Banteay Samré, Siem Reap

Name: Banteay Samré
Address: Banteay Srei, Siem Reap, Cambodia

#10 among attractions in Siem Reap

Temple, Architecture, Historical place, Ruins

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Facts and practical information

Nestled within the verdant landscapes of Siem Reap, Cambodia, Banteay Samré stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the ancient Khmer Empire. This lesser-known, yet no less captivating temple, exudes an aura of tranquility and timelessness, inviting visitors to step back into a bygone era of grandeur and devotion.

Constructed in the mid-12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II, Banteay Samré is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu. Its name, which translates to "The Citadel of the Samré," is derived from the now-assimilated ethnic group that once inhabited the region. The temple showcases the classic style of the same period as the iconic Angkor Wat, with which it shares many architectural similarities.

Banteay Samré is characterized by its intricate carvings and well-preserved bas-reliefs, which adorn the inner sanctum walls, depicting Hindu mythologies and the pantheon of gods. The temple's layout is a harmonious blend of symmetry and proportion, featuring a single tower at its core, encircled by laterite and sandstone walls. The central sanctuary is accessible through a series of elevated platforms and naga-guarded stairways, leading visitors into the heart of this serene sanctuary.

The temple complex is surrounded by a broad, now-dry moat, which would have once mirrored the celestial abode of the gods, further enhancing the sanctity of the site. Despite being off the beaten track compared to its famous neighbor, Angkor Wat, Banteay Samré offers a more intimate and contemplative experience for those who seek to delve into Cambodia's rich cultural heritage.

Local name: ប្រាសាទបន្ទាយសំរែ Completed: XII centuryCoordinates: 13°26'32"N, 103°57'32"E

Address

Banteay SreiSiem Reap Cambodia

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Siem Reap

Day trips

Banteay Samré – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, Neak Pean, Pre Rup.

4.7 miW
Temple ruins overgrown with trees
Ta Prohm, Siem Reap
121 min walk • Nestled amidst the dense jungles of Siem Reap, Cambodia, the ancient temple of Ta Prohm stands as a hauntingly beautiful testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the Khmer Empire. Constructed in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by King Jayavarman VII, Ta Prohm...
4.1 miW
Historic Buddhist temple with a moat
Banteay Kdei, Angkor Archaeological Park
105 min walk • In the heart of the majestic Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia, stands the serene and enigmatic temple of Banteay Kdei. This lesser-known gem of Khmer architecture offers a unique glimpse into the ancient world, inviting visitors to explore its tranquil...
4.5 miW
Buddhist temple on a manmade island
Neak Pean, Siem Reap
116 min walk • Nestled in the ancient city of Angkor, Siem Reap, Neak Pean stands as an extraordinary testament to the architectural ingenuity of the Khmer Empire. This unique temple, often overlooked amidst its more colossal neighbors, offers a serene and contemplative experience...
2.6 miW
Hindu temple ruins with panoramic views
Pre Rup, Siem Reap
67 min walk • Pre Rup, an ancient temple complex, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Khmer Empire in the city of Siem Reap, Cambodia. Constructed in the 10th century, Pre Rup served as the state temple of King Rajendravarman and is often associated with the traditional...
3.5 miNW
12th-century Buddhist temple
Ta Som, Siem Reap
89 min walk • Ta Som is a small temple at Angkor, Cambodia, built at the end of the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII. It is located north east of Angkor Thom and just east of Neak Pean.
5.2 miW
Historic Hindu temple with pyramid shape
Ta Keo, Angkor Archaeological Park
132 min walk • Ta Keo is a temple-mountain in Angkor, possibly the first to be built entirely of sandstone by Khmers.
4.3 miW
Temple, Historical place, Hindu temple
Prasat Kravan, Angkor Archaeological Park
109 min walk • Prasat Kravan is a small 10th-century temple consisting of five reddish brick towers on a common terrace, at Angkor, Cambodia, south of the artificial lake called Srah Srang. Its original Sanskrit name is unknown.
5.5 miW
Small, 12th-century temple in the jungle
Thommanon, Siem Reap
139 min walk • Thommanon is one of a pair of Hindu temples built during the reign of Suryavarman II at Angkor, Cambodia. The name of the temple is derived from the Pali words "Dhamma", which means 'Buddhist Teachings' and "Nanda", which means 'supreme wisdom'.
5.4 miW
Hindu temple dating to 12th century
Chau Say Tevoda, Siem Reap
139 min walk • Chau Say Tevoda is a temple at Angkor, Cambodia. It is just east of Angkor Thom, directly south of Thommanon across the Victory Way. Built in the mid-12th century, it is a Hindu temple in the Angkor Wat period. It is dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu with unique types of female sculptures of devatas enshrined in it.
2.3 miNE
Rectangular temple ruins on a hilltop
Phnom Bok, Siem Reap
59 min walk • Phnom Bok is a hill in the northeast of Eastern Baray in Cambodia, with a prasat of the same name built on it. It is one of the "trilogies of mountains", each of which has a temple with similar layout.
4.7 miN
Zoo, Nature and wildlife, Park
Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre, Siem Reap
121 min walk • Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre is a butterfly zoo near Siem Reap, Cambodia. Founded in 2009, it is the largest enclosed butterfly centre in Southeast Asia. The centre is sometimes referred to as the Angkor Butterfly Center.