Banteay Kdei - The entrance to the Banteay Kdei Temple
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Banteay Kdei

4.7
·2k reviews·Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

A peaceful Buddhist temple and monastery, Banteay Kdei offers a maze of sandstone chambers and intricate carvings, slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Banteay Kdei - The entrance to the Banteay Kdei Temple

Banteay Kdei

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A peaceful Buddhist temple and monastery, Banteay Kdei offers a maze of sandstone chambers and intricate carvings, slowly being reclaimed by nature.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"A perfect spot to soak in Angkor’s history without the crowds."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤫 Seek Quiet Moments

Banteay Kdei is less crowded than other Angkor temples, offering a tranquil experience. Enjoy the peace!

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Maze

Wander through the numerous chambers and galleries; it's a delightful maze to get lost in.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Maze of Chambers

The Maze of Chambers

Central ruins

Explore a fascinating labyrinth of sandstone chambers, offering a sense of discovery and historical immersion.

Bayon-Style Architecture

Bayon-Style Architecture

Towers and galleries

Admire intricate carvings and Bayon-style architecture, a blend of grandeur and decay.

Nature's Embrace

Nature's Embrace

Outer walls and courtyards

Witness nature reclaiming the temple, with roots intertwining with crumbling sandstone structures.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Serenity

Banteay Kdei offers a peaceful escape from the Angkor crowds. Its 'Citadel of Chambers' design is a maze of ruins, perfect for exploration. Consider visiting early to fully appreciate its quiet charm and historical depth.

Accessibility Insights

The West gate of Banteay Kdei provides the most accessible entry with a flat, sandy path. While full interior access may be limited, you can get close to the ruins. This makes it a great option for those with mobility considerations.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Angkor Wat + Banteay Srei Tour

🤫 Seek Quiet Moments

Banteay Kdei is less crowded than other Angkor temples, offering a tranquil experience. Enjoy the peace! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Maze

Wander through the numerous chambers and galleries; it's a delightful maze to get lost in. Reddit

reddit.com

Which temples and sites are recommended to see on a 2 day visit to Siem Reap the second week of July this year

reddit.com

Cambodia Trip Recommendations

☀️ Sunrise Spot

Consider visiting for sunrise; it's reported to be a beautiful and less crowded experience. Reddit

♿ Accessible Entry

The West gate offers a flat, sandy path, making it the most accessible entrance. Reddit

reddit.com

4 days in Siem Reap, how to tackle Angkor Wat & see as much as possible

Tips

from all over the internet

🤫 Seek Quiet Moments

Banteay Kdei is less crowded than other Angkor temples, offering a tranquil experience. Enjoy the peace! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Maze

Wander through the numerous chambers and galleries; it's a delightful maze to get lost in. Reddit

☀️ Sunrise Spot

Consider visiting for sunrise; it's reported to be a beautiful and less crowded experience. Reddit

♿ Accessible Entry

The West gate offers a flat, sandy path, making it the most accessible entrance. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Banteay Kdei for its peaceful atmosphere and fascinating maze-like ruins, offering a serene escape from the typical Angkor crowds. Its blend of Bayon-style architecture and nature's embrace creates a unique, mystical ambiance. While accessibility is better than some temples, full interior access can be limited.

"So beautiful, peaceful and quiet place.

Its name means “Citadel of Chambers”, which is apt; the ruins are a fascinating maze of chambers that are a delight to explore. Also serving as a Buddhist temple, these ruins have been home to an active monastery at multiple time periods since their construction in the 12th century, up until the 1960s.

It’s a good location to watch the sunrise as I heard."

Elena Titkova

"Visiting Banteay Kdei, also known as the “Citadel of Monks’ Cells,” was such a peaceful experience. Built in the 12th–13th century by King Jayavarman VII, the temple has beautiful Bayon-style architecture with crumbling walls, towers, and galleries that feel timeless. It’s smaller and quieter than the more famous temples, which makes wandering through its ruins even more special. A perfect spot to soak in Angkor’s history without the crowds"

Dr. Subhasree Ray

"♿ Accessibility:
Banteay Kdei is probably the most wheelchair accessible temple out of the popular ones. Best to take the West gate, which has no steps, and a flat sandy path towards the temple.

The temple has a pathway leading around it but also some accessible paths up to the ruins.

Going inside is still not possible but you can get close enough if you can manage a bit of a rough road."

Outboundclub - travel blog

What People Like

Peaceful and quiet
Maze-like chambers
Nature reclaiming ruins

What People Dislike

Limited interior access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Banteay Kdei is located within the Angkor Archaeological Park. You can hire a tuk-tuk or taxi from Siem Reap for a half-day or full-day tour. Many visitors combine it with nearby temples like Ta Prohm. The journey typically takes about 20-30 minutes from Siem Reap town. Reddit

Banteay Kdei is typically included on the 'Small Circuit' of the Angkor temples, often visited alongside Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat. Reddit

Tuk-tuks are a popular and affordable option for navigating the temples. Bicycles are also a great choice for independent exploration, especially for the smaller circuit. Reddit

While ride-sharing apps operate in Siem Reap, they may not be the most reliable for temple hopping within the park. Hiring a dedicated tuk-tuk driver for the day is often more convenient and cost-effective for exploring multiple sites. Reddit

