Banteay Srei is a little out of the way for most temple exploring tours. But this is probably one of the can’t miss temples. It is around an hour away from the Banteay Samre, but I assure you, it is worth every single minute you spend there.
The entrance of Banteay Srei is already quite busy with tourists. Also, right outside is a small market selling “antiques” like paintings, statues and other similar items. It is interesting to explore the market but the main star is of course Banteay Srei itself.
Banteay Srei was finished in the late 10th century and in contrast to the other temples of Angkor, it was not built by royalty. The complex itself is quite small but the details are truly astounding. The temple is made of red sandstone which gives it that appealing color. It was also one of the first monuments of Angkor to be restored.
A tour around the complex of buildings of Banteay Srei is strictly limited to the outer enclosure. Visitors are not permitted to explore the innermost structures. Which is a good thing because some of the ones which are accessible to the public already show some vandalism such as decapitation of the figures which are rampant in other temples.
Even though it has restricted access, visitors will be awed by the highly intricate carvings done here. The gopuras and the prasats all display a huge variety of beautiful carvings. It makes me wonder how long it took for the builders to complete this temple complex.
Closer inspection of the carvings also reveal that these are not mere rock shaped to look like stuff. But the carvings also have depth, giving it a three dimensional appearance.
As mentioned the temple is quite small. But it is also quite popular for good reason. Thus busloads of tourists would be crammed into this small space. If you plan to visit Banteay Srei, it would be best if go in the morning. However, the noon sun also gives the carvings great contrast, highlighting the beauty and the mastery of carving of the ancient Khmers.
So if one were to ask me what was the temple which I liked the most, without a doubt, Banteay Srei would be at the top of my list.
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