Banteay Kdei temple

Banteay Kdei Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Angkor, Cambodia. It was built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, who was known to be a great builder and a great patron of the arts.
The temple was built in a similar architectural style to its contemporaries, such as Angkor Wat and the Chau say tevoda temple, but is smaller and less ornate. However, it is considered a remarkable example of Khmer architecture of the period.
The temple is composed of a large central courtyard surrounded by galleries and sanctuaries. There is a large central tower called “prasat” which was dedicated to the Buddha and Buddhist deities. There are also numerous statues of Buddha and Buddhist deities, which adorn the galleries and shrines.
The temple was abandoned after the fall of the Khmer dynasty in the 15th century and was overrun by jungle for centuries. It was rediscovered in the 19th century by French archaeologists and was restored in the 1900s. Today it is one of the most visited sites in Angkor and is considered a symbol of the cultural and architectural richness of the ancient Khmer empire. Although it is less known and less crowded than Angkor Wat or the Angkor Thom temple, it is a destination not to be missed for lovers of history and architecture.

Architecture

The architecture of Banteay Kdei temple is similar to other Khmer temples of the same era, such as Angkor Wat and Chau say tevoda temple. It is built in an architectural style characteristic of the period, with thick sandstone walls, central towers called “prasat” and galleries decorated with bas-reliefs and statues of Buddhist deities.
The central tower is dedicated to Buddha and Buddhist deities. It is decorated with bas-reliefs and statues which represent the different incarnations of the Buddha and Buddhist deities. The galleries are also decorated with bas-reliefs which depict scenes from daily life, as well as mythological scenes.
The temple is built of sandstone, a strong and durable stone used for the construction of Khmer temples. The sandstone is precision cut to fit together perfectly, without the use of mortar or cement. This allowed the temple to withstand the elements for centuries.
Overall, the architecture of Banteay Kdei Temple is an outstanding example of Khmer technology, engineering and art of the time. It is a fascinating testimony to the architecture, history and culture of the ancient Khmer empire. It is smaller and less ornate than Angkor’s other famous temples, but it is considered a hidden architectural gem for history and architecture buffs.

Visit

Visiting the Banteay Kdei temple is an unmissable experience for lovers of archeology and history. It is located in the ancient city of Angkor, a few kilometers from the modern city of Siem Reap. It is generally accessible by car or tuk-tuk.
Once there, you can discover the different parts of the temple, such as the large central courtyard surrounded by galleries and sanctuaries. You can also admire the bas-reliefs and statues of Buddha and Buddhist deities that adorn the galleries and sanctuaries. It is also interesting to walk through the galleries to discover the scenes of daily life and the mythological scenes represented there.
It is advisable to visit the temple early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
In general, visiting Banteay Kdei Temple is a journey back in time to discover the architecture, history and culture of the ancient Khmer Empire. It is a fascinating testimony to the technology, engineering and art of the time. It is less known and less crowded than the other famous temples of Angkor, but it is a hidden architectural gem for history and architecture lovers.

Opening hours

Most temples are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.

• Angkor Wat : 5h – 17h30
• Baphuon : 7h30 – 17h30
• Banteay Srei : 7h30 – 17h30
• Bayon : 7h30 – 17h30
• Bakheng : 5h – 19h
• Srah Srang : 5h – 17h30
• Pre Khan : 7h30 – 17h30
• Prè Rup : 5h – 19h
• Phnom Bakheng : 5h – 19h

Times given as an indication, but guides and tuk-tuks know them very well.

You will easily find restaurants and merchants that offer good meals with good Khmer recipes for your meals during your visit.
On the site, you will also find where to stay during your stay in Cambodia.