swiss Banteay Srei Conservation Project installed a drainage system between 2000 and 2003. Measures were also taken to prevent damage to the temples walls from nearby trees. Unfortunately, the temple has been ravaged by pilfering and vandalism. When toward the end of the 20th century authorities removed some original statues and replaced them with concrete replicas, looters took to attacking the replicas. A statue of Shiva and his shakti Uma, removed to the National Museum in Phnom Penh for safekeeping, was assaulted in the museum itself.
Banteay Srei is built largely of a hard red sandstone that can be carved like wood. Brick and laterite were used only for the enclosure walls and some structural elements. The temple is known for the beauty of its sandstone lintels and pediments.
A pediment is the roughly triangular space above a rectangular doorway or openings. At Banteay Srei, pediments are relatively large in comparison to the openings below, and take a sweeping gabled shape. For the first time in the history of Khmer architecture, whole scenes of mythological subject-matter are depicted on the pediments.
A lintel is a horizontal beam spanning the gap between two posts. Some lintels serve a structural purpose, serving to support the weight of the superstructure, while others are purely decorative in purpose. The lintels at Banteay Srei are beautifully carved, rivalling those of the 9th century Preah Ko style in quality.
Many niches in the temple walls contain carvings of devatas or dvarapalas.
Noteworthy decorative motifs include the kala (a toothy monster symbolic of time), the guardian dvarapala (an armed protector of the temple) and devata (demi-goddess), the false door, and the colonette. Indeed, decorative carvings seem to cover almost every available surface. According to pioneering Angkor scholar Maurice Glaize, "Given the very particular charm of Banteay Srei – its remarkable state of preservation and the excellence of a near perfect ornamental technique – one should not hesitate, of all the monuments of the Angkor group, to give it the highest priority." At Banteay Srei, wrote Glaize, "the work relates more closely to the art of the goldsmith or to carving in wood than to sculpture in stone".
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Old Market Area, Wat Damnak Road, Wat Damnak Village, Sala Kamreuk Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
Set in Siem Reap, 400 m from King's Road Angkor, Moon Flower Residence provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, free shuttle service and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi. A tour desk can provide information on the area.
At the hotel, rooms include a desk and a flat-screen TV. Rooms come complete with a private bathroom fitted with a hot tub and free toiletries, while certain rooms at Moon Flower Residence also boast a seating area. All units will provide guests with a toaster.
A continental breakfast is available daily at the accommodation.
Moon Flower Residence offers a terrace. You can play billiards at the hotel, and bike hire is available.
Moon Flower Residence provides a dry cleaning service, as well as business facilities like fax and photocopying.
Pub Street is 600 m from the accommodation. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 13 km from the property.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.4 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Salakamreuk Road, Salakamreuk Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
Set in Siem Reap, House Jane offers accommodation nestled within a tropical garden featuring an outdoor swimming pool and private spa services. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property and there is free parking on-site.
The vibrant Pub Street is 1.5 km from the property. Angkor Wat is 8 km from House Jane. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is a 15-minute drive from House Jane, and the property offers a free airport pick-up service.
Featuring a blend of contemporary design and traditional Khmer architecture, some units feature a dining area and/or terrace that opens up to views. There is also a kitchen in some of the units, fitted with a refrigerator. Every unit has an en suite bathroom with a walk-in rain shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. Free private parking is available at the villa.
Free use of bicycles is available for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area. House Jane provides private car hire with a driver at an additional cost.
House Jane serves a variety of breakfast items as well as a three-course dinner menu.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
We speak your language!
No. 208, Taphoul Road, Taphoul Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
Set in Siem Reap, 700 m from Pub Street, Monthara Angkor Residence features views of the garden. Each accommodation at the 4-star hotel has city views and free WiFi. The restaurant serves Australian and American dishes.
All rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. Each room includes a flat-screen TV, and certain rooms at Monthara Angkor Residence have a terrace. The units at the accommodation are equipped with a seating area.
