Beng Mealea is a jungle temple that stretches over 1 square kilometer and is mostly covered in vegetation. It was left in the same condition as when it was discovered, similar to Ta Prohm Temple. It makes for some fantastic “Lost Temple” photographs, with trees growing out of broken-down towers and galleries and foliage covering wrecked ruins.
Beng Mealea is located about 60 kilometers from Siem Reap, was also built by Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. The temple is made of sandstone and features Buddhist symbols carved in a few spots on its walls. Other than being established by King Suryavarman II, the World Heritage Site has a mostly unknown past. The temple is smaller than the major Angkor Wat temple but still larger than others in the region and features significant sculptures from Hindu mythology.
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This temple was made of sandstone, and is virtually undamaged, with trees and bushes covering practically the whole structure and the building laying in gigantic stone heaps all over the site. The temple’s architecture is comparable to that of Angkor Wat, and it used to be the heart of a village with its own moat and fortifications. Despite the fact that the location faces east, it has three entrances and consists of three galleries and a central sanctuary.
Meng Mealea has become a popular tourist destination and is one of the lesser-known temples near Angkor Wat that the majority of visitors are unaware of. The temple is an excellent chance for walking through nature to locate this hidden jewel of Cambodian history, as it is built on the historic Preah Khan Kompong Svay royal path. It serves as a symbol of natural reclamation, and the temple’s abandonment appeals to those yearning for a piece of history. The stone piles and collapsed walls and constructions provide access to many previously inaccessible areas, making this one of the most enjoyable sites to explore.
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To enter the site, an Apsara Authority admission pass is needed, with the same ticket as the Angkor pass.
