Banteay Kdei

Cambodia - Angkor temples overview

Banteay Kdei, were Ta Prohm or Preah Khan to have had smaller temples built in their honour, would be the archetype of what they were looking to achieve. It was built between the late 12th or 13th centuries under Jayavarman VII, and like many of his projects, was so ambitious that actually to the casual observer it can seem quite a confusing temple to navigate. Dedicated to Buddhism, it is very similar to the Bayon style in its construction, and this is evident immediately when you arrive at the outer gopuras with Jayavarman's signature carved face-towers standing high and grand, representing, as appears to be the most agreed upon theory, both himself and the god Lokesvara. Another feature immediately noticeable as being similar to that of Ta Prohm or Preah Khan is the hall of dancers that precedes the entry into the main temple on the East side, a charming ancient dance hall decorated with apsara dancer bas-reliefs, and with a seated Buddha that watches over the entrance to the east side of the hall. Naga balustrades flank the causeway which leads you here, and then through the hall on the other side leads you to the main temple. Within the courtyards you can get a clear view of the towers, and there are some very interesting and well preserved devatas which decorate these towers.

Banteay Kdei tour notes

Distance from Siem Reap to Banteay Kdei is 10.5km (approx 15 minutes by car, 20 minutes by tuk-tuk, or an hour by bicycle). Take Charles de Gaulle Road to Angkor Wat and turn right at the T-junction on the south side of Angkor Wat. Continue past Prasat Kravan on your left (2.8km) and when you reach the landing point for Srah Srang on your right, Banteay Kdei will be on your left. An expert local tour guide from Siem Reap will ensure you get the very best from your visit here.