Things to Do at Banteay Srei
Complete Guide to Banteay Srei in Siem Reap
About Banteay Srei
What to See & Do
Central Sanctuary Carvings
Three miniature tower shrines in pink sandstone, barely 10 meters tall, covered in the deepest relief carving in Angkor. The central tower is dedicated to Shiva. The carving detail is so fine that binoculars reveal individual braids in the apsaras' hair. Viewing platforms keep you at about 5 meters distance - bring a zoom lens
Guardian Figures (Dvarapala)
Kneeling guardian figures with monkey and demon faces flanking the doorways. The originals (now in the National Museum in Phnom Penh) were so beautiful that Andre Malraux stole several in 1923 and was arrested at the Phnom Penh docks. The reproductions are still among the finest carved figures in Cambodia
Pediment Reliefs
The triangular pediments above doorways contain complete Hindu narratives in a single carved scene. The south library pediment shows Ravana shaking Mount Kailasa - Shiva sits unfazed while demons tumble. The north library shows Krishna killing the demon Kamsa. Each one rewards 5-10 minutes of close study
Monkey Army Battle Scene
A carved scene from the Ramayana showing Sugriva and Valin locked in combat while their monkey armies clash around them. The movement and expression carved into stone is remarkable - individual monkeys show fear, rage, and triumph. West pediment of the southern library
Pink Sandstone Architecture
Banteay Srei is the only major Angkor temple built primarily of pink sandstone, which is softer than the grey variety and allows finer carving. The color shifts from pale rose in overcast light to deep salmon at golden hour. After rain, the stone darkens to near-red. The material choice was deliberate and brilliant
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Daily 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, though it tends to be less crowded in early morning or late afternoon
Tickets & Pricing
Included with Angkor Pass - 1-day pass $37, 3-day pass $62, 7-day pass $72. No separate ticket needed
Best Time to Visit
Early morning (8-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-5 PM) for the best lighting on the pink sandstone and fewer crowds
Suggested Duration
Allow 1.5-2 hours to properly appreciate the detailed carvings, though you could easily spend longer if you're into photography
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
A well-restored 12th-century temple about 15 minutes away, less crowded than the main Angkor sites with impressive gopuras and galleries
Ancient riverbed carvings requiring a 45-minute jungle hike - best combined with Banteay Srei as a day trip
A sobering but important museum about Cambodia's recent history, located roughly halfway between Banteay Srei and Siem Reap
A cultural theme park showcasing traditional Khmer architecture and customs, though it's quite touristy and opinions are mixed