Banteay Srei - Siem Reap - TravBuddy

Not more than 20 kilometers north of Ankor, sits Banteay Srei. The name means 'The Citadel of Women" most likely because of the intricate carvings. Historians believe that the carvings here couldn't have possibly be done by a man but rather by women because of the detail and intricacy. Unlike the major sites of Ankor, Banteay Srei wasnt a royal temple but rather built by one of the kings counsellors. This temple small as it may be continues to surprise visitors because it clearly showcases the grandeur of Khmer Art.

I recommend visiting this temple whenever visiting to Ankor. Others would consider visiting it only when touring Ankor for a couple of days. I only had one and a half full days, yet didnt want to miss it. Your moto driver would most likely charge you more for going here, but in case you decide to go, i suggest you go right after you watch sunrise at Ankor Wat. (around 7-7:30 am). When I went, I was the first one to step in the grounds and i had the temple all to myself. When 8:30 came, tourists started to arrive. :)

There are many temple complexes in the Siem Reap area built by the Angkor God-Kings in the 10th-12th century. The most famous is Angkor Wat, but my favourite was the tiny Banteay Srei.

Banteay Srei was built in 967 by Rajendravarman II and Jayavarman V. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. This temple is very small by Angkor standards (~200m by ~100m compared to 1.5km by 1.3km for Angkor Wat), but is exceptional in the amazing amount of extremely intricate carvings carved into the red sandstone. Its construction is credited to a courtier named Yajnyavahara, who served as a counsellor to Rajendravarman. The foundation stela says that Yajnyavahara was a scholar and philanthropist.