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Beng Mealea
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Beng Mealea is a 12th-century Hindu temple in Siem Reap province, built by King Suryavarman II, the builder of Angkor Wat. Dedicated to Vishnu, its layout and style closely resemble Angkor Wat, but it has been left largely unrestored, engulfed by jungle and partially collapsed. The temple features a 1.2 km long access canal, indicating a sophisticated water management system. The central sanctuary is surrounded by five towers symbolizing Mount Meru, and the galleries contain bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Vishnu mythology, though badly eroded. Beng Mealea was part of the Angkor UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992. Unlike Angkor Wat, it receives few visitors, offering a 'tomb raider' atmosphere. Restoration efforts, particularly the southern gallery, have been ongoing since 2011 with international cooperation.
- Location: Cambodia
- Top sights: Zmei-nagi · Angkorian Sandstone Quarry · Sam Yot Temple
- Nearby: Tonle Sap (24 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 29 | 31 | 31 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 12 | 16 | 46 | 75 | 140 | 168 | 197 | 195 | 231 | 138 | 37 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
This fascinating, largely unrestored temple complex can be extensively explored, allowing you to literally climb over the moss-covered ruined blocks intertwined with massive tree roots in the jungle.
Typical hours
The site is typically open to visitors daily during daylight hours, and it is highly advisable to arrive as early as possible in the morning to beat the intense tropical heat and the larger tourist crowds.
Photography
Thanks to the unique combination of collapsed architecture and overgrown jungle vegetation, you will find spectacular photo opportunities reminiscent of adventure movies here; soft morning light is best.
Time needed
Generally allocate about two to three hours for a comprehensive visit, ensuring you have enough time to carefully navigate the uneven stones and fully absorb the mystical atmosphere of a site reclaimed by nature.
Combine with
A trip here combines excellently with a visit to Koh Ker or the Roluos Group, especially if you are planning a full-day excursion away from the primary crowds of the main Angkor Wat temple complex.
Getting there
The site is located approximately forty kilometers from Siem Reap and is best reached by hiring a private tuk-tuk or a taxi, traveling along a relatively well-maintained and scenic countryside road.
Insider tip
Make sure to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip and bring plenty of insect repellent, as the terrain is very uneven and the dense jungle vegetation attracts numerous mosquitoes during the wet season.
Geography
Facts
- Beng Mealea was built between 1113 and 1150 AD.
- The temple covers an area of about 1 hectare.
- The access canal is 1.2 km long and 50 meters wide.
- The central tower rises approximately 30 meters high.
- Over one million sandstone blocks were used in its construction.
- It was inscribed as part of the Angkor UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Beng Mealea (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What condition is the temple in?
It is largely unrestored and lying in ruins, which is part of its charm.
How do you get around the temple?
Via wooden walkways built over the collapsed stones.
Why does it resemble Angkor Wat?
It was likely built under the same king (Suryavarman II) in a similar style.
Is admission free?
No, it is now included in the regular Angkor Pass.
Are there many photo opportunities?
Yes, the combination of strangler figs and stone ruins is well-suited for photographers.
Beng Mealea: where is it located?
Beng Mealea is located in Cambodia.
Beng Mealea: what is there to see?
Highlights include Zmei-nagi, Angkorian Sandstone Quarry, Sam Yot Temple.
Beng Mealea: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Beng Mealea: why is it worth visiting?
Beng Mealea is a 12th-century Hindu temple in Siem Reap province, built by King Suryavarman II, the builder of Angkor Wat.
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History & landmarks
Kbal Spean
A sacred river in the mountains, whose riverbed is intricately carved with numerous reliefs and Hindu symbols.
Lolei
A small temple of the Roluos Group that originally stood on an island in the historical Indratataka reservoir.
Preah Ko
The first temple built in the ancient capital of Hariharalaya, known for its surviving stucco decorations.
East Mebon
A monumental temple that once stood on an artificial island in the middle of the now-dry East Baray reservoir.
Pre Rup
Pre Rup is a brick and laterite temple mountain in the Angkor area.
Banteay Kdei
A fascinating Buddhist monastic complex in Angkor, whose ruins are peacefully shaded by tall trees today.
Ta Keo
An unfinished, massive sandstone temple mountain that stands out due to its simplicity and lack of external carvings.
Thommanon
A small, well-preserved Hindu temple in Angkor, known for its detailed Devata carvings.
Nature
More places
Phnom Kulen National Park
Phnom Kulen National Park covers a sacred mountain range north of Siem Reap.
Phnom Kulen Plateau
A sacred mountain plateau considered the birthplace of the Khmer Empire.
Kulen Elephant Forest
A spacious sanctuary where former working elephants can live a peaceful and natural life.
Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity
Located near Siem Reap, the ACCB is dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating Cambodia's threatened wildlife.
Roluos Group (Bakong)
Some of the earliest permanent temples of the Khmer Empire, with Bakong featuring the first significant temple-mountain architecture.
Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre
This interactive centre showcases a vast variety of native butterflies in a tropical netted enclosure.
Banteay Srei
A Hindu temple made of red sandstone, renowned for its extremely fine and intricate carvings.
Ta Som
A small Buddhist temple whose eastern entrance is famously engulfed by the massive roots of a sacred fig tree.