Fallen stones
Heaps of ruins.
PsamatheM — CC BY-SA 4.0 · PsamatheM — CC BY-SA 4.0 · PsamatheM — CC BY-SA 4.0 · PsamatheM — CC BY-SA 4.0
A large temple swallowed by the forest some 40 km east of Angkor, on the old royal highway; its name means lotus pond. Its written history is unknown, but a style identical to Angkor Wat dates it to the same period, the early 12th century. Beng Mealea is almost unrestored: its fallen stones lie in great heaps, trees and moss grow among its towers and galleries, and visitors make their way on raised wooden walkways over the ruins and through the inner courts, as if it had just been found. It is far quieter than the main park, and the green light between the trees makes it a pleasure to photograph. It is usually combined with Phnom Kulen in a day by car. Tickets are bought at the gate, and sources differ on whether the Angkor Pass covers it, so check before going. Rural Cambodia still has landmine remnants, so stay on trodden roads and paths, per UK travel advice. Temples are living places of worship: cover shoulders and knees, remove your hat where asked and keep off roped-off stones. The heat is fierce most of the year, so carry water and start early.
Heaps of ruins.
Over the courts.
Away from crowds.
About 40 km east of the main Angkor temples, on the road to Koh Ker
About an hour and a half from Siem Reap by car or tuk-tuk, usually combined with Phnom Kulen on a full-day trip.