Half Day Sandstone Of Banteay Srei

General information

Destination	Category
Siem Reap, Cambodia	Sightseeing Tours

Program details

Enjoy three essential Cambodian experiences with this intriguing tour from Siem Reap that takes in Khmer crafts workshops and awe-inspiring ruins of the temples of Banteay Srei and Ta Prohm. Among the sights you’ll see is one that will be familiar to fans of Lara Croft and Tomb Raider.

Artisans d'Angkor is a cooperative of craftsmen who make an excellent range Khmer products from silk scarves and paintings to stone, wooden and polychrome statuettes such as Buddha and ganeisha, lacquer ware and jewellery. Walk around the workshops and see first-hand how the craftsmen work their materials using both ancient and modern techniques. This organisation helps to maintain old traditions alive while benefiting underdeveloped rural communities by providing jobs.

See some of the carvings and sculptures that inspire the craftsmen at the beautiful Banteay Srei temple. Its name means citadel of the beauty and as its rare pink sandstone walls break free from the jungle, it is easy to see why. Dating from the 10th century and dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, it is famed for its exquisite ornamental carvings of gods, demons, coiling serpents and floral garlands.

The final destination of this sensational trio is perhaps the most enchanting of all. The eerie Ta Prohm temple appears half-engulfed by the ever-encroaching jungle. Admire the intricate bas-relief carving and gaze in awe at the immense trees enveloping the ruins before stopping by the spots immortalised in Tomb Raider for a photo or two.

Meeting/pick-up point: Collection from the hotels in Siem Reap city.
Duration: Between three and four hours.
Start/opening time: 8.30am and 1.30pm.
Languages: English.