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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City Center, Sok San Road, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
Nestled within private gardens, Central Suite Residence offers accommodation amidst the hustle and bustle of Sok San Road in Siem Reap. It features an outdoor pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant. Free WiFi is available in public areas.
Pub Street is 200 m from the property, while Angkor Wat is 7 km from the property. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 8 km from Central Suite Residence. The property offers complimentary airport pickup services.
Rooms come with a flat-screen TV. Some rooms feature a seating area to relax in after a busy day. All rooms have a private bathroom equipped with a bath. For your comfort, you will find bath robes, slippers and free toiletries.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services. Bicycle rentals are available for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area.
The Grand View Restaurant at Central Suite Residence serves up an array of authentic Khmer Cuisine as well as Asian and Western delights. Guests also have the option of al fresco dining with views overlooking the swimming pool.
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 9.7 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!
City Center, Oknha Oum Chhay Street, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
Located in the heart of Siem Reap, Somadevi Residence is 600 m from the vibrant Pub Street and Old Market. It features an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Free WiFi is available in all rooms.
Somadevi is 400 m from Royal Residence, and 6 km from the UNESCO Heritage-listed Angkor Wat. Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport is 7 km away. The property offers complimentary two-way airport transfer services.
Fitted with a balcony, each spacious room features satellite TV, a personal safe, an electric kettle and a minibar. The large bathroom offers shower facilities, a bathtub, toiletries and a hairdryer. Bathrobes and slippers are included.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for tour arrangements, luggage storage, laundry and transport services. The property offers bicycle, car or Tuk Tuk rentals for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area. Alternatively, guests can relax in the sauna, or make an appointment at the salon. The property also has a business centre and a souvenir shop.
The in-house restaurant serves up a variety of authentic Khmer dishes as well as Asian and Western cuisine. Special meals can be prepared on request.
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.
Solo travellers particularly like the location — they rated it 9.7 for a one-person stay.
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!
344 St. Wat Bo Sangkat Sala Komreouk, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap.
Situated in the heart of Siem Reap, Chayra Angkor Hotel welcomes guests with pampering spa treatments and free bike rentals. Guests also enjoy free WiFi access throughout the hotel.
Just a 10-minute walk to the lively Pub Street, the famous Angkor Wat and Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport can be reached within a 15-minute drive from Chayra Angkor Hotel. The property also offers guests with a complimentary airport pickup service.
Fitted with hardwood floors, rooms feature traditional Cambodian-style furnishings. It includes air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar and a seating area. An en suite bathroom comes with hot shower facilities.
At Chayra Angkor Hotel you will find a communal sauna, cycling facilities and a peaceful garden. The 24-hour front desk can assist with luggage storage, safety deposit box and car rental services.
Guests can sample a variety of authentic Cambodian-style and Western meals at the on-site restaurant. In-room dining options are possible.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.6 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Old Market Area, St. 267, Vihear Chen Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
Offering an outdoor pool and a spa, The Moon Residence & Spa is set conveniently in Siem Reap, just 700 m from the famous Pub Street. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
It is 800 m to the vibrant Artisans D'Angkor, Pub Street and Old Market, while Angkor Wat is 9.8 km away. The nearest airport, Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 9.3 km from the property. The property offers complimentary two-way airport transfers.
Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and features a flat-screen TV. Some rooms offer a seating area where you can relax. A terrace or balcony are available in certain rooms.Rooms have a private bathroom fitted with a bath. For your comfort, you will find bath robes, slippers and free toiletries.
There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. Complimentary airport shuttle service is provided.
Bike hire is available at this hotel and the area is popular for cycling.
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 9.3 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!
Wat Damnak Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap – and a guest favourite.
Golden Temple Retreat offers 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 vibrant Pub Street and Old Market is 850 m away. Angkor Wat is 8.2 km from Golden Temple Retreat. The nearest airport, Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, is 10 km from the property. The property offers complimentary two-way airport transfers.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange and tour arrangements. Car rentals are available for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area.
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.
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!
Sok San Road, Steung Thmey Village,Svay Dongkum Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Deal!
Located in Siem Reap, just 701 m from Pub Street, The Night Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a landscaped garden and free private parking on site. It has a restaurant and provides complimentary WiFi access throughout the property.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat is 4.3 mi from The Night Hotel, while Angkor Night Market is just 400 m from the property. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 4.3 mi from The Night Hotel. The property offers complimentary pickup services from the airport.
Offering views of the pool, air-conditioned rooms come with a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. Certain rooms provide an electric kettle for guests' convenience. The private bathroom is fitted with a bathtub, shower facility, hairdryer and free toiletries. For your comfort, slippers and bathrobes are provided.
The Night Hotel operates a 24-hour front desk, where friendly staff can assist with luggage storage, bicycle/car rentals and tour arrangements. Massage services and airport transfers are also available upon request at additional charges.
This is our guests' favorite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the top-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples in particular 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!
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: Mrs. Sabrina Dantan
Country: France
City: Kampot
N.of Person: 1 pax
Travel date: 2025-01-25
Booked: Bokor Mountain Hill Station Tour
Tour Style: Day Trip Tours
Duration: Full-Day
