Beng Mealea is a temple complex in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, set in the jungle some distance from the better-known monuments of the Angkor area. It is a place of ruins rather than a restored monument, and that is much of its appeal.
What you will see
The temple dates from the 12th century and was built in the same style as Angkor Wat. Over the centuries, jungle growth has taken hold across much of the site, and fallen stones and collapsed galleries lie where they came down. Visitors walk through corridors, courtyards and passages where trees and roots have pushed through the masonry, so the experience feels closer to exploring than to touring a neat archaeological park. The atmosphere is quiet and somewhat mysterious, and the scale of the stonework gives a sense of the original complex.
Who it suits
- Visitors who enjoy wandering through ruins and reading the structure for themselves
- Photographers drawn to the contrast between stone and jungle
- Travellers who want to see Khmer temple architecture away from the largest crowds
Because the site is left largely unrestored, paths can be uneven and some areas are not open to walk through. Sturdy footwear and time to move slowly will help.
Around the site
Beng Mealea is also known as Lotus Pond, a name that reflects the water features of the surroundings. It makes a natural addition to a day trip from Siem Reap, which offers hotels, restaurants and transport options for travellers planning their route. For questions before you go, the site can be reached by phone at +855 63 760 079.