Explore Beng Mealea Temple, Siem Reap: Angkor's Mysterious and Fascinating Temple

When you travel to Cambodia to Siem Reap, in addition to famous temples such as Angkor Wat or Ta Prohm, do not miss the opportunity to explore Beng Mealea Temple in Angkor. This is one of the lesser-known tourist destinations in Siem Reap but offers a very different experience compared to other works in the Angkor complex. With its wild and mysterious beauty, Beng Mealea will take you into a quiet space where you can feel the greatness of Khmer culture from more than 800 years ago.

Nestled deep within Cambodia 's dense jungles , the Beng Mealea temple in Angkor is one of Siem Reap's lesser-known yet incredibly captivating tourist destinations , boasting a wild and mystical beauty. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II, the founder of Angkor Wat, Beng Mealea holds a mysterious history and is a must-see for those who love exploring ancient architecture.

Location and history of Beng Mealea Temple

Beng Mealea is one of the most mysterious Angkor temples in Siem Reap. (Photo: Collected)

The Beng Mealea Temple in Angkor is located approximately 77 km from the center of Siem Reap city along National Highway 6. This is a unique temple within the Angkor complex, yet it is little known to tourists, largely because the area had been neglected for centuries. The temple was discovered by French archaeologists in 1954, when they found it may have been the burial place of King Suryavarman II along with treasures of the Angkor dynasty.
King Suryavarman II was one of the greatest kings of the Khmer Empire, who built Angkor Wat, a world wonder known to millions. However, after his death, the temple and the Angkor dynasty fell into oblivion for centuries.

Discover the architecture and secrets of Beng Mealea Temple.

Beng Mealea is almost entirely overgrown and wild. The central tower lies in ruins, and the walls are crumbling under the weight of vines and tree roots. (Photo: Collected)

Built in the Hindu style, primarily using sandstone, the Beng Mealea temple in Angkor has a similar architecture to Angkor Wat but is much smaller. However, this does not make the temple any less magnificent. Much of the structure has crumbled over time, but you can still see the exquisite carvings depicting the gods Vishnu, Garuda, and the Apsara nymphs – iconic figures in Hindu mythology.
What makes Beng Mealea special is that the temple grounds are almost completely overgrown with trees and vines, creating a mysterious and eerie atmosphere. Tree roots emerge from the crevices in the rocks, wrapping around the ancient gates, making this area seem like a "secret garden" unlike anywhere else in the Angkor complex.

Highlights of Beng Mealea Temple

The architectural styles of Beng Mealea Temple and Angkor Wat are very similar, and the Apsara carvings are almost identical. (Photo: Collected)

The Beng Mealea temple in Angkor was built in the shape of a cross, with three galleries surrounding a central sanctuary. Today, only ruins remain of the site, but it still clearly demonstrates the grandeur of a structure that was once the religious and cultural center of the Khmer dynasty.
Over the years, the Beng Mealea temple in Angkor has become a popular tourist destination not only for its ancient beauty but also for its unsolved mysteries. It was once the burial place of King Suryavarman II, but after numerous excavations, his remains could not be found. This remains a major question, adding to the temple's allure and mystery.

Discover the path to Beng Mealea Temple

Except for a few boardwalks, the temple remains completely untouched, in a state of desolation and ruin. (Photo: Collected)

Today, visitors can reach Beng Mealea Temple in Angkor by following a trail leading into the temple area. However, in previous years, the area was difficult to access due to being covered by dense jungle, along with dangers such as unexploded landmines left over from the war. Since 2003, the Cambodian government has opened up the road to the temple, making it easier for tourists to visit and admire this ancient structure.

Source: https://travel.com.vn/tin-uc-du-lich/den-beng-mealea-siem-reap-ngoi-den-bi-an-cua-angkor-v16883.aspx