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!

30-40 minutes drive from the rest of the Angkor temples, this one is worth driving out to if you are in Angkor for 2 days or more. The red coloured stone and intricately detailed art style make it distinct from the other Angkor temples. If you are only in Angkor for 1 day then skip this and prioritise Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm.

Banteay Srei is a breathtakingly beautiful temple complex in Cambodia. Its smooth surfaces, ornate engravings, beautiful symmetry, and exquisite sculptures make it a must-see for any traveler. Its intricate carvings and amazing architecture will leave you in awe. Truly a sight to behold!

This women’s temple was a great last minute addition to the trip. Very well preserved carvings, different architecture from the main complex temples, beautiful green roofs growing, different iconography - not sure why it’s not included in more of the guide books that we looked at. Absolutely worth adding on to a trip out to Kbal Spean.

This ancient temple complex is full of intricate patterns, delicate reliefs and spiritual significance that will leave you in awe. It's a must-see for anyone looking to explore the ancient culture of Cambodia. Highly recommended!

Excellent intricate carving. The jewel in the crown of the angkor temples. Well worth the long trip out of siem reap to visit. Although it is small; the beauty of the setting and the stone work make the trip well worth it. I recommend that you do not miss this temple. The quality of the information at the interpretive centre was the best of all of the sites.

There are hundreds of temples in the Siem Reap area, but this one is special. Banteay Srei lies about 30-60 minutes NE of Siem Reap and is well worth the visit. It is a 10th century Hindu Temple. Made of pink sandstone, it is also referred to as the Citadel of Women. What really makes this temple special are the plentiful carvings which are considered by many to be the finest stone carvings anywhere on planet earth ...... I cannot disagree. I have visited dozens and dozens of temples in the Siem Reap area, and in my opinion, this is a MUST SEE. It really stands apart from the main temples that attract tourists. This is a SHOWSTOPPER.

Visited here on the morning of Dec-25,2023 and explored the ruins and also looked around the local shop stalls. A band of locals playing musical instruments nearby is soothing. Please try to tip them.

Walking through Banteay Srei is like stepping into a world of vibrant murals and symbolic imagery. The smooth surfaces and ornate engravings on the walls tell tales of sacred symbolism and elaborate decorations. This temple's ancient history and spiritual significance make it an iconic status in Cambodia.