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Cambodia stands out as one of Southeast Asia's most captivating tourist destinations, renowned for its ancient architecture and rich cultural heritage. Among its greatest attractions are the awe-inspiring, ancient temple complexes like Angkor. Recently, Cambodia has revealed the ancient Beng Mealea temple, nestled deep within the Siem Reap jungle. This temple holds a history that predates Angkor Wat, drawing travelers eager to uncover its secrets. Let’s explore this enigmatic temple together with Mytour.
Beng Mealea: The Ancient Temple That Captivates Tourists
In recent years, Siem Reap in Cambodia has become one of the world’s most alluring tourist destinations. Visitors flock here to marvel at the Angkor temple complex, hidden in the jungle, which is not only the largest temple group in the world but also boasts intricate architecture dating back nearly a thousand years. For those with a thirst for adventure, the Beng Mealea temple, located deep within the jungle of Siem Reap, is another must-see. This ancient site is believed to be older than Angkor itself, adding to its allure for history enthusiasts.
Although located near the Angkor temple complex, Beng Mealea is not part of the Angkor group, meaning a separate ticket is required to visit. The site is managed by the government office in Siem Reap, with an entrance fee of 5 USD per visit, while the Angkor ticket costs 37 USD per day. The only road leading to Beng Mealea is a dirt path, which is often riddled with potholes and flooded during the rainy season, making it difficult for vehicles to pass. Locals primarily use ox carts for transportation, offering an experience that many travelers find unique and enjoyable when visiting Cambodia.
Exploring the Mysterious Beng Mealea Temple
Beng Mealea Temple shares architectural similarities with Angkor Wat. Historians and archaeologists believe it was built during the reign of King Suryavarman in the 12th century. To this day, Beng Mealea remains a mystery for researchers due to the scarcity of information about its origins and purpose. Some bas-reliefs and carvings found at the temple depict symbols of both Buddhism and Hinduism, but many aspects of the temple still lack comprehensive explanations.
Today, Beng Mealea continues to be a significant attraction for both domestic and international tourists. In addition to the main temple, there are several exhibition areas and libraries surrounding the temple complex, all encircled by a deep, robust moat, adding to its distinct charm. However, the temple is no longer intact, as studies suggest that it was severely affected by a powerful earthquake in the past.
When visiting Beng Mealea today, you'll be enveloped in a mysterious atmosphere surrounding this ancient temple, with large stone bricks scattered around the structure, banyan trees creeping along the walls, and moss covering nearly every surface. The best time to visit and appreciate Beng Mealea is before 9 AM each day. The government has built a path around the moat for visitors to explore the temple grounds, or for a small fee, you can hire a temple guard to guide you into the heart of this enigmatic site. You'll have the chance to discover remaining ruins such as stone pillars, ancient walls, the main worship area, and old corridors.
You can also explore affordable overseas travel tour packages through Mytour. Contact or call Mytour for the most detailed travel consultation and support.
