Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei, often referred to as the 'jewel of Khmer art,' is a 10th-century Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva. Located about 25 kilometers northeast of the main group of Angkor, it differs significantly due to its small size and the reddish sandstone used in its construction. The name translates to 'Citadel of the Women,' hinting at the extraordinary delicacy of the reliefs, which were once believed to have been crafted by female hands. Unlike the monumental state sanctuaries, this temple was not built by a king but by the Brahmin Yajnavaraha, a scholar at the court of Rajendravarman II. The decorations cover almost every available stone surface and are regarded as the best-preserved and most detailed sculptural works of classical Khmer architecture. Banteay Srei is a masterpiece of miniature art, captivating visitors with its warm color and the exquisite symmetry of its structures.

Nearby cities

Siem Reap

Serving as the gateway to the majestic ruins of Angkor, this city is the country's main tourist hub with a vibrant cultural scene.

Kampong Phluk

An authentic fishing village on the Tonle Sap lake, famous for its towering seven-meter stilted houses and the surrounding flooded mangro…

History & landmarks

East Mebon

A monumental temple that once stood on an artificial island in the middle of the now-dry East Baray reservoir.

Pre Rup

Pre Rup is a brick and laterite temple mountain in the Angkor area.

Kbal Spean

A sacred river in the mountains, whose riverbed is intricately carved with numerous reliefs and Hindu symbols.

Lolei

A small temple of the Roluos Group that originally stood on an island in the historical Indratataka reservoir.

Preah Ko

The first temple built in the ancient capital of Hariharalaya, known for its surviving stucco decorations.

Banteay Kdei

A fascinating Buddhist monastic complex in Angkor, whose ruins are peacefully shaded by tall trees today.

Ta Keo

An unfinished, massive sandstone temple mountain that stands out due to its simplicity and lack of external carvings.

Thommanon

A small, well-preserved Hindu temple in Angkor, known for its detailed Devata carvings.

Nature

Tonle Sap Lake

The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, whose water level rises drastically during the monsoon, hosting unique biodiversity.

More places

Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre

This interactive centre showcases a vast variety of native butterflies in a tropical netted enclosure.

Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity

Located near Siem Reap, the ACCB is dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating Cambodia's threatened wildlife.

Ta Som

A small Buddhist temple whose eastern entrance is famously engulfed by the massive roots of a sacred fig tree.

Roluos Group (Bakong)

Some of the earliest permanent temples of the Khmer Empire, with Bakong featuring the first significant temple-mountain architecture.

Neak Pean

Neak Pean is a small temple on an artificial island in Angkor.

Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm is a jungle temple in the Angkor area, known for tree roots growing over its walls.

Preah Khan

Preah Khan is a large temple complex in Angkor that once served as a Buddhist monastery and learning center.

Angkor Wat

The largest religious monument complex in the world and the national symbol of Cambodia, originally built as a Hindu temple.