Banteay Srei is small, but many visitors leave saying it was their favourite temple. It was consecrated in 967, earlier than Angkor Wat, and it was built not by a king but by a Brahmin courtier, which may explain its intimate scale. Its walls are a fine-grained pink sandstone that glows in the low sun, and almost every surface is covered in carving so deep and delicate that it looks like wood: lintels and pediments crowded with scenes from the Hindu epics, graceful female guardian deities in niches, and scrolling foliage around every door. Its name is usually translated as the citadel of women, perhaps for the beauty of the work. The temple sits about 35 kilometres north-east of Siem Reap among villages and rice fields, so most people combine it with the temples of the Grand Circuit on the way back. This page links to a join-in tour on Viator, rated 4.9 from more than 1,300 reviews, that visits Banteay Srei and five other temples by shared minibus.
How to visit: Banteay Srei is covered by the Angkor Pass, and it keeps longer hours than many temples, opening at 6:00 and closing around 18:30. It is a smaller site, so the inner sanctuary is viewed from walkways rather than entered, and the best carvings are at eye level. There is a visitor centre with displays, toilets and places to eat near the entrance.
The tour: the Viator join-in tour runs for seven to eight hours by shared minibus with a guide, and it is one of the best-value ways to see the outlying temples. Along with Banteay Srei it visits five temples of the Grand Circuit, the outer loop that typically includes Pre Rup, the East Mebon, Ta Som, Neak Pean and Preah Khan; confirm the day’s stops when you book. Park admission is not included, so bring your Angkor Pass.
Making the most of it: arrive early, before the coach groups, when the low light brings out the pink of the stone and the depth of the carving. Bring a zoom lens or binoculars for the high pediments, and save Preah Khan, with its long, quiet corridors, for the afternoon.
What to expect
The experience
A shared minibus day with a guide to Banteay Srei, then a loop back through five temples of the Grand Circuit.
Best time
Early morning, when the pink stone glows and the carvings are free of crowds; the dry months from November to March are the most comfortable.
How long
Seven to eight hours, including about an hour at Banteay Srei.
Tips
Carry your Angkor Pass, wear shoulder- and knee-covering clothes, and bring a zoom lens or binoculars for the high carvings.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone with a second or third day at Angkor, and lovers of fine art and carving.
- Families
- The small scale and short walks suit children, and the minibus makes the longer drive easy.
- Couples
- The intimate pink temple, quiet in early light, is one of the most romantic at Angkor.
- Pair with
- Phnom Kulen on another day, or an evening at Phare after the drive back.
- Time needed
- A full day with the Grand Circuit, or half a day for Banteay Srei alone by private car.
Good questions
How far is Banteay Srei from Siem Reap?+
Banteay Srei is about 35 kilometres north-east of Siem Reap, roughly an hour by car or minibus. Most visitors combine it with the Grand Circuit temples on the way back.
Is Banteay Srei included in the Angkor Pass?+
Yes, Banteay Srei is covered by the Angkor Pass. The pass is not sold at the temple, so buy it beforehand online or at the Road 60 office.
Why is Banteay Srei pink?+
It is built of a fine-grained pink sandstone that takes very deep, precise carving. The colour is warmest in the early morning and late afternoon.
What time does Banteay Srei open?+
Banteay Srei opens at 6:00 and closes around 18:30. Arriving at opening gives you the best light and the fewest people.
Is the Viator tour private?+
No, it is a join-in tour by shared minibus with a guide, which keeps the price low. Private versions by car are also sold if you prefer your own pace.
