Citadel of Samré (Banteay Samré) Tours

A heavily restored 12th-century temple, Banteay Samré feels more like a citadel. The Khmer emperor Suryavarman II built the complex, which includes a hall, two libraries, a temple, a dry moat, and fringing walls. Though Banteay Samré is smaller than many other Angkor-era monuments, it boasts some impressive carvings.

The Basics
Gain admission to Banteay Samré with your Angkor Archaeological Park admission ticket, available as 1-, 3-, and 7-day passes. While it’s not one of the must-visit Angkorian sites, travelers often stop here en route to other Angkor monuments east of Angkor Wat. Some tours include visits to the 10th-century temple Banteay Srei, the hilltop temple Phnom Bok, and/or Kbal Spean, the carved riverbed in the middle of the jungle. You don’t need to join a tour to visit Banteay Samré, but as signage is almost nonexistent, many travelers will get more out of visiting with a guide.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Banteay Samré will be of interest to history buffs.
• As at all temples in the Angkor Wat area, a dress code applies. Wear shirts that cover shoulders and pants that cover the knees.
• Rough paths and low steps make Banteay Samré challenging for travelers who use wheelchairs.

How to Get There
Banteay Samré is located about 12 miles (19 kilometers) northeast of downtown Siem Reap, about 9 miles (14 kilometers) from Angkor Wat, and on the road to Banteay Kdei. There’s no public transport and it’s too far to cycle, so a tour is your easiest transport option.

When to Get There
One of the quieter of the Angkor Wat archaeological sites, Banteay Samré is open from early morning until late afternoon seven days a week: Visit at a time that works for you. December through April, the dry season, is generally the peak time to visit Cambodia, and Angkor Wat is no exception.

The Cucumber King
Banteay Samré takes its name from the Samré minority people. A shaggy-dog story tells the tale of a cucumber farmer who killed a king by accident while protecting his crop and was then appointed king in his stead by a sacred elephant. Finding himself ostracized as a peasant ruler, he moved away from the main Khmer cities and set up his capital at Banteay Samré.