Temples Cambodia Sambor Prei Kuk Jump
All the temples in Cambodia that we are talking about are UNESCO World Heritage Sites or are included in the UNESCO tentative/indicative list – the list of candidates, so to speak. They all whatsapp number data have sculptures of great artistic value and are in privileged natural settings, in the middle of the jungle or on top of a mountain with views. They may not be at the level of Angkor Wat or Angkor Thom , but they are certainly at the level of many of Angkor's secondary temples.
And of course, there is one extra that is priceless: in many cases you will not meet any other tourists when you walk through them.
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Before you set off on your trip, don't forget to read our tips for traveling to Cambodia , with all the practical information you need to explore the country on your own.
Index
Beng Mealea: the temple swallowed by the jungle, between trees and roots
The temples of Koh Ker: there are also pyramids in Cambodia
Sambor Prei Kuk: pre-Angkorian temples lost in the jungle
Prasat Preah Vihear: The Great Mountain Temple on the Border with Thailand
Banteay Chhmar and its temples with Bayon-style faces
More Cambodian temples worth visiting and our map
Beng Mealea: the temple swallowed by the jungle, between trees and roots
Beng Mealea may not be on our list of Cambodian temples beyond Angkor because, according to some, it is part of the same complex. It is true that it is relatively close – very relatively, about 60 kilometres from Siem Reap, although in the same province – but its entrance is not included in the list of Angkor temples nor is it listed among the list of temples in the complex declared World Heritage Sites. In fact, it is on the UNESCO tentative list by itself.
What to see in Cambodia Beng Mealea
Formalities aside, Beng Mealea is everything you expect from an Angkorian temple to make you feel like Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider – although, whatever you read out there, no movie with these protagonists has been filmed here. A huge architectural complex – 14 hectares including a 1.2 km moat – with a structure similar to Angkor Wat, decorated down to the smallest detail and completely devoured by the jungle until it was cleared – also of the mines, by the way.
Temples Cambodia Beng Mealea Rock Reliefs
When you walk along its walkway you won't know whether to focus on the pile of fallen sandstone blocks and their reliefs, or on the structures that have remained standing fighting, or flirting, depending on how you look at it, with the trees and their roots that have become part of them.
Cambodia Temples Beng Mealea Walkways
A bit of historical background: Beng Mealea was built during the reign of Suryavarman II – like Angkor Wat – in the 12th century. Jayavarman VII, the most powerful of the Khmer monarchs and successor of Suryavarman II, also passed through here and modified it to his liking.
Angkor In 2 Days Beng Mealea Roots
Practical information: prices and how to get to Beng Mealea from Siem Reap
Beng Mealea is without a doubt the most touristy of the Cambodian temples on our list, due to its “jungle” appeal and ease of access: it is the closest to Siem Reap – check out our excursions from Siem Reap –. The public transport issue is a bit complicated. There are some local buses that go in that direction, but not very frequently, so it does not allow you to return the same day and there are no places to sleep near the temple. The easiest options are to hire a tuk-tuk – about 30 dollars –, a car with a driver – about 50 dollars – or a tour that also includes a guided visit and is combined with Koh Ker . We do not recommend the tuk-tuk because the trip is quite long. The car option is good for four people, otherwise it is not worth it – with Koh-Ker, they usually charge about 60 dollars –. Regarding the tours with a guide in Spanish , here you can see prices.
