Banteay Samré
About Banteay Samré
A beautifully restored 12th-century temple in the Angkor Wat style, sitting alone in the countryside east of the Grand Circuit. Its enclosed inner courtyard and high walls make it one of the most complete and self-contained temples in the whole park.
Why we love it
Angkor Wat’s architecture at a human scale, with almost nobody there. The walled inner court is a genuine hidden room in a park where privacy is otherwise extinct.
Good to Know
Do I need an Angkor Pass to visit Banteay Samré?
Yes — every temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park checks the Angkor Pass ($37 one day, $62 three days, $72 seven days), including the outer sites. Buy it at the official ticket center or online before you head out; it is not sold at the temples themselves.
Is there a dress code at Banteay Samré?
Shoulders and knees must be covered at all Angkor temples, and the rule is enforced strictly at upper terraces such as the Bakan level of Angkor Wat and the Phnom Bakheng summit. Wear light covering layers; a scarf draped over shoulders is not accepted.
How do I get to Banteay Samré?
Hire a tuk-tuk for the day (~$20–35), join a guided tour with pickup, or cycle — the park roads are flat and shaded. Allow 15–25 minutes from central Siem Reap to the park entrances.
What are the opening hours of Banteay Samré?
Daily 7:30am–5:30pm. Hours are set by the park authority and can change for ceremonies; sunrise-viewing temples open earliest.
When is the best time of day to visit Banteay Samré?
Early morning (right at opening) and the last two hours before closing are both cooler and far quieter than the 9am–noon tour-bus window — and the low sun does much better things to Khmer sandstone than midday glare.