Beng Mealea
A 12th-century jungle temple where nature has reclaimed ancient stones, offering a wild, atmospheric, and adventurous exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Beng Mealea
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 12th-century jungle temple where nature has reclaimed ancient stones, offering a wild, atmospheric, and adventurous exploration.
"Incredible jungle temple, less crowded and more wild than Angkor Wat. Tree roots grow through the ruins—feels like a movie set."
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Uneven paths and rubble mean good shoes are a must for exploring safely.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water; it gets hot and there are limited vendors on site.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nature's Embrace
Throughout the temple complex
Witness massive tree roots entwining ancient stones, creating a surreal, cinematic landscape. A truly unique sight.
The Cobra Bridge
Entrance causeway
Marvel at the intricately carved stone naga (serpent) heads adorning the long, swan-neck bridge structures.
Unrestored Grandeur
Central sanctuary
Explore the vast, largely untouched ruins, offering a glimpse into the temple's original, awe-inspiring scale.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Jungle's Embrace
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Kulen Mountains, Beng Mealea and Koh Ker in 1 day
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Uneven paths and rubble mean good shoes are a must for exploring safely.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water; it gets hot and there are limited vendors on site.
Beng Mealea + Angkor - one day pass?
Beng Mealea + Koh Ker day trip
🧭 Consider a Guide
A local guide can unlock the temple's history and hidden details.
📸 Capture the Atmosphere
The jungle-overgrown ruins offer incredible photo opportunities.
Beng Melea/Roulos/Koh Ker
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Uneven paths and rubble mean good shoes are a must for exploring safely.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water; it gets hot and there are limited vendors on site.
🧭 Consider a Guide
A local guide can unlock the temple's history and hidden details.
📸 Capture the Atmosphere
The jungle-overgrown ruins offer incredible photo opportunities.
🏛️ Visit Museum First
Understand the history at Angkor National Museum for deeper appreciation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Beng Mealea's unique 'forgotten temple' atmosphere, where jungle vines and massive tree roots reclaim ancient stones, creating a cinematic and awe-inspiring landscape. Its unrestored state offers a more adventurous and less crowded experience compared to other Angkorian sites, though some note ongoing construction and the need for sturdy footwear.
"My favorite temple. Truly a fascinating temple that defies explanation. Although the temple is largely destroyed it is an amazing place with some of the most remarkable structures and stone work that you don’t see at others. Something about it just doesn’t fit, it seems to possibly be from an earlier time. Well worth a visit and it does not have the crowds."
Robert Hildreth
"Incredible jungle temple, less crowded and more wild than Angkor Wat. Tree roots grow through the ruins—feels like a movie set. Wear good shoes and go early. Tip: visit Angkor National Museum first to better understand the temple’s history."
Ivan Lu
"Amazing Temple in the jungle surrounded by trees. This temple is 72km out of town and so does not have many visitors. Having said that, I would highly recommend going. It’s a bit of a walk up a lane and out again, but the temple area itself has wooden staircases, balconies and steps that are well laid out. The first thing you see when entering the site is that the area is ‘under construction’. There is a huge crane uncovering lots of large rectangular slabs, each one if which is given a ‘placement number’ for re-positioning. One of the amazing wonders are the long bridge like stone structures that swan-neck up with a large cobra head on the tip. These snake-heads are intricately carved and detailed as are a number of stone structures in the area.
As you wonder through this vast area, the most notable things are:-
1. The extraordinary amount are large rectangular slabs (each about 3’x1.5’x1.5’), each one with 2x2” holes (some more) for the insertion of sticks and twine for moving - although these slabs aren’t going anywhere as they are too difficult to move / reconstruct and too overwhelming cumbersome and abundant.
2. Many of the structures have trees growing around them or through them / and many of these very large trees are covered and smothered by smaller, thinner fig trees that surround, suffocate and kill the larger trees. A truly amazing and unique experience to witness.
Remember to take water, sunscreen, a hat & maybe sunglasses. It’s hot in this part of the world. Also, I highly recommend getting a guide and driver with an air conditioned car. Going to any temple on a tuk-tuk or scooter on dirt or bumpy roads in traffic on a hot day does not look like much fun."
Geoff Lewis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Beng Mealea is located about 72 km northeast of Siem Reap. The most common ways to get there are by hiring a private car or taxi, which offers comfort and air conditioning, or by renting a motorbike for a more adventurous journey. Tuk-tuks are also an option, but the journey can be long and bumpy. Many visitors combine a trip to Beng Mealea with Koh Ker.
