On our second day in Cambodia, MJ, our tuk-tuk driver, took us to Banteay Srei. It's the farthest temple in the Angkor complex, so it took us about an hour or so to get there. The drive there was amazing and so relaxing. We passed through countryside and little villages. It was nice to see the "real" Cambodia and not just the temples. It was a bit surreal sitting in a tuk-tuk driving through rice fields, but I really enjoyed it.
Banteay Srei is very popular and known for being constructed with red sandstone. It was built in the 10th century as a tribute to the Hindu god, Shiva. When we arrived, it was packed full of tourists. They filled every inch of the place and I'm surprised I was able to get as many photos as I did. I have to be honest, I wasn't a fan of this temple. Yes, it was nice to see something made of red sandstone, but I just wasn't blown away. If MJ didn't take us there, I don't think I would've felt like I missed anything. It was very underwhelming and we went through the whole area in about 20-30 minutes. Of all the temples we saw in Angkor Wat, I would easily have passed on Banteay Srei.
