📍Angkor Wat and the Queen's Palace｜Gaze upon the myth with a smile

That day, I rode my scooter north from Siem Reap for almost an hour. The wind warmed my cheeks as we passed increasingly sparse villages and rice paddies. The navigation system called it Banteay Srei. I had originally planned to visit Banteay Srei as a side trip, but unexpectedly, upon entering this small pink temple, I was completely captivated. Banteay Srei isn't large, but every inch is breathtakingly detailed. The red sandstone shimmers softly in the sunlight, and the relief carvings are so detailed that even the hair and folds of the deities' skirts are clearly visible. One of the statues, a goddess with a smile and gentle eyes, has been called the "Mona Lisa of the East." Standing before her, I felt like I had traveled through time and space for thousands of years. Before leaving, I sat for a moment at the entrance, not in a hurry. Then I got back on my bike and headed deeper into the jungle, ready for my next adventure: the wildness and desolation of Banteay Srei. The ride that day was hot and bumpy, but what I remember most is the goddess' smile. ⸻ 📌Travel Notes • 📍Location: Banteay Srei, the Royal Palace (approximately 37 kilometers from Siem Reap) • 🛵Transportation: Motorbike ride, about 1–1.5 hours, good road conditions, connecting to Beng Mealea along the way. • ⏰Opening Hours: 7:30 AM–5:30 PM daily • 🎫Admission: Included in the Angkor Pass (1-, 3-, or 7-day tickets) • 📸Tips: Visit in the morning for the best light and a clearer impression of the reliefs.