Banteay Srei: The Citadel of the Women

The drive to Banteay Srei is an extra $10. The drive is interesting, passing
through villages and farms. As we arrived at the temple, we saw bus after
bus parked, and realized that about a hundred tourists had just arrived at
the temple. We feared we had chosen a bad time, but our driver later told us
it is always that crowded. Perhaps that’s what happens when Dawn Rooney
calls it "everyone’s favorite temple." It’s a small temple, and the crowds
overwhelmed it. The carvings are in good condition and are exquisitely
detailed, but it’s the only temple where the carvings are roped off so you
can’t get close to them. That was sad, but necessary because of the large
crowds. We were able to take some lovely photos of the carvings. Still, we
felt we missed experiencing the temple. I would love to visit it when no one
else is there, just to soak in the silence.
-Kathie

Home • Angkor Wat • Angkor Thom • Terrace of the Elephants/Terrace of the Leper King • Bayon • Preah Khan • Neak Pean • Krol Ko • Ta Som • Roluos: Preah Ko/Bakong/Lolei • Prasat Kravan • Srah Srang • Banteay Kdei • Preah Rup • East Mebon • Ta Prohm • Ta Keo • Chau Say Tevoda • Thommanon • Baksei Chamkrong • Phnom Bakeng • Banteay Srei • Tonle Sap • Phnom Krom • Preah Pithu • The Khleangs • Siem Reap