Beng Mealea: Angkor's Ultimate Jungle Temple

Unleash Your Inner Explorer

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Location

60 km East of Siem Reap (1.5 hours).

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Ticket Price

Included in the main Angkor Pass.

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Gear

Closed-toe shoes are essential for loose stones.

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Vibe

Indiana Jones adventure.

If you have 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 experiences in Cambodia. It is 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 is believed that Beng Mealea was constructed under King Suryavarman II, the same king who built Angkor Wat. The temple shares a similar architectural style and layout, leading scholars to believe it may have served as a prototype for the grand masterpiece.

Choose Your Path

1. The Wooden Walkway

For a safe and stunning overview, follow the extensive wooden walkway. Built originally for the filming of the movie "Two Brothers," this path takes you directly over heaps of fallen sandstone blocks and through crumbling galleries. It allows you to see the devastation of time and nature from a safe vantage point.

2. The Explorer's Scramble

For the full experience, step off the walkway and explore the nooks and crannies. You can duck through dark corridors, climb over massive piles of rubble, and squeeze through collapsed doorways. Massive trees grow right out of the towers, their roots holding the stones in a tight embrace.

The Perfect Day Trip

Beng Mealea is located halfway to the remote pyramid temple of Koh Ker. Combining these two sites makes for an unforgettable full-day adventure away from the main tourist crowds.

Book a Beng Mealea Tour