Banteay Prey Temple, Siem Reap

Buddhist Temple near Siem Reap

Prasat Banteay Prei
Prasat Banteay Prei
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Stefan Fussan

Banteay Prey Temple (also called Prasat Banteay Prei) is a late 12th-early 13th century Angkor-period temple complex in the Angkor Archaeological Park near Siem Reap, Cambodia. It sits just north of Preah Khan and just off the Grand Circuit road; if you approach from the road you'll typically pass Prasat Prei first, with the larger Banteay Prey about 100 metres further on.

What makes this stop appealing is its low-key, rarely visited feel and the chance to look closely at details without crowds. I come here for the gopuras, the galleried enclosure, and the well-preserved apsara bas-reliefs and richly carved door jambs that are characteristic of the period. In the wet season, the usually dry moat can fill and the greenery makes the ruins feel especially atmospheric, while recent work on the north gopura shows ongoing efforts to stabilize the site.

History and Significance of the Banteay Prey Temple

Jayavarman VII era (late 12th to early 13th century)

Banteay Prey was built during the reign of Jayavarman VII, placing it in the late 12th to early 13th century. Its layout suggests a complex that once had real standing: an outer wall, an inner moat, and an inner galleried enclosure organized around a single central sanctuary.

The plan includes causeways crossing the moat to the east and west, with four gopuras (gate towers) and pavilions at each corner of the inner enclosure. Carved door jambs and surviving decorative elements-such as apsara bas-reliefs-reflect the artistic language associated with this period.

Inscriptions and later activity

Inscriptions on door jambs and other parts of the temple were recorded in the early 1900s by Cœdès and later translated by Soutif. These texts preserve practical historical information, including names connected with the construction and the deity worshiped at the site.

On the east side, between the moat and the outer wall (south of the causeway), there are linear laterite remains of another structure. It has been proposed that this may be a post-Angkor Buddhist terrace, though the identification remains uncertain.

Conservation today

Parts of the complex have seen restoration work in recent years, including the north gopura. The result is a site that still reads as a ruin, but with key elements being preserved for future visitors.

Things to See and Do in the Banteay Prey Temple

I start by walking the approach and looking for the overall footprint: the outer boundary, the moat line, and the causeway alignment that frames the eastern entrance. From there, I head into the inner enclosure to explore the gopuras and the surviving carvings-especially the apsara bas-reliefs and the richly decorated door jambs.

For smaller details, I look at the eastern gopura for the vertical medallions and any remaining lintel fragments. At the eastern entrance where the moat is crossed, I also check out the remnants of the short naga balustrade and the large garuda ornament that now lies on the ground, then wander to the east-side laterite lines to see the possible later terrace remains.

How to Get to the Banteay Prey Temple

The nearest major airport is Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI), from which you can continue to Siem Reap and onward into the Angkor Archaeological Park. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Siem Reap on Booking.com.

Siem Reap’s rail options are limited compared with road travel, so most visitors rely on buses, private transfers, or taxis rather than train connections. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

By car or tuk-tuk, Banteay Prey is typically reached as a short detour off the Grand Circuit near Preah Khan, and you can stop near the access point before walking in.

Is the Banteay Prey Temple Worth Visiting?

Yes-Banteay Prey Temple is worth a short stop if you're already on the Grand Circuit or visiting nearby Preah Khan and want a quieter, more contemplative ruin with strong carving details. It's best for travelers who enjoy exploring less-visited corners of Angkor and noticing architectural layout (moat, causeways, gopuras) and close-up relief work. It's less essential if you're prioritizing only the headline temples, short on time, or prefer fully restored, easy-to-navigate sites; in that case, treat it as optional and focus on the bigger complexes.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (160)

Banteay Prei Temple is a small, tucked-away Angkor site just off the usual routes and often quiet enough to feel like a private visit; it's relatively unrestored and easy to walk around, with interesting features such as termite mounds and surrounding large trees, and makes a convenient short detour from Preah Khan if your driver can stop for a few minutes.

Gu ar Caya
2 years ago
"This little gem of a temple is tucked away from the main road, maybe 300 meters or so. I wouldn't have even known about it had I not seen the signfor it while riding my bike around. It isn't on the typical tours and as a result few people that come to Angkor wind up visiting. That's a shame because this relatively unrestored temple is perfect. It is small but there is a lot to see in such a small space. It is relatively unrestored, but easy to walk around in safely. And when you come here, there is a very good chance you will have the whole place to yourself. Although this place isn't on the Grand Circuit, it is less than a half a kilometer detour after you are done with Preah Khan temple. I would definitely recommend you asking your driver if you can stop by this one for a few minutes if you have time. It is worth it in my opinion...."
Corrado Bastrei
6 years ago
"Usually not included in standard tours so I advise If you have time to visit by yourself this old temple now in ruin,nThat's the main characteristicthing, in all countries nobody could allow to visit a ruin like this, may be even little dangerous because the archeologic site seems unstable . You will remember all life long the mastodondic trees outside. Visit for freenThe ticket includes all temples..."
Darren Barton
10 months ago
"A smaller temple overlooked by tourists, which is perfect. Maybe not worth it’s own trip, but an easy short walk from Preah Khan"
Norm P.
10 months ago
"Also really good - well worth the visit - albeit being in the afternoon the temperature was now getting pretty hot!"
Patrick
10 months ago
"Hidden place in Angkor. In renovation but you can see things you won’t find elsewhere. Termites mounds."

