Top 5 Things to Know about Banteay Kdei

Banteay Kdei is a temple within the Angkor temple complex that offers absolute peace as it remains almost without any crowd owing to its distance from the main temple complex. Travelers who are not adventure seekers at heart generally skip the temples that stand at a distance from the main temple complex. Hence, this ancient beauty also skips the attention of many tourists with its solitary location.

If you have the desire to explore the inner soul of the Angkor archaeological park, pay a visit to Banteay Kdei to admire its elegance that still stands gloriously amidst the physical ruins.  Here are some of the most important facts about this temple.

Banteay Kdei, Cambodia

Quick Facts:

•  Time of construction: during the 12 century
•  The creator: King Jayavarman VII
•  The entry gate: the entrance is to the East of the temple
•  Special tips: keep 60 minutes in hand to explore the temple completely
•  Interesting fact: It has been an active Buddhist monastery until 1960

1. Enjoy the Tranquillity

Once upon a time, the Angkor dynasty and its kings ruled over this vast land, and it were them who made these magnificent edifices carved of bare stones. The first thing that will strike you surprisingly after stepping inside the Banteay Kdei temple premise is the perpetual peace that reigns here ever since the erstwhile glory has left its abode.

2. The Location

Evidently enough, the Banteay Kdei temple is located within the Angkor Archaeological Park. It is one of the must-see places of the small circuit that extends over a 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) loop. Since it is a part of the Angkor temple complex, you need a temple pass to visit this place.

There is an ancient bathing pool inside the complex known as Srah Srang. Banteay Kdei is located right opposite to it.

Nearby attractions: Ta Prohm Temple    Prasat Kravan Temple

3. The Excellent Architecture to Show its Lost Glory

Like most other Angkor temples, Banteay Kdei also has its share of architectural excellence. Though many parts of the temple have become prey to the weathering process, the remains are vocal enough about their lost glory.

The main gate of this temple features a design of five faces much like Angkor Thom. This is known as Gopuram. However, it also shares a resemblance with the Ta Prohm in terms of the hall of dancers placed before the entrance.

4. The History

According to historians, Banteay Kdei was built during the reign of Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century. The Gopuram or the main entrance with the faces reflect the presence of the king himself and his revered God, Lokevsara.

5. Spiritual Importance

Until 1960, Banteay Kdei used to be a Buddhist monastery. Hence, the spiritual importance of this place is apparent. Though, at present, the travelers will witness only the ruins of its past glory, the surrounding serenity and the remnants of the structure will offer legends of its past. It’s special to spend some lonesome time in this temple to feel its soul.

How to reach Banteay Kdei?

The temple is approximately 13 km (8.1 mi) from Siem Reap and over 6 km (3.7 mi) from the main Angkor Wat temple.

You can avail a Tuk-Tuk that will take around 15 minutes to reach the temple. If you are hiring a tuk-tuk make sure to carry a map and bargain before finalizing. The tuk-tuk fair price is settled at $15 but during the peak seasons you might have to pay $20. Taxis would typically charge more than $25 for a tour of the temple during the high season.

Also, bicycles are available on hire that take 1 hour approximately to reach the temple. The daily rental is approximately $1.5.

From the entrance of Angkor Wat, take the right from the main entrance of the Angkor Wat temple and take the next left. Take another left and wind right as the road winds. After a while, you can find the Banteay Kdei temple on your left. You will find the gate of Banteay Kdei as a dancer’s hall adorned with images of royal dancers will welcome you into the temple.

Pass Cost: For a day’s pass to the temple complex, the charges are $37 and for a three day pass, it would cost $62 per head. You can pay a visit to the temple between 9 am and 6pm.
Photography tip: try to use the combination of the green trees and the blue sky as the backdrop of the temple.

So far as Cambodia is concerned, Angkor Wat is the first name that appears in our minds thinking of this tropical destination. Owing to the splendid architectural structures that stand erect on a sprawling area surrounded by lush green woods, Angkor Wat is a traveler’s paradise in every sense. However, owing to its global fame, it attracts thousands of tourists every year to Cambodia and remains somewhat crowded throughout the year.

Cambodia is such an excellent choice for holiday destinations, and paying a visit to Banteay Kdei will only make it unforgettable.