Named after the Samré, an ancient people of Indochina, the temple uses the same materials as the Banteay Srei.

[3] The design of its single ogival tower is immediately recognizable as Angkor Wat style along with other temples in the region such as Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda.

Due to this temple's similarity to some monuments of north-east Thailand, it has the appearance of a compact Phimai.

While there are no inscriptions describing its foundation, it seems likely to have been built by a high official of the court during the reign of King Suryavarman II.

An avenue of 350 metres leads from the East Baray, ending in another cruciform terrace at the west side of the temple.