Practical Tips on Visiting the Banteay Prey Temple

  • Best time to visit: Visit in the wet season if you want the moat and greener scenery; otherwise go when temperatures are cooler for a more comfortable walk around the ruins.
  • How long to spend: Plan for a brief visit as part of a larger Angkor loop; it pairs naturally with nearby stops on the Grand Circuit.
  • Accessibility: Expect uneven ground and ruin surfaces around gopuras and enclosure areas, which can be challenging for limited mobility.
  • Facilities: This is a quiet, lightly visited site; don’t rely on on-site services and plan essentials before you leave the main Angkor routes.

Where to Stay Close to the Banteay Prey Temple

Base yourself in central Siem Reap near the river/Old Market area for the easiest tuk-tuk access to Angkor's Grand Circuit while still being close to restaurants and practical services.

These hotels are reliable, central bases with straightforward transport to the Angkor Archaeological Park. FCC Angkor by Avani works well for good choice if you want a central, easy pickup point for tuk-tuks and quick access to both Angkor day trips and town amenities. Jaya House River Park works well for best for a quieter stay by the river while still being a short ride from the park road and Siem Reap’s dining areas. Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor works well for convenient if you prefer a calm, leafy setting near major roads for smooth departures to Angkor and easy returns to town.

FAQs for Visiting the Banteay Prey Temple

Getting There

It’s inside the Angkor Archaeological Park near Siem Reap, just north of Preah Khan and just off the Grand Circuit road.
It’s not a practical walk from central Siem Reap; the simplest approach is to travel into Angkor Archaeological Park and then walk the short access path from the Grand Circuit road to the temple.
Go by taxi or tuk-tuk to the Angkor Archaeological Park, then continue on the Grand Circuit toward Preah Khan and stop at the signed access for Prasat Prei/Banteay Prey.
You can stop near the road access and walk in; driving is most worthwhile if you’re already doing the Grand Circuit and want to add a quick, quiet detour.

Tickets & Entry

Because it’s within the Angkor Archaeological Park, access is generally tied to the park entry system rather than a separate temple ticket.
Entry is typically covered as part of visiting Angkor Archaeological Park sites on the circuit, rather than being a stand-alone admission for this single temple.
Advance booking isn’t usually necessary for this specific temple, since it’s visited as part of the broader park itinerary.
It’s generally visited year-round as part of Angkor, but conditions can feel very different by season-especially when the moat fills during the wet season.
Stay on stable paths and avoid climbing unstable ruin sections; treat carved surfaces and fragile areas as look-but-don’t-touch zones.

Visiting Experience

A short stop is enough to see the eastern approach, the gopuras, and the best-preserved carvings inside the enclosure.
It’s not a priority for a one-day itinerary unless you specifically want quieter ruins; focus first on the major temples and add this only if time allows.
Combine it with Preah Khan and the nearby Prasat Prei (which you pass first) for a compact cluster of stops on the Grand Circuit.
It can be atmospheric in wet conditions-especially when the moat fills-but rain can make footing around ruins trickier, so fair weather is simpler for exploring details.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

It’s usually not part of standard city walking tours, and it’s also often skipped by common Angkor tour routes.
I find it works well as a quick independent stop if you’re comfortable exploring ruins, while a guide adds value mainly for interpreting inscriptions, layout, and period details.
Use Preah Khan as the anchor, then detour to Prasat Prei and continue on to Banteay Prey before rejoining the Grand Circuit.

Photography

Yes, especially if you like textured ruins, carved door frames, and a sense of enclosure created by moats, causeways, and gopuras.
Go when the light is softer so relief carvings read clearly; quieter times also help if you want clean compositions.
There’s no special photography setup here, so use common-sense etiquette: avoid intrusive behavior and don’t touch or lean on carvings for shots.
The eastern approach works well: frame the entrance area near the moat crossing, then move in for close-ups of apsara bas-reliefs and decorated door jambs.

Accessibility & Facilities

Accessibility is limited due to uneven ground and ruin surfaces around entrances and within the enclosure.
Facilities are limited at this quiet site, so it’s best to plan restroom and water stops around larger Angkor areas.
There aren’t formal seating areas, but you can usually find low, stable edges or shaded spots to pause-take care not to sit on fragile stonework.
It can work for families who are comfortable around uneven ruins, but strollers are likely to be difficult; close supervision is important.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Plan food breaks back in Siem Reap or around busier Angkor temple zones rather than expecting options right at this temple.
The easiest pairing is to treat this as part of a wider Angkor day and save markets and food stops for central Siem Reap afterward.

Safety & Timing

It’s a quiet, lightly visited ruin area, so it’s better suited to daytime visits when visibility is good and you can watch your footing.
Early morning tends to feel calmer and cooler, while later in the day can be hotter; either can work, but softer light helps the carvings stand out.

The Banteay Prey Temple 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!

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Planning Your Visit

Address: Prasat Banteay Prei, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap: 12 km

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