Banteay Srei and Grand Circuit Temples Tour Siem Reap

Banteay Srei, the pink-sandstone temple

Banteay Srei was consecrated in 967 and is unusual because it was not built by a king: a Brahmin adviser to the court, Yajnavaraha, founded it as a temple to Shiva. It is small but extraordinary, made of pink sandstone that has been carved so deeply and cleanly that the lintels and pediments look like lace. Scenes from Hindu epics, dancers and floral scrolls cover almost every surface.

Many people ask whether Banteay Srei is worth visiting, given that it lies about 25 kilometres beyond the main temples. The honest answer is yes: it is the best place at Angkor to see the fine detail of Khmer sculpture up close. Go early, when the light warms the stone, and your guide will point out the carvings to look for. Opening hours change by season.

Preah Khan, the temple-city

Preah Khan was founded in 1191 by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist temple and a centre of learning, and it is one of the largest complexes on the Grand Circuit. Long stone corridors run east and west through gateways, and in places giant trees have taken hold on the walls, though less dramatically than at Ta Prohm.

Your guide explains the layout and the story of the temple, including the two-storey building with round columns that stands near the centre. Preah Khan works well on a Grand Circuit tour because it is big enough to explore for half an hour or more without crowds.

Neak Pean and Ta Som

Neak Pean is a small Buddhist temple on an island in the middle of a man-made pool, reached by a wooden walkway across the water. A central sanctuary sits among four smaller pools, and the design is linked to the idea of healing waters. It is quiet and photogenic, especially after the rains when the surrounding area is flooded.

Ta Som, a short drive away, is a modest late-twelfth-century temple. Its east gate is famous because a huge tree grows over the top, roots draped down both sides. You can walk through the small complex in about 20 minutes, making it a pleasant break before the last stops.

East Mebon and Pre Rup

East Mebon was built in 952 under King Rajendravarman on an island in a huge man-made reservoir that has long since dried up. Look for the stone elephants that stand at the corners of its terraces. Nearby, Pre Rup, consecrated in 961, is a stepped temple-mountain of red laterite and brick that rises in three levels.

If you ask when the best time to visit Pre Rup is, the answer is late in the day, when the stone glows and the view of the forest is wide. The Grand Circuit tour is planned so you reach it later in the afternoon, subject to the route and the weather.

Planning the day: Angkor pass, timing and how to get there

People often ask how to get to Banteay Srei from Siem Reap. On this tour, you are collected at your hotel between 7:40 and 8:10 AM and the tour leaves at 8:30 sharp, so you do not need to arrange transport. The drive to Banteay Srei takes roughly 45 minutes from the city.

The Angkor temple pass, lunch and tips are not included in the price. Bring your pass or buy one at the official ticket office, and carry cash for lunch. Cover your shoulders and knees at the temples, wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection. Bottled water and cooling face wipes are provided.