Banteay Srei: Destination Guide

Overview

Banteay Srei, meaning "Citadel of the Women," is a 10th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, set apart from the main Angkor complex by its small scale and vivid pink sandstone. It's widely regarded as having the finest and most intricate stone carving in all of Angkor, with detail so delicate that early visitors assumed it must have been carved by women.

Because it sits about 30 km northeast of Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei is often paired with a half-day countryside trip rather than visited as a quick stop. The extra distance keeps crowds lighter than the main temples, and the surrounding drive passes rice paddies and small villages.

Best Photo Spots

Ornately carved pink sandstone central sanctuary towers at Banteay Srei (via Unsplash) — Central Sanctuary Carvings

Carved pediment above a library doorway at Banteay Srei (via Unsplash) — Library Pediment Relief

Close-up detail of Banteay Srei's distinctive pink sandstone carving (via Unsplash) — Pink Sandstone Detail

Banteay Srei's carved outer gateway and laterite wall (via Unsplash) — Moat & Outer Wall

Photography tips: timing, lens picks & less-crowded spotsShow less

Timing

Arrive right at opening (~7:30 AM), tour groups from Angkor Wat sunrise trips start arriving by mid-morning
Soft, even light in the early morning brings out the pink tone of the sandstone best, harsh midday sun flattens the carving detail

Lens & Gear

24–70mm covers both the small-scale sanctuary buildings and tighter carving details
90–105mm macro (if you have one) for genuinely close carving detail shots, the reliefs reward it
A polarizer helps cut glare on the sandstone's slightly glossy surface

Less-Crowded Spot

Everyone photographs the central sanctuary head-on from the main viewing path. Circle to the east side library pediments instead, similar carving quality, far fewer people in frame

More temples covered in the full Photography Guide.

Entry Fee & Hours

Banteay Srei is included in the standard Angkor Archaeological Park pass, so no separate ticket is needed if you already hold a 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day pass.

Pass	Price	Valid
1-Day Pass	$37	1 day
3-Day Pass	$62	10 days
7-Day Pass	$72	1 month
Children under 12	Free	N/A

Temple hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

How to Get There

Banteay Srei sits about 30 km (45 minutes) northeast of Siem Reap, past the main Angkor Wat cluster.

Tuk-tuk from Siem Reap: ~$20–25 round trip
Private car/driver: ~$40–50/day
Guided small-group tour
Often combined with a countryside/village stop

Banteay Srei