Banteay Prei
A serene, less-restored temple offering a peaceful escape from the crowds, featuring unique termite mounds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Banteay Prei
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, less-restored temple offering a peaceful escape from the crowds, featuring unique termite mounds.
"This little gem of a temple is tucked away... you will have the whole place to yourself!"
🎯 Ask Your Driver
Request a stop from your tuk-tuk driver as a detour from Preah Khan. It's a short, rewarding addition!
🚶♂️ Easy Walk
A short, pleasant walk from Preah Khan temple makes it easily accessible. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Unspoiled Charm
Tucked away from main roads
Experience a relatively unrestored temple, offering a glimpse into its original state. You might have it all to yourself!
Unique Termite Mounds
Around the temple grounds
Discover fascinating, naturally formed termite mounds, a distinctive sight not commonly found at other Angkor temples.
Peaceful Exploration
Temple complex
Enjoy a tranquil visit with minimal crowds, allowing for quiet contemplation and unhurried exploration of this hidden gem.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity
Strategic Detour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Angkor Wat + Banteay Srei Tour
🎯 Ask Your Driver
Request a stop from your tuk-tuk driver as a detour from Preah Khan. It's a short, rewarding addition!
🚶♂️ Easy Walk
A short, pleasant walk from Preah Khan temple makes it easily accessible. :athletic_shoe:
2 day trip planned for Siem Reap - feedback requested
feedback on 2 days in siem reap
🤫 Enjoy the Quiet
This temple is often empty, offering a rare chance for peaceful exploration. :person_walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ask Your Driver
Request a stop from your tuk-tuk driver as a detour from Preah Khan. It's a short, rewarding addition!
🚶♂️ Easy Walk
A short, pleasant walk from Preah Khan temple makes it easily accessible. :athletic_shoe:
🤫 Enjoy the Quiet
This temple is often empty, offering a rare chance for peaceful exploration. :person_walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Banteay Prei is praised as a peaceful, overlooked gem offering a unique, less-restored glimpse into Angkor's past. Visitors appreciate its quiet atmosphere and the chance to explore without crowds, though its smaller size means it's best as a short detour rather than a primary destination.
"A smaller temple overlooked by tourists, which is perfect. Maybe not worth it’s own trip, but an easy short walk from Preah Khan"
Darren Barton
"Hidden place in Angkor. In renovation but you can see things you won’t find elsewhere. Termites mounds."
Patrick
"This little gem of a temple is tucked away from the main road, maybe 300 meters or so. I wouldn't have even known about it had I not seen the sign for it while riding my bike around. It isn't on the typical tours and as a result few people that come to Angkor wind up visiting.
That's a shame because this relatively unrestored temple is perfect. It is small but there is a lot to see in such a small space. It is relatively unrestored, but easy to walk around in safely. And when you come here, there is a very good chance you will have the whole place to yourself.
Although this place isn't on the Grand Circuit, it is less than a half a kilometer detour after you are done with Preah Khan temple. I would definitely recommend you asking your driver if you can stop by this one for a few minutes if you have time. It is worth it in my opinion."
Gunnar Caya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Banteay Prei is best accessed as a detour from Preah Khan temple. Most visitors arrange a tuk-tuk or private car for their Angkor tours and can ask their driver to include this smaller temple. It's a short walk from Preah Khan, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.
No, Banteay Prei is not typically included in the standard Grand Circuit route. It requires a specific request to your driver as it's a slight detour.
Yes, if you are cycling around the Angkor complex, Banteay Prei is accessible via bike paths. It's a good stop for cyclists exploring the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Banteay Prei is within the Angkor Archaeological Park. Your Angkor Pass will grant you entry to this temple along with others in the complex. :ticket:
Banteay Prei follows the general opening hours of the Angkor Archaeological Park, typically from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. :clock1:
One of the biggest draws of Banteay Prei is its lack of crowds. It's often overlooked, meaning you're likely to have a peaceful experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The relatively unrestored nature of Banteay Prei offers unique photographic opportunities. Look for interesting textures, the unique termite mounds, and the quiet, atmospheric corners of the temple. The lack of crowds makes it easier to capture unobstructed shots. :camerawithflash:
Yes, due to its off-the-beaten-path location, Banteay Prei is one of the best temples in Angkor for taking photos without other tourists present.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Banteay Prei is known for its less-restored state, offering a more authentic and raw glimpse into ancient architecture. It also features distinctive termite mounds.
Since it's a smaller temple and often less crowded, 30-60 minutes is usually sufficient to explore Banteay Prei thoroughly.
Restroom facilities are generally limited at the smaller temples like Banteay Prei. It's advisable to use facilities at larger temples like Angkor Wat or Preah Khan before visiting. :toilet:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Since it's a short detour from Preah Khan, it's easy to incorporate without adding significant travel time. Pack plenty of water and snacks, as amenities are scarce. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a good spot for a brief, engaging history lesson or a moment of quiet observation amidst a busy temple itinerary.
🚶♂️ Solo Travelers & Budget Explorers
It offers a chance to experience a different facet of Angkor – the beauty of a less-manicured site. This can be particularly appealing for those seeking a more authentic and less commercialized experience, allowing for deeper reflection and personal discovery within the vast Angkor complex.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Unrestored
The temple's smaller scale, combined with its less-restored state, creates an intimate atmosphere. You can wander through its corridors and courtyards with a sense of discovery, imagining what life was like centuries ago. The presence of natural elements, such as the striking termite mounds, further enhances its unique character, making it a fascinating study for those interested in the interplay between ancient structures and the natural world.
While it might not boast the monumental scale of Angkor Wat or the intricate carvings of Banteay Srei, Banteay Prei offers a different kind of magic. It's a place for quiet contemplation, a chance to connect with the past in a more personal and undisturbed way. Its charm lies in its simplicity and its ability to transport you back in time without the distractions of large crowds.
A Photographer's Quiet Haven
The most significant advantage for photographers is the near absence of crowds. This allows for unobstructed views and the freedom to compose shots without the need to wait for people to move. You can capture the serene beauty of the temple, focusing on details, patterns, and the overall sense of tranquility. The distinctive termite mounds also offer unusual and captivating subjects for your lens. :camerawithflash:
Visiting in the late afternoon can be particularly rewarding, as the golden hour light bathes the temple in a warm glow, enhancing its textures and colors. This quiet temple provides an excellent opportunity to practice your composition skills and capture the essence of Angkor's less-visited, yet equally captivating, historical sites.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit