Most who have heard of Banteay Srei know it as one of the outlying temples of Angkor in Siem Reap. But Banteay Srei is more than just a single temple — it’s a whole district that has retained much of the charm of provincial Cambodia. These days, Siem Reap is a built-up tourist town that can feel more international than Cambodian. However, the rice paddies of Banteay Srei District are only a short ride away, and well worth stopping by for a day or two to see rural life in Cambodia before development changes the face of it.

Banteay Srei is still Siem Reap province but feels like it’s a world away.
Local business owners in Banteay Srei have started an awareness campaign to encourage tourism beyond the temple, and in truth the district offers a surprising number of activities for visitors. True, these offerings are not as polished as what you’ll find in the town of Siem Reap. But that’s Banteay Srei’s charm — its lack of experience with tourists means that it has retained the beauty and local flavor of the Cambodian countryside. Continue reading