Banteay Samre Temple

Banteay Samre is a 12th-century Hindu temple located near the eastern shore of the East Baray, dedicated to Vishnu and built during the reign of Suryavarman II, the same king who commissioned Angkor Wat. Despite being relatively off the beaten path, it is one of the best-preserved temples in the Angkor region, having undergone an extensive anastylosis restoration in the mid-20th century. The temple is enclosed by two concentric laterite walls and features a central sanctuary tower, two libraries, and covered galleries connecting the inner enclosure, all richly decorated with carved lintel scenes, devata figures, and floral ornamentation. Its symmetry, scale, and state of preservation make it a rewarding stop for architecture enthusiasts.