Yes, Banteay Kdei is well-signposted within the Angkor Archaeological Park. Your tuk-tuk driver will know the way, and there are maps available at the park entrance. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, Banteay Kdei is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, so you will need an Angkor Pass to enter. Passes are available for 1, 3, or 7 days. Reddit

The Angkor Archaeological Park, including Banteay Kdei, is generally open from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Reddit

Prices for the Angkor Pass can vary, but typically a 1-day pass is around $37 USD, a 3-day pass is $62 USD, and a 7-day pass is $72 USD. It's best to check the official Angkor Enterprise website for the most current pricing. Reddit

No, you must purchase your Angkor Pass at the official ticket center before entering the park. You cannot buy tickets at individual temples like Banteay Kdei. Reddit

Beyond the Angkor Pass, there are no special entry requirements for Banteay Kdei. Dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, as it is a historical and religious site. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Banteay Kdei is known for its peaceful atmosphere, intricate Bayon-style architecture, and its 'Citadel of Chambers' layout, offering a maze-like exploration. It's less crowded than major temples. Reddit

Most visitors spend 1-2 hours at Banteay Kdei to explore its chambers and appreciate its unique atmosphere. Reddit

Absolutely! The interplay of light and shadow within the chambers, the crumbling sandstone, and the encroaching nature make Banteay Kdei a photographer's dream. Reddit

Banteay Kdei is considered one of the more accessible temples, especially via the West gate which has a flat, sandy path. While full interior access might be challenging, you can get close to the main structures. Reddit

Wear comfortable walking shoes and light, breathable clothing. Remember to dress respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees, as it's a historical and religious site. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

Look for the interplay of light filtering through the doorways and windows, the intricate carvings on the galleries, and the way nature is reclaiming the stone. The central courtyards and corridors offer great perspectives. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a warmer glow. Avoid midday sun which can be harsh. Reddit

Drone usage is generally restricted within the Angkor Archaeological Park to preserve the sites and for safety reasons. It's best to check the latest regulations with Angkor Enterprise. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the chambers and corridors. A prime lens can be great for detailed shots of carvings. A tripod might be helpful for low-light conditions, but be mindful of other visitors. Reddit

Focus on atmospheric shots: use leading lines from corridors, capture the textures of the stone and roots, and look for moments where light creates a sense of mystery. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Banteay Kdei offers a less crowded and more manageable experience for families. The 'maze-like' layout can be an exciting adventure for children, encouraging them to explore and discover. The relatively flat paths, especially from the West gate, make it easier to navigate with strollers or for younger children who tire easily. Reddit

While direct interaction with the ruins is limited, the sheer scale and the 'overgrown' nature of the temple can spark imagination. It's a great place to talk about history and nature's power in a less overwhelming environment compared to the larger, more imposing temples. Pack plenty of water and snacks, and consider a tuk-tuk for easy transport between sites. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Photographers

For solo travelers and photographers, Banteay Kdei is a gem. Its relative quietness allows for unhurried exploration and ample opportunities to capture stunning shots without the constant interference of crowds. The interplay of light and shadow within its many chambers, the intricate carvings, and the encroaching jungle provide endless photographic possibilities. Reddit

It’s a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the atmosphere, find unique angles, and appreciate the details of Khmer architecture. The 'mystical feeling' mentioned by visitors is particularly potent here, making it a rewarding experience for those seeking a deeper connection with the site and its artistic heritage. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Architecture of Banteay Kdei

Banteay Kdei, meaning 'Citadel of Monks' Cells,' is a significant Buddhist temple complex built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. It showcases a blend of architectural styles, notably incorporating elements of the Bayon style with its characteristic smiling faces, and the grandeur of Angkor Wat. The temple's layout is a fascinating maze of galleries, courtyards, and chambers, reflecting its dual purpose as a monastery and a place of worship. Unlike some of the more heavily restored temples, Banteay Kdei retains a sense of its original state, with nature beginning to reclaim its structures, adding to its mystical allure. Reddit

Architecturally, you'll find intricate bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology and daily life, though some are weathered by time. The temple's design emphasizes a sense of enclosure and contemplation, with its numerous cells and interconnected passages. The presence of a moat surrounding the complex further adds to its defensive and spiritual significance. Its history is marked by periods of activity and abandonment, with an active monastery existing until the 1960s, contributing to its unique atmosphere as a place where history and nature intertwine. Reddit

Experiencing Banteay Kdei's Tranquility

One of the most striking aspects of Banteay Kdei is its profound sense of peace. While the more famous temples like Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm can be overwhelmingly crowded, Banteay Kdei offers a welcome respite. Visitors often describe it as a 'peaceful and quiet place,' allowing for a more intimate connection with the ancient ruins. The 'Citadel of Chambers' design encourages slow exploration, inviting you to wander through its labyrinthine corridors and discover hidden corners at your own pace. Reddit

This tranquility makes it an ideal spot for reflection and soaking in the historical ambiance without the constant bustle of large tour groups. The way nature is slowly enveloping the sandstone structures—with trees growing through walls and roots entwining with stone—adds to the serene and almost forgotten feel of the place. It's this combination of historical depth and natural beauty that makes Banteay Kdei a truly special experience for those seeking a more contemplative visit to the Angkor complex. Reddit

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