Banteay Kdei, Siem Reap

Buddhist Temple in Siem Reap

Banteay Kdei
Banteay Kdei
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Clay Gilliland

Banteay Kdei is a Buddhist temple in Angkor that feels like a quieter cousin to the more famous “jungle temples.” Built under King Jayavarman VII, it's a citadel of corridors, gates, and enclosed courtyards where the reward is not a single grand viewpoint, but the slow pleasure of moving through shaded galleries and discovering little details as your eyes adjust.

It also has a lived-in, slightly fragile beauty. Because the sandstone here was not the strongest, parts of the temple have slumped and softened over time, and ongoing restoration is part of the present-day experience. If you like ruins that feel atmospheric rather than polished, Banteay Kdei is a very satisfying stop-especially when paired with nearby Ta Prohm and the reflective water of Srah Srang.

History and Significance of Banteay Kdei

Banteay Kdei was built in the late 12th to early 13th century during the reign of Jayavarman VII, the great Buddhist builder of Angkor. Its name is commonly translated as “Citadel of Chambers,” and it's also known as the “Citadel of Monks' Cells,” reflecting how the complex's many small spaces and galleries suit a monastic, communal function rather than a single royal showcase.

Architecturally, it follows the Bayon-era language you see across Jayavarman VII's projects: enclosed compounds, repeated gateways, and a sense of procession through nested spaces. The plan is less complex than Ta Prohm or Preah Khan, which makes it easier to understand on a quick visit, yet still rich enough to feel like a real temple “world” once you're inside the walls.

The temple's later story is as important as its origin. Poor construction and lower-quality sandstone contributed to long-term deterioration, and the site was occupied by monks at various points until the 1960s. Today, restoration continues, and that combination of sacred past, abandonment, and careful repair is part of what gives Banteay Kdei its quiet emotional pull.

Things to See and Do in Banteay Kdei

Enter with the expectation of a maze. The pleasure here is moving through the two enclosure walls and the concentric galleries, watching doorways frame other doorways, and letting the temple reveal itself in layers rather than all at once. Early in the day, the light sits beautifully in the corridors, and the temple can feel almost private compared with the big headline stops.

Look for the rhythm of the architecture: gopuras (gate towers), long galleries, and small courtyard-like spaces where you can pause, listen, and reset your pace. If you've already done Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei is a good contrast-less dramatic vegetation, but a calmer, more meditative feeling as you wander.

If you enjoy building a mini-route, link it with Srah Srang. The reservoir sits right nearby and is one of the easiest places in Angkor to catch a peaceful moment by water, which pairs perfectly with Banteay Kdei’s monastic mood.

How to Get to Banteay Kdei

The nearest airport is Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI), with onward transfers into Siem Reap and then into Angkor Archaeological Park. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Siem Reap on Booking.com.

There is no practical train service for visitors to reach Siem Reap and Angkor, so arrival is usually by flight or long-distance bus from Phnom Penh or the Thai border areas. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

From Siem Reap, the simplest approach is to hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day (or a taxi) and run Banteay Kdei as part of the Small Circuit, often combined with Ta Prohm and Srah Srang. If you are travelling by car, start early to reduce heat and traffic inside the park, and keep cash ready for small parking and stop-and-wait logistics.

Practical Tips on Visiting Banteay Kdei

  • Entrance fee: Angkor Archaeological Park Pass required: 1-day US$37; 3-day US$62; 7-day US$72.
  • Opening hours: Daily: 07:30–17:30.
  • Official website: https://apsaraauthority.gov.kh/2021/08/03/banteay-kdei-2/
  • Best time to visit: Early morning for softer light and fewer people, or late afternoon when many groups have already moved on.
  • How long to spend: 45-75 minutes is ideal, longer if you like slow photography and quiet wandering through the galleries.
  • Accessibility: Expect uneven stone, steps, and narrow passages in places; it’s rewarding, but not a smooth, step-free site.
  • Facilities: Bring water and sun protection; services are limited at the temple itself, so plan food and longer breaks around Siem Reap or larger Angkor stops.