A continental breakfast is available each morning at the property.
Monthara Angkor Residence offers an indoor pool. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling and billiards.
The hotel offers a business centre equipped with printing, copying and fax services. Round-the-clock assistance is available at the reception.
Popular points of interest near Monthara Angkor Residence include King's Road Angkor, Lucky Mall Siem Reap and Angkor Night Market. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International, 12 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a free airport shuttle service.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.1 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Vithei Charles De Gaulle, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
Located a 10-minute drive from Angkor Wat Temple, Le Méridien Angkor offers a fitness center and outdoor pool. Rooms feature traditional Khmer designs including dark timber floors and rich silks. Free Wi-Fi access is available in the public areas, while complimentary parking is provided.
The hotel is a 10-minute drive from the vibrant Old Market, Pub Street and Night Market. The floating village of Tonle Sap Lake is a 20-minute drive away, while Siem Reap International Airport is 8.7 mi away.
Rooms offer garden views and come with a mini-bar, tea/coffee-making facilities and a personal safe. Cable TV channels and a hairdryer are provided.
Voted as Cambodia's Leading Spa Resort by World Travel Awards, guests can indulge in a pampering massage or relax in a sauna session. Bicycles and cars can be rented for guests wishing to explore the surroundings. A concierge desk and business center is available.
Italian cuisine is served in L’Angelo while outdoor dining is possible at The Terrace. Other dining options include Angkor Royale Cafe and Lobby Lounge. Drinks are served at Naga Bar.
This is our guests' favorite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Solo travelers in particular like the location – they rated it 8.5 for a one-person stay.
We speak your language!
River Road, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap.
Nestled within private gardens, Belmond La Résidence d'Angkor Siem Reap offers accommodation right by the Siem Reap River. It features an outdoor swimming pool, fitness and spa centre equipped with a sauna. Guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar.
Located in the Wat Bo Area, the property is a 700 m walk from both the vibrant Pub Street and the Royal Gardens. Angkor Wat is a 7 km-drive from the property while the nearest airport, Siem Reap International Airport is 12.3 km away. The property offers complimentary airport pickup services.
Luxurious rooms are air-conditioned and boast furnished private balconies. Rooms at Belmond La Résidence d'Angkor are decorated with traditional hardwood floors and bamboo furnishings. Each room comes with a satellite TV, air conditioning and private bathroom.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour and concierge services. Car rentals are also available. There is a gift shop on site.
The Dining Room Royal at Belmond La Résidence d'Angkor serves Khmer cuisine and international dishes. Lighter meals can be found at the lounge or pool bar.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.5 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
No. 0271, Street 27, Wat Bo Road, Wat Bo Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
Nestled within private gardens, Ladear Angkor Boutique offers elegant and comfortable accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. It features an outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
The property is just 800 m from Angkor Trade Centre and 1.3 km from the vibrant Pub Street. The Angkor Wat temple complex is 6.7 km away, while Siem Reap International Airport is accessible within a 9 km drive. The property offers complimentary airport pickup services.
Offering views of the pool, air-conditioned rooms come with tiled flooring, a clothes rack, in-room safe, a minibar, flat-screen TV and sofa seating area. The en suite bathroom includes towels and shower facility.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, concierge and ticketing services. The property offers complimentary use of bicycle for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area. At Ladear Angkor Boutique, guests can indulge in massage treatments at the spa or relax with a drink at the sun deck.
Housing a restaurant, the property serves a tasty selection of local dishes.
This is our guests' favorite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Ladear Angkor Boutique has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Oct 30, 2014
Hotel Rooms: 12
Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.
Guest Name: Mr. He Yu
Country: China
City: Chengdu
N.of Person: 2 pax
Travel date: 2024-05-02
Booked: Angkor Stunning Hot Air Balloon
Tour Style: Tour Activities
Duration: 30 Mins
