Banteay Srei temple is one of the most popular temples in Siem Reap. It’s known as the “lady temple” or the “pink temple” and is a 10th century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva.

It’s often said that Banteay Srei is the “jewel of Khmer art” because of all the intricate carvings. In fact, the name means the “citadel of the women” and this modern name comes from the belief that the carvings are so fine that they could only have been done by the hands of a woman.

Uniquely, Banteay Srei wasn’t built by a king. Instead, it was constructed by two courtiers named Yajnavaraha and Vishnukumara who were counsellors to Rajendravarman II.