Banteay Srei Temple

Banteay Srei lies about 25 km north-east of the main Angkor group, near the hill of Phnom Dei. Consecrated in 967 CE, it is one of the few major temples not commissioned by a monarch.

Built from a hard red sandstone, it allowed carvers to work at an extraordinarily fine scale. The pediments and lintels are considered among the most accomplished decorative reliefs in Khmer art.

Its compact scale and warm colour make it a favourite for early morning or late afternoon visits, when the low sun brings the carvings into relief.