Banteay Srei
Banteay Srei or ‘Citadel of the Women’ is one of Angkor’s smallest sites. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with well-preserved three-dimensional carvings.
Bantay Srei is cut from a pinkish hued stone and is considered as probably one of the finest stone carvings here on Earth, which is the reason why it is said that a woman may have built it, as the carvings are too fine for a man’s hands. The carvings include women in traditional skirts holding lotus flowers, and also recreated scenes from the epic Ramayana.
Location
The Temple of Banteay Srei is 25 kilometres north east of East Mebon.
Opening Days and Hours
Banteay Srei is open daily from 07:30 to 17:30.
Entry Fee and Bookings
- 1 Day Pass: USD 37
- 3 Days Pass: USD 62
- 7 Days Pass: USD 72
How to Get There
You can get to Banteay Srei from Siem Reap via tuk-tuk – the whole ride takes about 45 minutes. Another option is to take the mini bus or a rental vehicle and travel north out of Siem Reap, take a right at Angkor Wat, and follow the road to Srah Srang and past Pre Rup.
Suggested For
- Backpackers/solo travelers
- Couples
- Group of friends
- Families with older kids
Time to Spend
Exploring Banteay Srei could take from 1 to 3 days.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Banteay Srei Bayon Temple is from November to February, when the weather’s drier and cooler.
Food
A number of restaurants can be found across Banteay Srei, and one of the most popular is the Nam Ben Chok Noodle Stall.
Nearby Attractions
- Angkor National Park
- Phnom Penh
- Angkor Kulen Hills
Stay
You can opt to stay in hotels or guesthouses in Siem Reap, but the closest to Banteay Srei is the Bong Thom Home Stay that costs USD 92 per night.
