A Khmer Gem

 

Banteary Srei - meaning citadel of the women or citadel of beauty - was one of my favourite temples in the huge Angkor complex of temples.  It was over 20 km from the main temple of Angkor on a scenic road through paddy fields and villages in the fateful tuk tuk. 

The temple buildings are quite distinctive as they are carved from red (blush pink) sandstone and is smaller than many other temples.  The temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. The carvings are especially intricate and deep. It lives up to its reputation as a  Khmer gem.