Beng Mealea
ប្រាសាទបឹងមាលា
A large, unrestored temple 70 km from Siem Reap, where collapsed stone blocks are tangled with jungle. It is known as the 'real Angkor adventure'.
Beng Mealea means 'lotus pond.' Built in the early 12th century, it shares its era and style with Angkor Wat and is nearly equal in scale, with a moat about 1 km on each side. But it is almost completely unrestored. Galleries have collapsed, stone blocks are piled high, and trees grow out of the towers, preserving the look Angkor had when 19th-century French explorers first saw it.
For visitors, a wooden walkway crosses the main ruins. You can also hire a local guide (tip about US$5–10) to climb over the stone heaps and venture deeper inside, which offers far more of an adventure than Ta Prohm. Hayao Miyazaki's Castle in the Sky is said to have been inspired by this site, which attracts many Japanese and Chinese visitors.
Beng Mealea lies about 70 km east of Siem Reap. A tuk-tuk round trip takes about 3 hours (US$35–45), while hiring a car is more comfortable. It is often combined with Banteay Srei or Kbal Spean as a day trip. Since 2020 it has been included in the Angkor Pass and is no longer sold separately (previously US$5). Allow about 1.5 hours to visit, with far fewer people than the main park. The stones are slippery and uneven, so wear shoes with good grip, and don't let young children climb. There are no large restaurants on site, so bring your own water and snacks.
Opening hours
07:30–17:30
Nearby sights
- Phnom Kulen National Park
- Banteay Samré
- Roluos Group (Bakong)
- Cambodia Landmine Museum
- Banteay Srei
- Kbal Spean
- East Mebon
- Pre Rup