Recently Viewed
Kbal Spean, Banteay Srei & Banteay Samre Temple: Explore Ancient Hindu Carvings and Tranquil Temples
5.0
4 Ratings
Siem Reap
Embark on a journey through ancient Hindu carvings and tranquil temples at Kbal Spean, Banteay Srei, and Banteay Samre. Explore 9th-century riverbed carvings, a temple believed to be built by women, and a well-preserved 12th-century sanctuary.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Kbal Spean - We will pick you up after breakfast at 8 am to begin this tour. Our first stop is Kbal Spean, located about 45 km from Siem Reap City. This tour is ideal for those who are physically fit, as it involves a lot of uphill hiking. Here, you will witness the “River of a 1000 Lingas,” a collection of ancient stone carvings and numerous lingams, which are phallic symbols of Shiva found in and around the riverbed. You will also see carvings of other gods, including Vishnu, Brahma, and Lakshmi.
- Banteay Srei - Next, we will visit Banteay Srei, known as the “Citadel of the Women.” It is believed that the intricate carvings here could only have been made by the delicate hands of women. This stunning temple is essential for anyone interested in the rich history of the Khmer people. Banteay Srei was constructed during the reigns of Kings Rajendravarman II and Jayavarman V. The three main shrines of the temple are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.
- Banteay Samre - Our final stop is Banteay Samre, a 12th-century Hindu temple built in the style of Angkor Wat. Banteay Samre is an excellent temple to visit as it is off the main tourist path, allowing you to enjoy its magnificence in relative peace compared to the crowded Angkor Wat.
- Cambodia Landmine Museum - Optional: Visit the Cambodia Landmine Museum to learn about the history of the recent war in Cambodia from 1970 to 1998.
What's Included
- Air-conditioned transport: car, minivan, or minibus.
- Complimentary cold bottled water.
- Professional English-speaking tour guide.
What's Not Included
- One Day Angkor Pass ($37 USD per person)
- Food and Drinks
- Accommodation.
- Landmine museum ticket USD5 each person
Additional Information
Visiting Trio in a Single Day
-
Kbal Spean: An uphill trek of 1.5km leading to the discovery of riverbed carvings from the 9th century inclusive of 1000 Shiva Linga and various primary Hindu Deities.
-
Banteay Srei Temple: Convention holds that this temple was constructed by females due to its pink-hued sandstone, diminutive size, and the complexity of its ornamentation.
-
Banteay Samre Temple: Acknowledged as one of the most immaculately preserved temples dating back to the late 12th century and a beacon of tranquility within the confines of the Angkor site.
- Please note that all visitors must respect the strict dress code at the temples. Guests must cover their thighs and shoulders when entering the temple complex. If you are not wearing the correct clothing, you may be refused entrance to the temples.One-Day Angkor Pass required for each visitor. This is hill hiking good walking shoes is recommended.
Location
Kbal Spean
Angkor, Kulen Hills
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(4 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Fadanothai
Dec 9, 2023
Recommended! - Nice hike up to the waterfall over rocky paths with some flat and a little elevation. The waterfall is really nice to see. Banteay Srei is fantastic, with very nice carvings and Banteay Samre was very pretty and special. It was quieter than many of the other ruins. The tour guide was helpful and good humored and told some interesting stories about life in Cambodia.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I9041btjohannah
Nov 7, 2023
Again and again - We had such a great and informative day, we would book the tour again at any time. We not only learned a lot about the landmarks, but also a lot about current life in Cambodia.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jamesstephen_r
Dec 12, 2019
Fantastic Day - thank you Chen - This was the best trip of all, thank you Chen for make this day so special. The Kbal Spean was a wonder to see and Banteay Srei and Samre were amazing temples. Great trip!!!
Review provided by Viator
Aylette
Oct 21, 2019
Nature, antiquities and local family life all together in one place - The walk to the site was easy going. The mix of the forest, the water, the carvings, the river, the waterfall, and picnicking locals charmed us all. A good complement to Angkor.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
