Banteay Srei is an exquisite miniature; a fairy palace in the heart of an immense and mysterious forest; the very thing that Grimm delighted to imagine, and that every child's heart has yearned after, but which mature years has sadly proved too lovely to be true. And here it is, in the Cambodian forest at Banteay Srei, carved not ...
The roads have been recently repaired and it takes about 30 minutes from Siem Reap to get to the temple. To reach Banteay Srei, follow the main road north out of Siem Reap, turn right at Angkor Wat and follow the road to Srah Srang where you turn right past Pre Rup.
At the East Mebon there is a check post where you need to obtain clearnce. Turn right again at the road before the East Mebon; pass through the village of Phoum Pradak, where there is a junctions (if you continue straight, after about 5 minutes, you will reach Banteay Samre). At this point, you come to a fork; take the road on the left and follow it to Batneay Srei which you will reach shortly after crossing two rivers - on your left hand side.
Banteay Srei is an exquisite miniature; a fairy palace in the heart of an immense and mysterious forest; the very thing that Grimm delighted to imagine, and that every child's heart has yearned after, but which mature years has sadly proved too lovely to be true. And here it is, in the Cambodian forest at Banteay Srei, carved not out of the stuff that dreams are made of, but of solid sandstone.
Location: 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) north-east of East Mebon
Access: enter and leave the temple by the east entrance
Date: second half of the 10th century (967)
King: Rajendravarman II (reigned 944-968) and Jayavarman V (reigned 968-1001)
Religion: Hindu (dedicated to Shiva)
Art style: Banteay Srei
Banteay Srei or Banteay Srey (Khmer: ប្រាសាទបន្ទាយស្រី) is a 10th-century Cambodian temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Located in the area of Angkor in Cambodia. It lies near the hill of Phnom Dei, 25 km (16 mi) north-east of the main group of temples that once belonged to the medieval capitals of Yasodharapura and Angkor Thom. Banteay Srei is built largely of red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to the elaborate decorative wall carvings which are still observable today. The buildings themselves are miniature in scale, unusually so when measured by the standards of Angkorian construction. These factors have made the temple extremely popular with tourists, and have led to its being widely praised as a "precious gem", or the "jewel of Khmer art.
The temple was rediscovered only in 1914, and was the subject of a celebrated case of art theft when André Malraux stole four devatas in 1923 (he was soon arrested and the figures returned). The incident stimulated interest in the site, which was cleared the following year, and in the 1930s Banteay Srei was restored through the first important use of anastylosis at Angkor whereby a ruined building or monument is restored using the original architectural elements to the greatest degree possible. Until the discovery of the foundation stela in 1936, it had been assumed that the extreme decoration indicated a later date than was in fact the case. To prevent the site from water damage, the joint Cambodian-Swiss Banteay Srei Conservation Project installed a drainage system between 2000 and 2003. Measures were also taken to prevent damage to the temples walls from nearby trees. Unfortunately, the temple has been ravaged by pilfering and vandalism. When toward the end of the 20th century authorities removed some original statues and replaced them with concrete replicas, looters took to attacking the replicas. A statue of Shiva and his shakti Uma, removed to the National Museum in Phnom Penh for safekeeping, was assaulted in the museum itself.
Banteay Srei is built largely of a hard red sandstone that can be carved like wood. Brick and laterite were used only for the enclosure walls and some structural elements. The temple is known for the beauty of its sandstone lintels and pediments.
A pediment is the roughly triangular space above a rectangular doorway or openings. At Banteay Srei, pediments are relatively large in comparison to the openings below, and take a sweeping gabled shape. For the first time in the history of Khmer architecture, whole scenes of mythological subject-matter are depicted on the pediments.
A lintel is a horizontal beam spanning the gap between two posts. Some lintels serve a structural purpose, serving to support the weight of the superstructure, while others are purely decorative in purpose. The lintels at Banteay Srei are beautifully carved, rivalling those of the 9th century Preah Ko style in quality.
Many niches in the temple walls contain carvings of devatas or dvarapalas.
Noteworthy decorative motifs include the kala (a toothy monster symbolic of time), the guardian dvarapala (an armed protector of the temple) and devata (demi-goddess), the false door, and the colonette. Indeed, decorative carvings seem to cover almost every available surface. According to pioneering Angkor scholar Maurice Glaize, "Given the very particular charm of Banteay Srei – its remarkable state of preservation and the excellence of a near perfect ornamental technique – one should not hesitate, of all the monuments of the Angkor group, to give it the highest priority." At Banteay Srei, wrote Glaize, "the work relates more closely to the art of the goldsmith or to carving in wood than to sculpture in stone".
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Central Park P.O 93145 Siem Reap Town, Kingdom of Cambodia, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
Offering an outdoor pool and year-round outdoor pool, Victoria Angkor Suites is located in Siem Reap in the Siem Reap Province Region, 0.6 mi from Pub Street. The resort has a terrace and spa center, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Victoria Angkor Suites features free WiFi throughout the property.
The area is popular for horse riding and cycling. The resort also offers free use of bicycles and car hire. Angkor Wat is 3.7 mi from Victoria Angkor Suites, while Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chom is 200 m away. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 4.3 mi from the property. The property offers two-way airport transfer services.
