Banteay Srei

ប្រាសាទបន្ទាយស្រី

A small 10th-century Hindu temple in rose-pink sandstone, covered in reliefs deep enough to cast real shadows.

Quick facts

Pass Type: Angkor Pass ($37-$72)
Entry Fee USD: Included
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Commissioning King: Jayavarman V
Century Built: 10th Century
Religion & Primary Deity: Hindu · Shiva
Circuit: Outer Temple
Distance from Siem Reap: 37 km
Best Time to Visit: Morning, when low light picks out the pink sandstone

Nicknames and famous highlights

Pink Sandstone Temples Pink Sandstone TempleCitadel of WomenJewel of Khmer ArtPink sandstone pedimentsIndra on AiravataMiniature scaleTwo library buildings

History and architecture

Banteay Srei was consecrated in 967 by the Brahmin Yajnavaraha, a scholar and priest at the court of Rajendravarman II and Jayavarman V. It was not a royal state temple, which is why the shrines are miniature. The pink sandstone holds the sharpest Hindu narrative pediments at Angkor, including Indra on the elephant Airavata. The popular name means Citadel of Women, a later nickname rather than the original dedication to Shiva. The temple was looted in 1923, an episode that involved André Malraux, and the recovered pieces helped push Cambodia toward stronger protection of the sites. It is covered by the Angkor Pass.

How to get to Banteay Srei

Origin	Distance	Duration	Modes
Siem Reap	37 km	45 min–1.3 h	Tuk-tuk, Private car, Bicycle

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to visit Banteay Srei?

Banteay Srei is covered by Angkor Pass ($37-$72) and has no extra per-temple fee in this directory.

What are the opening hours of Banteay Srei?

Banteay Srei is listed as open 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM. Best time to visit: Morning, when low light picks out the pink sandstone.

Who built Banteay Srei?

Commissioned under Jayavarman V, 10th Century, 967, dedicated to Shiva. The religion recorded here is Hindu.

What is Banteay Srei known for?

Also called Pink Sandstone Temple, Citadel of Women, Jewel of Khmer Art. Known for Pink sandstone pediments, Indra on Airavata, Miniature scale, Two library buildings. Filed under Pink Sandstone Temples

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