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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No. 0141, Wat Domnak Street, Old Market Area, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
Located in the Old Market area, Cambali Lotus Hotel is a convenient 5-minute walk to the famous Pub Street and Angkor Night Market. Free Wi-Fi is available and complimentary private parking is provided.
This hotel is only a 15-minute drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat Temple. Siem Reap International Airport is 9 km away. Complimentary one-way airport pick up is offered.
Air-conditioned rooms are simply furnished with a wardrobe, a flat-screen cable TV and a minibar. Private bathrooms are equipped with shower facilities and free toiletries. Select rooms offer a bathtub.
Operating a 24-hour front desk, Cambali Lotus Hotel can assist with luggage storage, laundry and car rental services. A tour desk and business centre is provided for convenience. Guests can also request for massage services, and shuttle service can be arranged at a charge.
The in-house restaurant serves mainly Cambodian and Western cuisine daily.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.7 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Phum Svaydangkum, Sangkat Svaydankum, Siem Reap, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap – and a guest favourite.
True to the meaning of its name "green village", Phum Baitang offers quiet accommodation nestled amidst private, lush gardens and rice fields. Phum Baitang features a 50 m outdoor infinity pool, a spa and wellness centre and a barbecue area. The property boasts 45 spacious wood-and-stilt villas and is equipped with a children's playground. Guests can enjoy meals at one of the two in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free private parking is available on site.
Phum Baitang is 3 km away from the vibrant Pub Street. The renowned Angkor Wat is 7 km away, while Angkor Night Market is 2.7 km from the property. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, is a 6 km-drive. The property offers complimentary airport transfers and shuttle services.
Some villas offer a private terrace while others are fitted with a private plunge pool. Villas are fully-furnished with traditional Cambodian decor. The rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Certain units feature a seating area to relax in after a busy day. Enjoy a cup of coffee while looking out at the pool or garden. Each room comes with a private bathroom fitted with a hot tub. Conveniences include bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries. The hotel offers free WiFi throughout the property.
Guests can indulge in Spa Temple's variety of massages and treatments or participate in yoga classes. The 24-hour front desk offers currency exchange, tour arrangements and ticketing services. Bike hire is also available.
One of the property's two in-house restaurants, Bay Phsar serves up authentic Cambodia cuisine and encourages guests to choose from an array of locally-sourced ingredients with the help of the chef, while Hang Bay specialises in fusion cuisine.
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.
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!
Upper East River Road, North of Wat Polanka, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Deal!
One of our bestsellers in Siem Reap! Featuring a unique blend of Cambodian and ancient Khmer wooden houses, Maison Polanka is equipped with an infinity-edge swimming pool and free Wi-Fi access. The hotel also provides free shuttle services to and from the Airport.
Located a 15-minute drive to the historical Angkor Wat Temple, the hotel is also 15 km away from Siem Reap International Airport and a 10-minute drive from Siem Ream Town – a lively pub street.
Luxuriously furnished rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, a sofa, a seating area and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Private bathrooms include shower facilities and free toiletries.
Guests can indulge in a traditional massage or cycling and horse-riding activities. A 24-hour front desk can assist with laundry/ironing services as well as room service. Breakfast can also be served in the room upon request.
Located by the poolside an in-house restaurant – The Sala, serves fresh Cambodian cuisines. Guests can also lounge by the bar with a cocktail in hand.
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 9.2 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!
Street 60, Chong Kao Sou Village, Slor Kram Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
Located just 3.1 mi from Angkor Wat, Paradise Angkor offers accommodations with free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service in Siem Reap’s city center. It features an outdoor pool, a spa and 4 dining options.
A 5-minute drive from the bus station, Paradise Angkor Villa Hotel is a 20-minute drive from Siem Reap International Airport. Located within 1.9 mi away are the Pub Street and Psar Leu Market. A free pick-up service from the airport or bus station is provided.
Each air-conditioned room at the Paradise Angkor Villa Hotel has a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a safe and mini-bar. Tea/coffee making facilities, bathrobes and slippers are provided.
The Lian Hau Restaurant features Chinese cuisine and Dim Sum. An international buffet is served at The Palm Leaves Restaurant. Drinks are available at The Palm Village Bar.
Guests can workout at the fully equipped fitness room or have a relaxing massage at the spa. Younger guests can enjoy the children's pool.
We speak your language!
Khna Village, Chhreav Commune, Siem Reap town in the eastern part of the city Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
Boasting an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant, Cheata Residence is set in Siem Reap. The property is located 6 km from King's Road Angkor. The hotel also offers free WiFi as well as a free airport shuttle service.
At the hotel, rooms are equipped with a desk and a flat-screen TV. Each room comes with a kettle, while certain rooms also offer a terrace and others also have mountain views. At Cheata Residence, each room is equipped with a private bathroom with free toiletries.
A continental breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation.
At Cheata Residence guests are welcome to take advantage of a sauna, a fitness room and an indoor swimming pool. The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire is available at this 4-star hotel.
The hotel also provides a business centre and guests can use the on-site ATM machine or use the fax machine and photocopier at Cheata Residence. Speaking English and Khmer at the 24-hour front desk, staff will be happy to provide guests with practical information on the area.
Pub Street is 6 km from the accommodation, while Angkor Wat is 10 km from the property. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 17 km from Cheata Residence.
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!
Phum Kruos, Sangkat Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
One of our top picks in Siem Reap.Angkor Palace Suite & Villa is a 5-star property located in Siem Reap. This 5-star resort offers an outdoor swimming pool. The restaurant serves Seafood cuisine.
Guest rooms come with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an electric tea pot, a hot tub, free toiletries and a desk. The private bathroom is equipped with a bath and a hair dryer. The rooms at the resort are equipped with a seating area.
Angkor Palace Suite & Villa offers a continental or buffet breakfast.
The accommodation has a playground. You can play tennis at Angkor Palace Suite & Villa.
A gym and ironing facilities are available at the resort. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can give tips on the area.
Pub Street is 3.9 km from Angkor Palace Suite & Villa, while King's Road Angkor is 4.3 km away. The nearest airport is Angkor International, 9.7 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a free airport shuttle service.
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. Morgane
Country: United Kingdom
City: Singapore
N.of Person: 2 pax
Travel date:
Booked: Beng Mealea Motorbike Discovery
Tour Style: Adventure Tours
Duration: Full-Day
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