Yes, Beng Mealea is a popular day trip destination from Siem Reap. However, trying to combine it with other distant temples like Koh Ker and Kulen Mountains in a single day is highly unrealistic and not recommended.
The travel time to Beng Mealea from Siem Reap is typically around 1.5 to 2 hours by car, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Public transport options are very limited for reaching Beng Mealea. Hiring a private vehicle or joining a guided tour is the most practical way to visit.
Yes, renting a scooter is a viable option if you are comfortable with longer rides and Cambodian road conditions. Ensure you have a valid international driving permit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Beng Mealea is typically $5 USD per person. This is a separate ticket and is not included in the Angkor Pass.
No, an Angkor Pass is not required for Beng Mealea. It has its own separate entrance fee.
Tickets are usually purchased at the entrance gate upon arrival. There isn't a widespread online pre-purchase system for individual tickets.
While you can visit both on the same day with a private driver, they have separate entrance fees. There isn't a specific combo ticket that bundles them.
Beng Mealea is generally open from sunrise to sunset, similar to other Angkor temples. It's best to arrive early to enjoy the site with fewer people.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temple is spread out, and much of it is unrestored. Wooden walkways and stairs have been added to allow exploration, but wear good shoes as you'll be walking on uneven surfaces and through rubble.
Beng Mealea can be an exciting adventure for children, but supervision is crucial due to the uneven terrain and open structures. The 'jungle gym' feel can be very appealing.
Yes, local guides can be hired at the entrance to Beng Mealea. They can provide valuable historical context and point out interesting details you might otherwise miss.
Light, breathable clothing is recommended due to the heat. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are essential for navigating the ruins. A hat and sunscreen are also advisable.
Compared to the main Angkor Wat complex, Beng Mealea is significantly less crowded, offering a more serene and intimate experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The interplay of tree roots with the stone structures is iconic. Look for dramatic shots through doorways, along the causeways, and within the crumbling galleries. The 'cobra bridge' is also a popular subject.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a warmer glow. The midday sun can be harsh.
For casual personal photography, no special permit is usually required. However, for professional shoots or commercial purposes, it's advisable to check with the relevant authorities in Siem Reap.
Drone usage is generally restricted at most historical sites in Cambodia, including Beng Mealea, to preserve the atmosphere and for safety reasons. It's best to assume they are not permitted unless you have explicit authorization.
A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the scale of the ruins and the encroaching jungle. A standard zoom lens will also be versatile. Consider a polarizing filter to manage glare.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers' Paradise
🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystique of Beng Mealea
Constructed in the 12th century during the reign of Suryavarman II (the same king who built Angkor Wat), Beng Mealea is believed to have served as a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. However, its layout and some architectural elements suggest it might have been built earlier or had a different purpose, adding to its enigmatic allure. The sheer scale of the fallen sandstone blocks, some weighing several tons, hints at the immense effort involved in its construction, and the ongoing, albeit slow, restoration efforts aim to stabilize and reassemble parts of the complex, revealing more of its original grandeur.
Exploring Beng Mealea is an adventure. Wooden walkways and staircases have been installed to guide visitors through the labyrinthine corridors and across collapsed courtyards. However, the spirit of exploration remains, with opportunities to clamber over fallen stones (carefully!) and peer into shadowed chambers. The 'cobra bridge,' a long stone causeway with intricately carved naga heads, is a particularly striking feature. The feeling of being in a truly wild and ancient place, far from the usual tourist throngs, is what makes Beng Mealea a must-visit for many.
Navigating the Ruins: Practicalities
While Beng Mealea is less crowded than Angkor Wat, it's still a popular destination, especially for those seeking a more 'untouched' temple experience. To make the most of your visit, consider going early in the morning to avoid the midday sun and the largest tour groups. This also provides the best light for photography. If you're interested in the history and symbolism, hiring a local guide at the entrance can significantly enhance your understanding and appreciation of the temple's intricate carvings and architectural features.
For those planning to combine Beng Mealea with other sites like Koh Ker, it's crucial to understand that these are separate locations with individual entrance fees. A private car or taxi is the most efficient way to manage such a multi-site itinerary, offering flexibility and comfort. While tuk-tuks are an option, the longer distances and rougher roads can make the journey arduous.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit