Beng Mealea

Built in the 12th century by Suryavaraman II, Beng Mealea is a spectacular large temple where substantial bits have collapsed and not been restored. The result is rubble filled chambers entwined with nature, begging explorers to clamber through! A wooden gangway was built to lead through a circuit of the non-collapsed parts of the building. If you want to get your Indiana Jones on and climb through, you can accost one of the caretakers to guide you through the building for a tip at the end. They are waiting at the top of the steps just after you walk in. Great fun for adults and kids! Beng Mealea is 60km from Bayon and takes around 1.5 hours by tuk-tuk from Bayon or Siem Reap. It's well worth the trip, and the journey through rural Cambodia is a wonderful experience in itself. You will need to allow half a day travel time, or combine it with a trip to Koh Ker for a long day trip best done in a car. There are a few restaurants nearby if you want some snacks or to grab lunch. Entry: $5 (Angkor Archaeological Pass is not valid.) Open: 5:00am - 6:00pm.