Banteay Samré, Hindu temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Banteay Samré is a Hindu temple in Siem Reap with a central sanctuary surrounded by two concentric gallery enclosures. The layout connects these elements through a raised causeway extending eastward, creating a symmetrical approach to the main shrine.
Construction began in the early 12th century during the reign of Suryavarman II and continued under Yasovarman II. This period saw the building of several major temples across the region as part of a broad expansion of religious monuments.
The walls here display carved scenes from Hindu mythology, particularly stories from the Ramayana epic that visitors can see while walking through. These carvings tell ancient stories in stone and show what mattered to the people who built this place.
Visitors need an Angkor Archaeological Park pass to enter this temple, which opens at 7:30 AM and closes at 5:30 PM daily. Visiting early in the morning offers better light for viewing the carvings and exploring the grounds before midday heat builds up.
A French architect named Maurice Glaize carried out extensive restoration work between 1936 and 1944, rebuilding the eastern terrace and central shrine using original stones. This careful work helped preserve what visitors see today and shows how much effort goes into maintaining these ancient structures.
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