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Our second day of exploring the Temples of Angkor in Cambodia led us to the distant but popular temple of Banteay Srei. It is a small temple, its buildings looking miniature compared to the other grand structures in Angkor, but what makes it so popular is its intricate wall carvings.

Banteay Srei is a 10th century Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva, and its red sandstone construction is what allowed these amazing carvings to happen. This temple is probably the best example of ancient Angkorian art and is a must see in my opinion.

Check out these photos and I think you will see what I mean.

Entrance to Banteay Srei in Angkor, Cambodia

Entrance to Banteay Srei

Path leading to Banteay Srei in Angkor, Cambodia

Ancient path leading to the temple complex

A window in Banteay Srei in Angkor, Cambodia

A window in Banteay Srei

Beautiful wall carving in Banteay Srei in Angkor, Cambodia

Beautiful wall carving

Ancient column in Banteay Srei in Angkor, Cambodia

An ancient column

Banteay Srei in Angkor, Cambodia

Banteay Srei

Carving above a door in Banteay Srei in Angkor, Cambodia

Carvings above a door

Flower carving in Banteay Srei in Angkor, Cambodia

A flower carving

Ancient temple in Banteay Srei in Angkor, Cambodia

Walking into the ancient temple

Shrine in Banteay Srei in Angkor, Cambodia

Beautiful building in Banteay Srei

Buildings in Banteay Srei in Angkor, Cambodia

Ancient shrines

Statues in Banteay Srei in Angkor, Cambodia

Statues in Banteay Srei

Sealed doorway in Banteay Srei in Angkor, Cambodia

A sealed doorway on one of the towers

Ancient towers of Banteay Srei in Angkor, Cambodia

The small but beautiful buildings of Banteay Srei

Sandstone carving at Banteay Srei in Angkor, Cambodia

Sandstone carving

Intricate carving in Banteay Srei in Angkor, Cambodia

Intricate carving in Banteay Srei

If you’re thinking of skipping Banteay Srei when you’re visiting the Temples of Angkor, don’t. It is well worth spending the time and extra money to go and see it.