Banteay Srei
Temple Small pink sandstone temple famed for intricate carvings
Banteay Srei, a 10th-century temple northeast of Angkor, is carved from pink sandstone with finely detailed reliefs; visitors appreciate its smaller scale, intricate motifs and ruins set amid rural countryside.
Banteay Srei is a 10th-century Angkorian temple in northwestern Cambodia, distinguished by its small scale and exceptionally intricate pink sandstone carvings. It is usually dated to around 967 AD and is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
Built in the late 10th century under royal patronage, the temple has been repaired and conserved since its 20th-century rediscovery; conservation programs in the 20th and 21st centuries have stabilised much of the carved sandstone.
Banteay Srei lies about 25 kilometers northeast of the main Angkor temple group and roughly 30 kilometers from Siem Reap, set in a rural landscape of rice fields and small roads.
- Material and date: Constructed from pink sandstone and finished in the late 10th century, the site is celebrated for the fine preservation and intricacy of its carvings.
What to See #
- Central sanctuary: The small central sanctuary carved from pink sandstone, noted for exceptionally detailed lintels and devata sculptures.
- Outer enclosure and gopuras: The outer enclosure and entrance gopuras that display the temple's characteristic high-relief carvings and pediments.
How to Get to Banteay Srei #
Banteay Srei is outside Siem Reap and is normally reached from Siem Reap town by tuk‑tuk, taxi or tour vehicle. The drive from Siem Reap town to the temple takes roughly 30-45 minutes along the main roads heading northeast out of town; most visitors join an Angkor-area tour or hire a tuk‑tuk for the round trip. There is a small visitor parking area by the temple and only a short walk (a few minutes) from the parking/drop‑off to the temple entrance.
Tips for Visiting Banteay Srei #
- Arrive at opening time to beat the large mid-morning coach groups from Siem Reap - the carvings are easiest to enjoy with fewer people and softer morning light.
- Plan transport separately from central Angkor: Banteay Srei is about 20-25 km northeast of Siem Reap, so allow extra time for the drive or include it in a private/mini‑van round trip rather than relying on shared tuk‑tuk schedules.
- Spend extra time close to the pink sandstone reliefs and hire a guide or audio-guide - the site's fine carvings and mythological scenes are the main draw that many visitors skim over in a quick stop.
Best Time to Visit Banteay Srei #
Visit in the cool, dry season (November-February) for the most comfortable conditions and best touring.
Weather & Climate near Banteay Srei #
Banteay Srei's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 18°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1370 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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February
February is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (147 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (183 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (197 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (200 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (287 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (184 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall.
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