Sprawling jungle temple covering over one square kilometer. The temple is largely overrun by vegetation and very lightly touristed, giving it an adventurous, ‘lost temple’ feel. Photographers: trees growing from the broken towers and galleries offer some of the best ‘tree in temple’ shots aside from Ta Prohm. Constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat style under the same king that built Angkor Wat, Beng Melea preceded and may have served as a prototype of sorts for Angkor Wat. Though there are some lintel and doorway carvings, there are no bas-reliefs and the carvings are comparatively sparse.
It was built as a Hindu temple, but there are some carvings depicting buddhist motifs. Its primary material is sandstone and it is largely unrestored, with trees and thick brush thriving amidst its towers and courtyards and many of its stones lying in great heaps. For years it was difficult to reach, but a road recently built to the temple complex of Koh Ker passes Beng Mealea and more visitors are coming to the site, as it is 77 km from Siem Reap by road.
The history of the temple is unknown and it can be dated only by its architectural style, identical to Angkor Wat, so scholars assumed it was built during the reign of king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. Smaller in size than Angkor Wat, the king's main monument, Beng Mealea nonetheless ranks among the Khmer empire's larger temples: the gallery which forms the outer enclosure of the temple is 181 m by 152 m. It was the center of a town, surrounded by a moat 1025 m by 875 m large and 45 m wide.
Beng Mealea is oriented toward the east, but has entranceways from the other three cardinal directions. The basic layout is three enclosing galleries around a central sanctuary, collapsed at present. The enclosures are tied with "cruciform cloisters", like Angkor Wat. Structures known as libraries lie to the right and left of the avenue that leads in from the east. There is extensive carving of scenes from Hindu mythology, including the Churning of the Sea of Milk and Vishnu being borne by the bird god Garuda. Causeways have long balustrades formed by bodies of the seven-headed Naga serpent.
It was built mostly of sandstone: Beng Mealea is only 7 km far from the angkorian sandstone quarries of Phnom Kulen, as the crow flies. Presumably sandstone blocks used for Angkor were transported along artificial water canals and passed from here. Despite of lack of information, the quality of architecture and decorations has drawn the attention of French scholars just from its discovery.
This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on September 1, 1992 in the Cultural category.
Full day cycling through the back roads to catch a glimpse of authentic rural Cambodian life in Siem Reap, view magnificent palm trees, broad paddy fields, and scenes of life by the river as you ride ...
Explore the remote temples of the Khmer Empire on a full-day tour of Banteay Srey and the early Angkor temples of Roluos from Siem Reap. Admire bas reliefs, and sandstone carvings. Return to the city ...
You will also visit the southern Gate of Angkor Thom flanked by a row of 54 stone figures on each side - gods to the left and demons to the right – and the fortified city of Angkor Thom. At ‘The ...
Explore Siem Reap by night and learn photographic techniques that best capture scenes after dark. You’ll learn from a professional photographer who will then guide you through Siem Reap as you take ...
Ideal for those who want to combine a quad bike ride with some fun activities. We include a boat trip on Me Chrey lake, ox cart ride, a visit to some local farms and workshops, and a lunch in a local ...
The pilots all have more than 10 years experience of flying hot-air balloons. Also the hot-air balloons have allocated whole set of professional flight equipment and safety equipment to guarantee ...
Trapaing Ses Village, KokChork Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
Palm Village Resort features bungalow accommodations with bamboo and wood furnishings, 2.5 mi from Angkor Wat. Guests enjoy access to the outdoor swimming pool. Free WiFi is available in all rooms.
Palm Village Resort and Spa is a 15-minute drive from Angkor International Airport. The property offers complimentary airport pickup services.
Bungalows at Palm Village are surrounded by tropical greenery and feature a private balcony. They are simply furnished with a mini-bar, TV and telephone. Private bathrooms have hot/cold shower facilities.
Guests can relax with massages and steam room at the spa or explore Siem Reap with the bicycle rental available. The hotel also provides ticket and laundry service, as well as car hire.
A variety of authentic Khmer, Asian and vegetarian dishes can be enjoyed at Palm Village’s restaurant. Breakfast is served daily at the open-air restaurant.
We speak your language!
Street 27, Wat Bo Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
Located in Siem Reap, Central Corner d'Angkor features an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. Featuring a terrace, this property is set near attractions such as King's Road Angkor. The property has a restaurant and Pub Street is less than 1 km away.
Guest rooms at the hotel come with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a shower. The units at Central Corner d'Angkor include air conditioning and a desk.
A continental breakfast is available each morning at the property.
Bike hire and car hire are available at this hotel and the area is popular for cycling.
