Named after the Samré, an ancient people of Indochina, the temple uses the same materials as the Banteay Srei.
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
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 by lotus buds.
Large, comparatively flat temple displaying distinctively Angkor Wat-style architecture and artistry. The temple underwent extensive restoration this century by archaeologists using the anastylosis method. Banteay Samre was constructed around the same time as Angkor Wat. The style of the towers and balustrades bear strong resemblance to the towers of Angkor Wat and even more so to Khmer temple of Phimai in Thailand. Many of the carvings are in excellent condition. Banteay Samre is a bit off the Grand Circuit, near the southeast corner of the East Baray. The trip there is a nice little 3km road excursion through villages and paddies. Combine a visit to Banteay Srey with a stop at Banteay Samre on the way back.
Banteay Samre in Cambodia is somewhat "off the beaten track", located away from the more visited Angkor temples. The temple is named after the Samre, an ancient ethnic Indochinese tribe most likely related to the Khmers. Banteay, is a Khmer word for citadel. In its architecture and style the temple bears a very similar resemblance to both its neighbour, Banteay Srey, and the majestic Angkor Wat itself. Banteay Samre highlights would have to include the interior moat which when filled with water must have given the temple a mystical and peaceful sensation. And then of course, the temple's location and surroundings set within beautiful rice paddies and local villages. Distance from Siem Reap to Banteay Samre temple is 18km (28 minutes by car, 37 minutes by Tuk Tuk, approx 2 hours by bicycle). You can visit Banteay Samre anytime, and it's never particularly crowded due to its remote location. Allow up to an hour to explore, and later in the afternoon the sun will cast its best light over the temple. Our Banteay Samre plan is useful for orientation. An expert local tour guide from Siem Reap will ensure you get the very best from your visit and the journey from Siem Reap.
Banteay Samre's history is very hard to trace and much is left to speculation and interpretation. The name translated as "Citadel of the Samre", is not a distinct reference to its date of construction. Whats more, no inscription has been found for this temple, however historians have generally consented that it would have been built around the same time as Angkor Wat, as the architecture is of the classic art of the same period, although the architecture also suggests that amendments were made to the temple during the Bayon period.Banteay Samre Temple is a bit off the Grand Circuit, near the southeast corner of the East Baray. The trip there is a nice little 3km road excursion through villages and paddies. Combine a visit to Banteay Srey with a stop at Banteay Samre on the way back.
