Beng Mealea Ruins, tours from Siem Reap

About Beng Mealea

Beng Mealea is a temple located in Cambodia, and it is believed to have been built in the 12th century. It is located approximately 40 kilometers east of the famous Angkor Wat temple complex, and is considered to be one of the largest temple ruins in Cambodia.

Like many other temples in Cambodia, Beng Mealea was built during the reign of the Khmer Empire, which dominated much of Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th centuries. The temple was built using sandstone blocks and has a unique architectural style that blends elements of the Angkor Wat style with features that are distinct to Beng Mealea.

Despite its impressive size and intricate carvings, Beng Mealea has been relatively neglected over the centuries and has become overgrown with vegetation. Nevertheless, it is considered to be an important site for researchers and archaeologists who are studying the Khmer Empire and its architectural legacy. In recent years, efforts have been made to clear the temple of vegetation and to restore it to its former glory.

Today, Beng Mealea is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from around the world who are interested in exploring the ruins of the temple and learning about Cambodia's rich cultural heritage.

The current entrance to the ruins was made at the cross corridor, slightly to the east of the approach. I got lost when I looked at the map because it was off the sign of the entrance to the Chikyu no Arukikata. The photo below is around the collapsed north gate. The entrance is on your right. The guide is hanging out around the stairs at the entrance. If you have time, we recommend hiring a guide. Guide will take you to the place where you say 'Oh?! Can I enter this place?'

The photo below is of the tower at the northeast corner of the First Corridor of Beng Mealea, taken from the outside. A large tree grows right above the tower. You can see some remaining Devata (goddess) statues.

The terrace outside the east gate of Beng Mealea? The remaining Naga statues. This is well preserved. To get here, do not enter the ruins, but go around the ruins from the right side of the entrance.

As soon as you enter the entrance of Beng Mealea, you can see the wall of the cruciform corridor on the left. The relief that remains in the gable is Indra.

In the photo above, in the left channel is the outlet of Makara, the vehicle of the goddess of the Ganges. I don't know if it's that special, but I'll post it just in case.

This gable is a passage from the Ramayana, in which Princess Sita jumps into the fire.

Looking at the center of the ruins from the second corridor of Beng Melia, it looks like this. It is in a very bad state of collapse. Instead, the atmosphere as a ruin is the best.

Boardwalks have been built over the rubble everywhere to walk inside the Beng Mealea temple.

One of the few remaining reliefs on Beng Mealea. The carving is deep, and it is said that it was made quite elaborately.

Tree roots entwined in Beng Mealea ruins.Ta Prohm is also great, but Beng Mealea is also quite good.

Illustration of Ben Melea's churning of the sea of milk. It is a motif often used for the bridge girders of the Angkor ruins.

A well-preserved part of the second cloister of Beng Mealea. It looks like the windows are gridded, but it's pretty dark.

Kyodo in the southeast corner of Beng Mealea. I don't know if there was water originally.

Beng Mealea Tours

Beng Mealea is a popular tourist destination and there are many tours which visit Beng Mealea. Click here to check the full list of Beng Mealea tours.