Banteay Samre — Attraction in Siem Reap

Banteay Samre Temple

Banteay Samre Temple, located in the Angkor region of Cambodia, is a remarkable Hindu temple built in the early 12th century during the reigns of Kings Suryavarman II and Yasovarman II. Named after the Samré, an ancient ethnic group, the temple is a fine example of the Angkor Wat architectural style.

The temple's layout features a central sanctuary with a single tower, connected by an antarala (antechamber) to a mandapa (hall). This central structure is surrounded by two concentric gallery enclosures, creating a compact yet intricate design. The temple is approached via a 200-meter-long raised causeway from the east, which suggests it once enclosed a sizable town.

Banteay Samre is noted for its well-preserved carvings and lintels, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology, including battles between gods and demons. The central tower and surrounding structures are adorned with detailed bas-reliefs, showcasing the artistic prowess of the Khmer craftsmen.

One of the unique aspects of Banteay Samre is its similarity to the larger Angkor Wat temple, both in style and construction materials. The temple's sandstone and laterite structures have weathered the centuries well, allowing visitors to appreciate its original grandeur. The temple's design also includes elements that are reminiscent of the Phimai temple in Thailand, highlighting the cultural exchanges within the region.

Despite its historical significance, Banteay Samre is less frequented by tourists compared to other Angkor temples, offering a more serene and intimate experience. Its relative seclusion makes it an excellent spot for photography and quiet exploration.

Today, Banteay Samre stands as a testament to the architectural and cultural achievements of the Khmer Empire, providing valuable insights into the religious and social dynamics of the...

The temple is worth the extra effort to experience the elaborate architecture, and fine carvings, although theft has mutilated many of the temple's treasures. Banteay Samre is located 400 meters (1,312 miles) east of the East Baray. It can be accessed by enter and leave Banteay Samre from the east. It was built in the middle of the 12th century by king Suryavarman II (reigned 1113-1150) and dedicated to Hindu (dedicated to vishnu) with Art Style of Angkor Wat. Banteay Samre is one of the most complete complexes at Angkor due to restoration using the method of anastylosis. Unfortunately, the absence of maintenance over the past 20 years is evident. The name Samre refers to an ethnic group of mountain people, who inhabited the regions at the base of Phnom Kulen and were probably related to the Khmers. No inscription has been found for this temple, but the style of most of the architecture is of the classic art of the middle period similar to Angkor Wat. The monument most likely dates from the same period, or, perhaps, slightly later, although there are additions attributed to the Bayon style. The proportions of Banteay Samre are plended. A unique feature is an interior moat with laterite paving, which when filled with water must have given an ethereal atmosphere to the temple. All of the buildings around the moat are on a raised base with horizontal mouldings, decoreated in some areas with figures framed...

Cute temple dedicated to shiva and built around 12th century which has excellent architecture of central sanctum tower connected through cylindrical entrance hall.The central structure has a small courtyard around the inner corridors in four directions having four entrance mantapams and one is connected to the sanctum hall.It also has very big outer courtyard with gallery corridors having four entrance gopurams connected to the inner mantapams that makes it simple and elegant.There's some excellent sculpture on the gopurams and mantapams in the form of war scenes of ramayana,damaged nataraja, left over parts of amrutha madanam, dancing nataraja on yali lintel,narasimha removing the intestines of hiranyakasipu,concentrated face of nataraja with damaged body,few astadikpalas on their vehicles,kumara swamy sitting on peacock? or astadikpala,shiva piercing the spear into enemy and blackened anantha sheyanam gives us idea of it's grandeur in the...