Located about 32km (20 miles) northeast of Siem Reap, you may be wondering if the 1-hr drive here is worth it. Most definitely! It’s one of the smallest temples, but I think the most unique with its pinkish hue and delicate stone carvings. Hard to believe this well-preserved temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, dates to the 10th century. We arrived in the late afternoon and practically had the place to ourselves (the setting sun provided a great photo op too). The name Banteay Srei means ‘Citadel of the Women’. It is said that the elaborate carvings are supposedly too fine for the hand of a man, and the temple must have been built by a woman.

Stopped here on the final leg of an organised trip to see the temples. There is a car park on the edge and from the park you follow the path on the right down through the trees to the temple ruins. There is a statue in the middle where we stopped and the guide gave us a detailed explanation of the history, which is all part of the Angkor Wat complex. Beautiful

Banteay Srei is a sight to behold! The sandstone material is intricately carved with vivid colors and vibrant hues, making it a stunning example of Khmer art. The elaborate decorations are a testament to the craftsmanship of the era, making it a must-see for any traveler.

It’s about 25 kilometres outside Siam Rep and well worth the visit. Much smaller than other temples although very beautiful (and a lot less tourists). Probably only need about 45 minutes.

From its beautiful symmetry to its detailed ornamentation, this temple is a stunning example of symmetrical design. I was blown away by the intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn the walls and pillars. The attention to detail is remarkable, and the temple is a perfect representation of the Khmer culture. Every corner of the temple is breathtaking, and the atmosphere is truly magical. If you ever find yourself in Cambodia, then a visit to Banteay Srei is a must!

HOLY COW!!! This was, by far, my favorite temple that we visited in Siem Reap. To me this was so much better than Angkor Wat and only slightly better than Bayon Temple. Most people don't visit this temple because it is about a 40 minute drive away from Siem Reap. THAT IS A MISTAKE!!! Make sure you visit this temple!!!!

The most beautiful temple in cambodia. I arranged private car to the temple for 100 usd. It’s worth the value. I dropped my entrance ticket there and the officers gave back to me. I visited sooo many temple in cambodia but this is my most fav so far. Dont miss the exhibition hall. Its provided informative interesting details of the temple.

Wow. This was a really special day. We went on a private tour with informative and compassionate guide, Bunnak. My 11 year old son and I were in awe of the splendor, beauty and history of this magical land. Bunnak was fantastic, sharing his country's beautiful and complicated history with us. His warmth, knowledge and kindness were evident throughout our day. Don't miss this experience!

Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, this tenth century temple is the only one I visited that was not consecrated by a king. Rather, its construction is credited to a Braham (probably named Yajnavaraha) who served as a tutor to Jayavarman V. It is noteworthy in many ways, chief among those that it is carved from a type of red sandstone that can be manipulated like wood. The building was subject to further reconstruction later in the Angkor Empire and fell into disuse probably sometime in the fourteenth century. It was rediscovered in the 20th century and became the first temple to be restored with a technique (anastylosis) that follows the original architectural elements as closely as possible. I visited after a forty minute drive from Siem Reap at the end of my second day of touring the local temples. The footprint of the temple complex is small, I can’t quote any exact numbers but you won’t be intimidated by the size. A tour here is therefore fairly straightforward, and after entering through the causeway via the East Gate, we admired the East Gopura before entering the inner courtyard and second entrance tower. The second and then first enclosures were visited somewhat simultaneously with more attention paid to the sanctuaries and shrines. We left via the West Gopura and Gate, walking around the grounds and listening to a group of instrumentalists before departing. Total time on site was 90 minutes. Overall, along with Angkor Wat and Preah Vihear this was a highlight of my time during my two weeks in Cambodia. The reasoning here is equally definitive and simple: the artistry is literally second to none. I’m not even an aficionado of this type of experience and struggle somewhat to appreciate any ancient structure, but this building was an exception to the rule for me. Even as I write this almost eight weeks after the experience the images are indelible: the carving of Kala, the fight between Vali and Sugriva, and “just” the ornamental pediments were spectacular. My advice? If you have a single day in the area see Angkor Wat and maybe Ta Prohm and then make a trip here. Absolutely unforgettable.

Visiting Banteay Srei is like stepping into a fairytale! Everywhere you look, you can find Hindu motifs and delicate reliefs that are truly mesmerizing. It's no wonder this temple is considered one of the finest examples of classical Khmer art! So if you're looking for a real adventure, don't miss out on this one!