Exploring Angkor Archaeological Park – Part 4: The Roads Less Traveled

Banteay Srei – The City of Women

Located about an hour by Tuk Tuk, north of Angkor Archaeological Park, Bantaey Srei has some amazing architecture and stone carvings so intricate, it is said they could only be carved by the delicate hands of women.  Enter the complex way of a restored stone causeway.

Photo by: John Maurizi

Once through the gate continue straight until you reach a moat.  Across the moat are beautiful temples carved from red sandstone.  There is also a trail that goes around the moat.  It is very short by offers different views

Photo by: John Maurizi

Photo by: John Maurizi

Photo by: John Maurizi

Kbal Spean

The next stop further to the north is Kbal Spean.  The area is known for Hindu deities carved into the stone in the river bed along with “Lingas” (Phallic symbols).  There is not much water during the high season.  It is a 2km up hill hike along a well defined and maintained trail to the river bed.

(Trail up to Kbal Spean) Photo by: John Maurizi

(Kbal Spean) Photo by: John Maurizi

(Kbal Spean) Photo by: John Maurizi

Cambodia Landmine Museum

On the way back to Siem Reap, be sure to stop at the Cambodia Landmine Museum.  This is more than a museum.  They raise funds to help clear areas through Cambodia that still have Vietnam era landmines.  Children playing fields are still injured by these mines.  It is an informative stop and a good cause to support.

Photo by: John Maurizi

Note:  Your Tuk Tuk driver will more than likely ask for more money to travel this far, not really because of time but more to do with the amount of fuel.  It could range between $5 and $10 additional to the $20 rate you should have set the first day.