Banteay Samre: A Miniature Angkor Wat

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Discover Banteay Samre, a serene and well-preserved Angkorian temple showcasing exquisite Khmer architecture and intricate Hindu carvings.

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Banteay Samre

Banteay Samre, a 12th-century Hindu temple near Siem Reap, Cambodia, offers a serene escape with its well-preserved Angkor Wat-style architecture. Dedicated to Vishnu, it features intricate carvings and a unique legend, providing a captivating glimpse into the Khmer empire's religious and architectural prowess.

A brief summary to Banteay Samre

17000 Sok San Road, Krong Siem Reap, KH
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Monday 7:30 am-5:30 pm
Tuesday 7:30 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 7:30 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 7:30 am-5:30 pm
Friday 7:30 am-5:30 pm
Saturday 7:30 am-5:30 pm
Sunday 7:30 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience the temple in softer light.
Combine your visit with nearby Banteay Srei for a comprehensive temple tour.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking on uneven surfaces.
Hire a local guide to learn more about the temple's history, mythology, and unique features.
Respect the sacredness of the site by dressing modestly (shoulders and knees covered).

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Prasat Top (East)

Prasat Top (East): Angkor's Serene Secret

Krol Ko

Krol Ko: The Serene Temple of the Oxen

The Goddess Prajnaparamita

The Goddess Prajnaparamita: A Glimpse into Khmer Wisdom

Getting There

Tuk-tuk

From Siem Reap, hire a tuk-tuk for a direct ride to Banteay Samre. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes. Negotiate the price beforehand; a one-way trip typically costs around $5. Alternatively, a full-day tour including Banteay Samre and other temples can be arranged for about $25. Ensure the tuk-tuk driver knows the exact location to avoid any confusion.
Taxi

A taxi from Siem Reap to Banteay Samre offers a comfortable and faster option. The ride takes around 34-43 minutes. Expect to pay between $24 and $35 for a one-way trip. Taxis can be booked through your hotel or via ride-hailing apps like Grab or PassApp. Confirm the fare before starting the journey.
Car

Renting a car with a driver provides flexibility and comfort for visiting Banteay Samre. A full-day rental typically costs $30-$50. The drive from Siem Reap takes approximately 34-43 minutes. This option allows you to explore other nearby temples and attractions at your own pace. Parking is available near the temple entrance.

Discover more about Banteay Samre

Banteay Samre, meaning "The Citadel of the Samré," is a captivating temple located approximately 13 km from Siem Reap, Cambodia. Built in the early 12th century during the reigns of Kings Suryavarman II and Yasovarman II, this Hindu temple mirrors the architectural style of Angkor Wat, often likened to a miniature version of the grand monument. It is believed that Banteay Samre was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Despite the temple's architectural significance, much of its history remains speculative due to the scarcity of inscriptions and definitive historical records. The temple's name derives from the Samré people, an ancient Indochinese group who inhabited the region. Banteay Samre stands as a testament to the architectural and spiritual achievements of the Khmer Empire. The temple's design features a central tower connected to a mandapa (antechamber) via an antarala (small corridor), flanked by two libraries. Two concentric gallery enclosures surround the ensemble. The outer enclosure wall stands six meters high, with gopuras (entrance towers) at the cardinal points. The inner enclosure also features gopuras. The temple is approached from the east by a 200-meter-long raised causeway, suggesting the temple once enclosed a sizable town. Maurice Glaize of a French archaeological team meticulously restored Banteay Samre between 1936 and 1944 using the anastylosis method. The temple showcases a blend of Hindu and Buddhist elements. The monument contains both Hindu and Buddhist depictions. The images of the Buddha were destroyed, probably around the mid-13th century, when Jayavarman VIII came to power. The temple's carvings depict scenes from Hindu mythology, including the fight between Rama and the ten-headed Ravana, Indra riding Airavata, and Hanuman carrying a mountain. Banteay Samre is also associated with the legend of the Cucumber King, a tale of a local farmer who became king. The temple's tranquil atmosphere and well-preserved carvings offer an intimate and personal experience, insulating visitors from the outside world.