Beng Mealea: A Guide to Angkor's Ultimate Jungle Temple
Unleash Your Inner Explorer
Approx. 70 km (1.5 - 2 hours) east of Siem Reap.
$5 separate ticket, OR now included in the main Angkor Pass.
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are essential for climbing over ruins.
Adventurous travelers who want a true "lost temple" experience.
If you've ever dreamed of being Indiana Jones, Beng Mealea is the temple for you. Largely unrestored and swallowed by the jungle, this sprawling 12th-century complex offers one of the most atmospheric and adventurous experiences in Cambodia. It's a place where you don't just see the ruins—you climb over them.
The Sister Temple to Angkor Wat
Built in the early 12th century, it's believed that Beng Mealea was constructed under King Suryavarman II, the same king who built Angkor Wat. The temple shares a similar architectural style, leading some scholars to believe it may have served as a prototype. For centuries, it lay hidden and consumed by the jungle, adding to its profound sense of mystery.
The Expedition: Choose Your Path
Path 1: The Cinematic Walkway
For a safe and stunning overview of the temple's magnificent collapse, follow the extensive wooden walkway. Built for the filming of the movie "Two Brothers," this path takes you directly over heaps of fallen sandstone blocks, through crumbling galleries, and past trees bursting through the ancient walls. It gives you a perfect sense of the scale and ruinous beauty of the site.
Path 2: The Adventurer's Scramble
For the full explorer experience, step off the walkway and follow the arrows painted on the stones. This route will have you ducking through dark corridors, climbing over massive piles of rubble, and squeezing through collapsed doorways. It's a more challenging but incredibly rewarding way to feel truly connected to the temple's history and power.
Plan Your Beng Mealea Expedition
Beng Mealea is a fantastic full-day trip from Siem Reap. To make the most of it, consider booking a private car or guided tour. Many drivers will combine a visit to Beng Mealea with the remote pyramid temple of Koh Ker for an unforgettable day of adventure.
Book a Tour to Beng Mealea & Koh Ker