Where to Stay Close to Banteay Kdei

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in central Siem Reap near the river and Old Market area for the easiest evenings and quick early starts into Angkor, while a resort-style base slightly out of town suits travellers prioritising pools, quiet, and recovery between temple days.

If you want a polished, central luxury base that makes sunrise starts and post-temple dining effortless, stay at Park Hyatt Siem Reap. For a stylish boutique feel with strong service and a location that keeps the town-and-temples balance easy, consider Shinta Mani Angkor. For a well-priced, comfortable option close to Siem Reap’s restaurants and evening atmosphere, Golden Temple Residence is a dependable choice.

Is Banteay Kdei Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you value atmosphere over “big-ticket” drama. Banteay Kdei delivers that classic Angkor feeling-corridors, carved stone, and quiet corners-without demanding the same crowd tolerance as the headline temples, and it pairs brilliantly with nearby stops.

Honest pivot: if you only have one day in Angkor and you are already committed to Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei can be the one you skip to protect your energy. It's best for travellers who want one extra temple that feels calm, maze-like, and a little under the radar.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (1,680)

Banteay Kdei Temple, in the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, is an unrestored sandstone Buddhist temple and former monastery ringed by a moat and laterite walls; visitors describe a peaceful, quiet site with a maze of chambers, enclosures and galleries to wander, attractive greenery and forested surroundings that make for good photos and a tranquil alternative to busier temples, with a notably striking gate and pleasant views.

kat
2 weeks ago
"Peaceful “little” temple. You can choose to walk straight through it or explore the vast chambers and rooms around. Highly recommended for just achill walk around explore experience. Was generally quite quiet when we went too. Must see in the area especially if you like trees as well...."
Chetra Yoeurn
a week ago
"Situated within the Angkor Archeological Park, Banteay Kdei, also known as the Citadel of Chambers, is a Buddhist temple constructed in the late 12thcentury. The temple offers a profound sense of tranquility and stu ing views. Additionally, I am particularly fond of the gate following my visit to the temple as it is truly spectacular...."
Seng Pheng
3 months ago
"My explore at Banteay Kdei temple, or "Prasat Banteay Kdei" in Khmer. Banteay Kdei, which means "A Citadel of Chambers," is a Buddhist temple in theAngkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap Cambodia. I really love this temple, there beauty and peaceful of the natural surroundings. Here's what you should know about it:nKey Informatio Builder: It was built by King Jayavarman VII, the same king responsible for the famous Bayon and Ta Prohm temples. Time Period: Construction took place in the late 12th to early 13th century. Architectural Style: It is built in the Bayon style, and you'll see many similarities to Ta Prohm, though on a smaller and less complex scale. Religious Purpose: It was primarily a Buddhist monastery and was actively used by monks for a long time. Architectural HighlightsnThe temple is surrounded by a large laterite wall. The main entrance features a gopura, or gate, decorated with the iconic, smiling faces characteristic of the Bayon period. As you walk through the complex, you will pass through multiple enclosures and galleries before reaching the central sanctuary. You can still see various Buddhist carvings and reliefs, including depictions of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Why It's Special Banteay Kdei is known for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great alternative to the more crowded temples like Angkor Wat. It's located directly across from the large reservoir known as Srah Srang. The temple is in a state of ruin, partly because of the lower-quality sandstone and the speed at which it was built. In 2001, archaeologists made a significant discovery here, unearthing a cache of buried Buddhist statues, which further confirmed its religious importance. That’s all my story for Google Contribution this time, I hope it’s useful. If there is something that doesn’t match my writing, please confirm so I can fix it. Thank you...."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Banteay Kdei works well for families if you treat it like an exploration temple rather than a history lecture. The corridors and repeated gateways make it easy to turn the visit into a simple “find the next doorway” game, and it's often less stressful than busier sites where kids feel hemmed in by crowds.

The main watch-outs are heat and footing. Keep the visit short and positive, build in water breaks, and avoid pushing too deep into tight passages if you’re managing strollers or younger children who tire quickly on uneven stone.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Banteay Kdei is a strong “quiet Angkor” choice. It has a gentler mood than the blockbuster temples, and the experience feels more like wandering through a hidden place together than queueing through a checklist of sights.

