The mysterious 12th century jungle temple of Beng Mealea is one of the highlights of a trip to Angkor. It covers an area of 1.2 km by 900 meters and is heavily overrun by vegetation. Since Beng Mealea also is not often visited, there is an adventurous ambiance that is not matched elsewhere in Angkor. It can best be described as an “Indiana Jones” experience.

It is similar to (and a predecessor of) Angkor Wat in floorplan and style, but this temple has been swallowed up by the trees, vines, and moss of the jungle. Entering from the trees, you can pass through long and dark passageways and scramble over fallen towers and blocks. There are some excellent carvings strewn through the rubble as well as a well preserved library to the northeast. Photography is outstanding, as the trees contribute to unique and adventurous looking pictures.

Beng Mealea is lightly visited due to its remote location, which is around two hours and 77km from Siem Reap. The roads have improved, but it still requires a day trip to properly do the trip justice.

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Situated about 40km east of the main groups of temples at Angkor, 77km from Siem Reap by Road

Last edited on Jul 2, 08 1:38 PM.
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Guy D.

Jul 18, 2008

The most mysterious temple of Angkor. It's subsumed by the jungle and a lot of the buildings are collapsed by the nature. It's also a dangereous place outside because of the landmines that are still lying there.

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