Phumi Banteay Srei Favorites

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Favorite thing: There is a small Sen Pidor Rice field at the entrance of the Banteay Srei monument. Sen Pidor Rice is one of the rice species in Cambodia, and rice is widely grown in Cambodia and many other neighbouring countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Laos etc.

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Favorite thing: There is a big lotus pond at the entrance of the Banteay Srei monument, where there are lots of lotus plants and flowers, as well as freshwater fishes and ducks. There is a wooden walkway on top of this lotus pond and it leads to the toilet area.

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Favorite thing: Along the 1 hour journey from Siem Reap to Banteay Srei, you will see many rice fields on both sides of the road. Southeast Asia countries (including Cambodia) are the biggest producers of rice in the world, which is the main staple food in many Asia countries.

Rice plants need water to grow, so you will see many water channels next to the rice fields, which themselves are immersed in water.

Favorite thing: The entire temple is built with Laterite (A natural rock that was used to form the outer wall) and red sandstone. If you're a stone buff, it'll be a must-see.

The difference? Literite has a rougher feel than compared with the smoothed textured red sandstone.

Favorite thing: I was walking through each limestone door way only to be confronted with the next, and the next. I then realised that each door way looks like a photo frame.

Take your time to feel the carved limestone doorway as modern builders do not do doors the way the Cambodians used to.

Favorite thing: Your driver will know best what sites to take you to on the way to and back from Banteay Srei. Trust him!

One of the nice treats along the way are the villages you will come through. They are buzzing with activity, human and animalic, and are just a pleasant sight even if you dont stop here (you see more the slower your means of transportation - I went with a moto-ricksha which is actually too slow for the long ride to the temple (car or motorcycle get u there in a more reasonable time) but just slow enough to see the village life). If you want to stop there, the villagers like to sell you palm sugar wrapped in a leaf which may be worth taking home for your next home made curry.

You also get a glimpse of Cambodian politics in these villages, with local posts or supporters of the competing parties sporting colorful panels.