Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre

The Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre (BBC) is the largest enclosed butterfly sanctuary in Southeast Asia, located near the renowned Banteay Srei temple. Opened in 2009, the center focuses on the conservation of native butterfly species and promoting environmental education. Within a large netted tropical garden, visitors can observe hundreds of bustling butterflies flying freely in a near-natural habitat. The project aims to provide sustainable alternative livelihoods for local rural families through butterfly farming, thereby reducing deforestation and poaching pressures. The facility showcases the complete metamorphosis of these insects, from egg and larva to chrysalis and adult butterfly. Featured species often include the spectacular Atlas moth and various swallowtails native to the region. Beyond its role as a tourist attraction, the BBC acts as a research site for Cambodian entomology and biodiversity studies. It plays a significant part in ecological awareness by highlighting the importance of insects in the tropical ecosystem. A visit to the center is a popular educational stop for travelers exploring the northern reaches of the Angkor Archaeological Park.

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

Lolei

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

East Mebon

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

Preah Ko

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

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.

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 Srei

A Hindu temple made of red sandstone, renowned for its extremely fine and intricate carvings.

Roluos Group (Bakong)

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

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.

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.