Banteay Kdei, A serene sanctuary amidst time's embrace

Causeway of Banteay Kdei, Siem Reap, Cambodia

A very special temple

4.3

Introduction

Banteay Kdei Temple, built in the late 12th century, is a less crowded temple located opposite the Royal Baths. It is nestled in dense jungle and features a stone platform leading to double walls and concentric walls, measuring 700 meters long and 500 meters wide. The four grand entrances are adorned with Garuda reliefs and giant four-faced Buddha statues. Inside the temple, there are exquisite carvings and small Buddha statues. The most famous structure is the King's Bath, which offers a panoramic view of the temple and its ponds. Although many parts of the temple are in ruins, it is expansive and has two courtyards, each with a double-columned structure called "the Bird's Nest." Compared to nearby Ta Prohm, it is a peaceful place. Walking along the stone path towards the main temple, there are smaller temples and libraries on either side, with only stone foundations and large columns remaining. In front of the main structure, there used to be a moat, now dried up and turned into a green lawn where horses graze. The temple has multiple gates, giving a sense of traversing through space. The double walls enclose various buildings and numerous corridors, dividing the large area into smaller zones, each with its own structures. The temple still holds many crumbling buildings and carvings, some supported by wooden scaffolding, as well as scattered stone components. The temple is filled with a poignant beauty. At the entrance, there is a wooden bed where disabled individuals play various musical instruments, many of them victims of landmines. Outside the gate, there are small stalls selling crafts. Although not included in the typical tourist itinerary, it is a place ideal for leisurely exploration.