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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Taphul Village, Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
Boasting a spa and an outdoor pool, Mane Village Suites offers accommodation in a quiet neighbourhood in Siem Reap. Just 800 m from the famous Pub Street, guests can benefit from free WiFi access throughout the property.
Every room comes with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Certain rooms include a seating area and a terrace or balcony where you can relax. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom fitted with a shower. Extras include bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.
Mane Village Suites operates a 24-hour front desk that provides tour arrangements and ticketing services. Guests can access the city centre by reserving a remork or tuk-tuk at the front desk. Other facilities include a business centre, a library and game room and a fitness centre.
Guests can enjoy traditional Cambodian and International dishes at Celadon Restaurant or enjoy drinks at the Sky Bar or Pool Bar. Alternatively, guests can indulge in massage treatments at the Circle Spa.
King's Road Angkor is 1.3 km from Mane Village Suites, while Angkor Wat is a 20-minute drive away. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the property.
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.
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!
319 Funky Lane, Steung Thmey Village, Svay Dangkum Commune, 17252 Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Price!
One of our bestsellers in Siem Reap!
Funky Flashpacker offers accommodation in Siem Reap. Playing musicthroughout the day, the hostel features both private and dormitory room with free WiFi. Guests can relax at an outdoor swimming pool located in the centre of the hostel or enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at one of the two rooftop bars. Nightly events and parties are arranged at the property throughout the year.
The hostel is located less than half a kilometre away from the famous Old Market and Pub Street area. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat is 6.2 km away, while Siem Reap International Airport is accessible with a 7 km drive.
Featuring a range of rooms and dormitories, all units come with lockable storage and free WiFi. Each dormitory room is equipped with a private reading lamp, mirror and there is a large locked space for luggage storage under the beds.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk tour arrangements, currency exchange and ticketing services. There is an ATM and a mini mart on-site. Bicycle rentals, 24-hour security, and daily housekeeping are also available for all guests.
The in-house restaurant serves a tasty selection of local, Asian and Continental cuisine, while the 24-hour sky bar opens around the clock for partying and delicious food and drinks.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.3 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
545 Airport Road No. 6, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
Located only a minute's walk from the Angkor Market and a 3-minute drive by Tuk Tuk to the vibrant Pub Street, Memoire Siem Reap Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center. Guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the Artist Lounge. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and there is free parking on-site.
Memoire Siem Reap Hotel is a short 10-minute drive from Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport and the famous Angkor Wat. The property offers complimentary airport transfer services.
Fitted with tiled flooring and traditional Khmer decor, rooms are painted with color choices infusing the local charm. Every room is equipped with a satellite TV and a mini-bar. Some rooms come with a private balcony overlooking the pool.
Memoire Siem Reap Hotel's restaurant serves a selection of local and Western dishes. For those who would like to dine in, room service is available.
Transport rentals are provided at the property. For convenience, the front desk opens 24 hours. Memoire Siem Reap Hotel's tour desk offers assistance with visits to local attractions. Guests may make use of the business center, or relax with a massage. Alternatively, they can visit the souvenir shop to buy gifts for their loved ones.
This is our guests' favorite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.1 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!
Road 6 (Next to Royal Residence), Siem Reap 17257, Cambodia, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
Located right next to the Royal Palace and across from the Royal Gardens, J7 Hotel offers accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. It features an outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Staff are able to converse in Chinese, English and Japanese.
The vibrant Pub Street and Angkor Night Market is 900 m from J7 Hotel, while Angkor Wat is 6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 7 km from the property. The property offers complimentary return transfers from the airport or bus station..
Every air-conditioned room includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some units have a seating area to relax in after a busy day. You will find a kettle in the room. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes, slippers, toothbrushes and a hairdryer.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services. The hotel also offers bicycle rentals for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area. A fitness centre is available. Alternatively, guests can also indulge in massage treatments at Moringa Wellness Spa or have a soak in the hot tub facilities. Union Pay is accepted at the property.
The All Day Dining serves up a variety of cuisines, from authentic Khmer dishes to Asian and Western delights.
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!
Behind WatBo, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
Nestled within private gardens, La Rose Blanche Boutique offers accommodations in Siem Reap. It features an outdoor freshwater swimming pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
The property offers complimentary pickup services from the airport or bus station. La Rose Blanche Boutique is 0.6 mi to the vibrant Pub Street and Old Market, while Wat Damnak is 0.9 mi away. Angkor Wat is 3.7 mi away from La Rose Blanche Residence. The nearest airport, Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 5 mi from the property.
Stylish, air-conditioned rooms open up to views of the garden or swimming pool. Rooms are fitted with a flat-screen satellite TV and a personal safe. Private bathrooms include shower facilities and free toiletries.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for tour arrangements, luggage storage, ticketing and concierge services. The property offers complimentary use of bicycles for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area. Alternatively, in-house spa treatments can be enjoyed.
The in-house restaurant services up a variety of authentic Khmer cuisine as well as a selection of French dishes.
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!
344 St. Wat Bo Sangkat Sala Komreouk, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap.
Situated in the heart of Siem Reap, Chayra Angkor Hotel welcomes guests with pampering spa treatments and free bike rentals. Guests also enjoy free WiFi access throughout the hotel.
Just a 10-minute walk to the lively Pub Street, the famous Angkor Wat and Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport can be reached within a 15-minute drive from Chayra Angkor Hotel. The property also offers guests with a complimentary airport pickup service.
Fitted with hardwood floors, rooms feature traditional Cambodian-style furnishings. It includes air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar and a seating area. An en suite bathroom comes with hot shower facilities.
At Chayra Angkor Hotel you will find a communal sauna, cycling facilities and a peaceful garden. The 24-hour front desk can assist with luggage storage, safety deposit box and car rental services.
Guests can sample a variety of authentic Cambodian-style and Western meals at the on-site restaurant. In-room dining options are possible.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.6 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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