Twenty kilometres north east of Angkor Thom are the remains of the ancient sanctuary of Bantey Srei that is also known as, ‘The Women’s Citadel’. To many visitors to Cambodia this unique and atmospheric temple site is the most impressive of all the country’s historic monuments. It captivates not so much by its size which, compared to many other of Cambodia’s religious sites is comparatively small, but by its exceptional charm.

The most sacred area of the temple is surrounded by what are referred to as ‘libraries’, long buildings the significance of which is unknown. However it is clear that these mysterious buildings once served an important function as they are to be found within each of Cambodia’s Khmer temples.

More than a thousand years after its creation the Banteay Srei Temple still contains the rich cultural inheritance of the Khmer people.