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.
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Top Town Road,Krous Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
One of our bestsellers in Siem Reap!
Nestled within private gardens, Day Day Inn offers accommodation in Siem Reap. It features an outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available in all rooms.
The vibrant Pub Street, Old Market and Cambodian Cultural Village are 2.8 km away. Angkor Wat is 8 km from Day Day Inn, while Kravan Temple is 1.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 7.2 km from the property. The property offers airport transfers and shuttle services at additional charges.
Each air-conditioned room is fitted with a flat-screen cable TV. Certain units have a seating area for your convenience. Some units include views of the garden or city. En suite bathrooms include shower facilities, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements and ticketing services.
We speak your language!
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.
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National Highway 6, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
The Cyclo Siem Reap Hotel in Siem Reap has free bikes and an outdoor swimming pool. Featuring a garden, the hotel is close to several noted attractions, around 1.6 km from King's Road Angkor, 800 m from Royal Residence and less than 1 km from Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chom. Guests can make use of a bar.
Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet and a desk. The private bathroom is fitted with a shower and free toiletries. At the hotel all rooms come with a seating area.
A continental breakfast is served daily at the property. There is an in-house restaurant, which serves a variety of Asian, Cambodian and Thai dishes and also offers vegetarian options.
Bike hire and car hire are available at this hotel and the area is popular for cycling.
Guests can access the free WiFi or use the business centre. Speaking English and Khmer at the reception, staff will be happy to provide guests with practical guidance on the area.
Pub Street is 2.2 km from The Cyclo Siem Reap Hotel. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 13 km from the property.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.3 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Wat Damnak, 150 meters from Old Market, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
An outdoor pool resides in the middle of Wheel Garden Riverside, which features traditional Khmer-style and colour-themed rooms with free WiFi. Located in Siem Reap, the property has its own restaurant and provides free airport pick-ups.
Offering views of Siem Reap River, Wheel Garden Riverside is 150 m from the Old Market Area, Pub Street and the night markets. Angkor National Museum is 1.5 km away while Angkor Wat and Siem Reap International Airport are both 7 km from the villa.
All rooms are air-conditioned and have a flat-screen cable TV, desk and refrigerator. Private bathroom includes a shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. A free fruit basket and bottled water is provided.
Guests are served a welcome drink upon arrival at Wheel Garden Riverside. A 24-hour front desk, daily room service, tour desk and ticket service is available.
An American breakfast is served every morning at the poolside restaurant, which features an a la carte menu, drinks and cocktails.
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 9.1 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
#781, Vihear Chin Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
Tareach Angkor Villa is conveniently placed just 3.7 mi from Siem Reap International Airport. Offering a free airport pick-up service, the property also provides well-appointed guestrooms and free Wi-Fi access.
Only 150 m from the vibrant Old Market / Night Market and Pub Street, the hotel is 3.7 mi from the famous Angkor Wat Temple. Siem Reap River is 601 m away, while the popular Tonle Sap Lake is 6.8 mi away.
Cooled with air conditioning, rooms feature a flat-screen TV, a safety deposit box and a mini-bar. Bathroom facilities are attached and come with a hairdryer and slippers.
Tareach Angkor Villa, guests will find a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Other facilities include car rental services and free parking facilities.
The in-house restaurant serves a daily spread of local Cambodian dishes. Guests can also opt for room service.
This is our guests' favorite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.7 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
7 Makara Street, Chun Lung Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
Marvel Holiday Boutique Villa offers accommodation in Siem Reap. It features an outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
The vibrant Pub Street is located 1.5 km from Marvel Holiday Boutique Villa. Angkor Wat is 9.4 km from Marvel Holiday Boutique Villa, while Angkor Trade Centre is 2 km away. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 10 km from the property. The property offers two-way complimentary airport transfers and shuttle services to the city centre.
Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and is fitted with a TV. Some rooms include a seating area to relax in after a busy day. You will find a coffee machine in the room. Each room has a private bathroom fitted with a bath. Extras include slippers and a hairdryer.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements and concierge services.
The in-house restaurant serves up a fine dining menu featuring authentic Khmer cuisine as well international dishes.
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!
Marvel Holiday Boutique Villa has been welcoming guests since Aug 18, 2016
Villas: 39
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. Lyn
Country: Philippines
City: Manila
N.of Person: 1 pax
Travel date: 23-09-2024
Booked: Ream National Park Kayaking & Boat Trip Day Tour
Tour Style: Beach Break Holiday
Duration: Full Day
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