To make it feel especially romantic, pair it with Srah Srang for a waterside pause, then plan a slow return to Siem Reap for a late breakfast or an easy lunch. The best version of this visit is unhurried: fewer photos, more atmosphere.

Budget Travelers

Banteay Kdei is excellent value because it's included on the Angkor Pass and doesn't require special add-ons or complicated logistics. If you're watching costs, it's an easy way to add depth to a Small Circuit day without paying for extra transport beyond what you've already arranged.

It’s also a smart “crowd-avoidance” pick, which matters on a budget because you get more enjoyment per hour when you’re not stuck in bottlenecks. Aim for early morning, move slowly, and let this be one of the calmer chapters of your Angkor itinerary.

FAQs for Visiting Banteay Kdei

Getting There

It sits on the Small Circuit area of Angkor Archaeological Park, close to Ta Prohm and near the Srah Srang reservoir. It’s a convenient add-on rather than a remote detour.
Hire a tuk-tuk driver for the half-day or full day and include it on a Small Circuit route. Most drivers know the temple well and can time it around nearby stops.
Yes, it’s one of the most walkable pairings in Angkor. The connection is straightforward and feels like a natural continuation rather than a separate journey.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s covered under the Angkor Archaeological Park Pass. Your pass is what matters at the entrance checkpoints in the park.
Occasional sections can be restricted if conservation is underway. If you encounter closed areas, the best approach is to treat it as part of the experience and focus on the open galleries rather than forcing a full loop.

Visiting Experience

You can get a satisfying visit in about 30-45 minutes by doing a simple loop through the main galleries. If you like photography and quiet corners, plan closer to an hour.
Yes, because it offers a calmer, more maze-like experience that complements Ta Prohm’s dramatic atmosphere. Many travellers find it refreshing precisely because it feels less “performative” and more quietly immersive.
A simple, satisfying loop is Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, then a pause at Srah Srang. It keeps distances short and gives you both temple atmosphere and water-side calm.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

A guide helps if you want architectural context and a clear read on what you’re seeing in the galleries. If you prefer independent wandering, this temple still works very well because the experience is intuitive and sensory.
Some do, but many focus on the biggest names and move quickly. If Banteay Kdei matters to you, mention it to your driver or tour operator early so it’s built into the route.

Photography

Yes, especially for corridor framing, textured stone, and softer, less crowded compositions. The temple rewards slower shooting rather than single “hero” viewpoints.
Early morning is best for gentle light and fewer people. Late afternoon can also be excellent when the temple feels quieter and the shadows add depth to the galleries.

Accessibility & Facilities

It can be challenging due to uneven surfaces, steps, and narrow passages. If mobility is a concern, focus on the easiest outer areas and avoid tight interior loops.
There are natural resting spots on low stone edges, but it’s not a facility-rich site. Plan proper breaks around larger stops or back in Siem Reap.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Most visitors do their best café and lunch stops back in Siem Reap, where quality and choice are far better. If you want a quick break inside the park day, plan it around your driver’s natural rest points rather than expecting options at the temple.

Safety & Timing

Early morning is usually best for calm and comfort. Later in the day can feel more intimate too, but the heat can be more draining if you’ve already done multiple temples.

Nearby Attractions to the Banteay Kdei

  • Ta Prohm: The famous “tree temple” nearby, where roots and stone create Angkor's most cinematic ruins.
  • Srah Srang: A scenic reservoir that’s perfect for a quiet pause, especially at sunrise.
  • Angkor Wat: The essential main temple, ideal to pair with Banteay Kdei on a balanced Small Circuit day.
  • Bayon Temple: The face-tower masterpiece in Angkor Thom, offering a dramatic contrast to Banteay Kdei's calmer galleries.
  • Preah Khan: A larger, atmospheric Jayavarman VII complex that deepens the story of Angkor's Buddhist building era.

The Banteay Kdei appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Siem Reap!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Daily: 07:30-17:30.

Price:

Angkor Archaeological Park Pass required: 1-day US$37; 3-day US$62; 7-day US$72.

Address: Banteay Kdei, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap: 9 km
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

Similar Blogs