A flat-screen HD TV and DVD player, as well as an iPod are provided. Some units have a seating area for your convenience. Enjoy a cup of coffee from your terrace or balcony. Rooms come with a private bathroom equipped with a bath. For your comfort, you will find bath robes, slippers and free toiletries.
This is our guests' favorite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
We speak your language!
House 169, Group 4, Steung Thmey Village, Svay Dangkum Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Best for Traveller!
One of our bestsellers in Siem Reap!
Offering an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant, Siem Reap Pub Hostelis located 300 m away from the popular Pub Street in Siem Reap.
All rooms at the hostel are equipped with air conditioning, a wardrobe and ironing facilities. Rooms also include a safe, while certain rooms offer views of the garden or the city. Guests have access to a private or shared bathroom and toilet facilities, which includes slippers and free toiletries.
Staff at the 24-hour front desk readily assists guests with services such as bicycle and car rental, as well as laundry services which include dry cleaning. Other amenities offered are currency exchange and tour information.
The iconic Angkor Wat is 6 km from Siem Reap Pub Hostel and Angkor Night Market is 100 m away. The nearest airport is Siem Reap International Airport, located 7 km from the property. Airport shuttle is available at a surcharge.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.9 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
No.045, Steung Thmei, Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap Steung Thmei Road, Siem Reap, Cambodi
Best Seller!
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, The Tito Suite Residence is set in Siem Reap, 500 m from Pub Street. The hotel has a year-round outdoor pool and views of the pool, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar.
Angkor Wat is 7 km from The Tito Suite Residence, while Artisans D'Angkor is 200 m from the property. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 8 km from The Tito Suite Residence. The property offers complimentary two-way airport transfers.
Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and is fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some units feature a seating area for your convenience. Some rooms have views of the garden or city. Every room is fitted with a private bathroom fitted with a bath or shower and bidet. Extras include bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.
There is a hairdresser's at the property. Free use of bicycles, bike hire and car hire are available at this hotel and the area is popular for cycling.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.4 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Charles de Gaulle Blv, Khum Svay Dan Kum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor offers elegant accommodation in the heart of Siem Reap, within a 5-minute drive of the market centre. It features a lap pool, fitness centre, and spa. WiFi is free throughout the hotel.
Raffles Grand Hotel is a 10-minute drive from both Angkor Wat and Siem Reap International Airport. It is also close to numerous temples.
Featuring private terraces, the air-conditioned rooms come with cable TV, tea/coffee making facilities and a safety deposit box. Each room has an attached bathroom with a bathtub and shower.
Activities offered by Raffles Grand Hotel include yoga and Khmer dance. The hotel provides 24-hour room service and 24-hour butler service.
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor has 4 dining options offering French, Cambodian and Asian dishes.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.3 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
#16 Kruos Village, Sangkat Svaydongkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
One of our bestsellers in Siem Reap!Les Bambous Luxury Hotel is a family-run hotel that is a 10-minute drive from Siem Reap International Airport, it is nestled within a 2000m² tropical garden and features a restaurant and air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Guests enjoy access to the outdoor swimming pool, the spa tub and sauna.
Les Bambous Luxury Hotel is a 5-minute drive to the Old Market and Pub Street. It takes 15 minutes by car from Les Bambous Luxury Hotel to Angkor Wat Temple. The hotel offers complimentary two-way airport transfers and shuttle services to the city centre.
The ceilings of spacious rooms are decorated with hand-painted art pieces and equipped with a cable TV and minibar. An en suite bathroom with hot water shower or brass bathtub and hairdryer are included. Some rooms include a separate seating area and a private sauna. Views of the garden or the pool can be enjoyed from all rooms. Free bottled water, tea and coffee and toiletries are provided.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for tour arrangements, currency exchange, ticketing and concierge services. Car and bicycle rentals are also available to explore the region. Alternatively, enjoy a massage in the room or by the pool. The property offers use of local mobile phones for your convenience.
Situated in the garden, KodeLock Restaurant serves menu of Khmer, Asian and Western dishes. The restaurant also offers Boodle Fight, a unique way of eating in Cambodia using bare hands. A variety of beers, spirits, cocktails and wine are served at bar and private rooftop bar.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
251, Samdech Tep Vong St, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
A 10-minute drive to the Angkor Wat, King Boutique Hotel offers accommodation in Siem Reap. Free shuttle services from the airport or bus station are provided. Free guide books and maps are also included. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Located in the heart of Siem Reap Town, King Boutique Hotel is about a 5-minute walk from the Old Market and Pub Street. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from the Siem-Reap Angkor International Airport. The property offers complimentary two-way transfer services from the airport or bus station.
Featuring traditional Khmer (Cambodian) decor, air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a cable TV and a minibar. Private bathrooms come with hot/cold showers and a bathtub. Free bottled water is also provided.
Guests can have meals at King Boutique's restaurant, which serves a variety of local and Western specialities. Alternatively, room service is available.
King Boutique Hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and free parking. Aside from transport rentals, massage services, bicycle rentals and tour arrangements are provided. Pets are allowed in guest rooms at no extra charge.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.0 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.
Guest Name: Ms. Lyn
Country: Philippines
City: Manila
N.of Person: 1 pax
Travel date: 23-09-2024
Booked: Ream National Park Kayaking & Boat Trip Day Tour
Tour Style: Beach Break Holiday
Duration: Full Day
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