Speaking English and Khmer, staff at the 24-hour front desk can help you plan your stay.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Old Market, Angkor Trade Centre and Platinum Cineplex Siem Reap. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International, 14 km from Central Corner d'Angkor, and the property offers a free shuttle service.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.4 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
No.045, Steung Thmei, Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap Steung Thmei Road, Siem Reap, Cambodi
Best Seller!
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, The Tito Suite Residence is set in Siem Reap, 500 m from Pub Street. The hotel has a year-round outdoor pool and views of the pool, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar.
Angkor Wat is 7 km from The Tito Suite Residence, while Artisans D'Angkor is 200 m from the property. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 8 km from The Tito Suite Residence. The property offers complimentary two-way airport transfers.
Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and is fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some units feature a seating area for your convenience. Some rooms have views of the garden or city. Every room is fitted with a private bathroom fitted with a bath or shower and bidet. Extras include bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.
There is a hairdresser's at the property. Free use of bicycles, bike hire and car hire are available at this hotel and the area is popular for cycling.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.4 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Street 22, Wat Bo Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
Featuring lush green gardens, eOcambo Village operates a 24-hour front desk. It offers comfortable rooms equipped with a balcony and free WiFi access.
Situated within Wat Bo Village, eOcambo Village is just 2 km to Old Market, Royal Palace and the famous Pub Street. Siem Reap International Airport and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat Temples are within 7 km away.
Fitted with tiled flooring, air-conditioned rooms are simply furnished with a desk, a cable TV, minibar and a fridge. Rooms offer garden views and come with a private bathroom equipped with hot/cold shower and free toiletries.
eOcambo Village has a tour desk that can assist guests with sightseeing and travel arrangements. Luggage storage, currency exchange and free parking are available, while massage and laundry services can be arranged at a surcharge.
Operating daily, the in-house restaurant serves a tasty menu of local dishes throughout the day.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.7 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
7 Markara St, Sala Kamreuk, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Deal!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap. Located in Siem Reap, 100 m from King's Road Angkor, Blanc Smith Residence has an outdoor swimming pool and a garden, as well as free WiFi. Popular points of interest nearby include Pub Street and Old Market. The hotel has a business centre, as well as an ATM machine that guests can use.
All guest rooms feature air conditioning, a shower, free toiletries, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and DVD Player. The rooms come with a private bathroom and a hair dryer, and some rooms at the hotel have a terrace. At Blanc Smith Residence, all rooms are fitted with a seating area.
Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental breakfast. Guests can enjoy a meal at the in-house restaurant, which specialises in European, Asian and American cuisine and also offers vegetarian options.
Guests at Blanc Smith Residence will be able to enjoy activities in and around Siem Reap, like cycling.
The hotel provides an ironing service, as well as business facilities like fax and photocopying. Speaking English and Khmer at the 24-hour front desk, staff are always on hand to help.
Popular points of interest near Blanc Smith Residence include Angkor Trade Centre, Platinum Cineplex Siem Reap and Artisans D'Angkor. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 13 km from the property, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.5 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Ta Poul areas, Old French Quarter , Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
Rei Angkor Boutique offers spacious Khmer-style accommodations in the heart of Siem Reap. It welcomes guests with an outdoor pool and free WiFi access throughout the property. Free parking is also available. Staff are able to converse in Khmer and English.
Fitted with wooden flooring and Cambodian golden wood furnishings, rooms feature a flat-screen TV with international channels and a large bathroom equipped with bathtub and shower facilities, including a toothbrush and toothpaste set. Certain rooms come with tea/coffee making facilities, while slippers are provided in all rooms. Room service is available round-the-clock.
Guests can rejuvenate in a soothing spa treatment or traditional massages. Staff can assist you with laundry services, airport transfers and car/bicycle rentals. Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services.
A refreshing cocktail or glass of wine can be enjoyed at the on-site bar. Rei Restaurant serves up Cambodian cuisines as well as a wide selection of other Asian and international dishes. For your convenience, Union Pay is accepted here.
Rei Angkor Boutique is 700 m from the vibrant Pub Street and Old Market, while the famous Angkor Wat - a UNESCO World Heritage Site is 6.7 km away. The Royal Residence is just 1.4 km away, while Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport is 7.7 km from the property. Rei Angkor Boutique offers complimentary pickup service from the airport or bus station.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.8 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.
Guest Name: Ms. Morgane
Country: United Kingdom
City: Singapore
N.of Person: 2 pax
Travel date:
Booked: Beng Mealea Motorbike Discovery
Tour Style: Adventure Tours
Duration: Full-Day
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