Koh Ker Temple Group and Beng Mealea

Overview

Under the guidance of a professional archaeologist visit two remote temples surrounded by dense forests and jungle.

The pre-Angkor, 10th century, Koh Ker Temple group comprising over 180 temples is set in a remote forested area north of Siem Reap. The main temple, Koh Ker, is a multi-tiered stupa or pyramid dedicated to Shiva that was located at the center of the ancient city of Lingapura, then the capital of the Khmer Empire.

The unrestored 12th century sandstone temple of Beng Mealea, where delicate bas-reliefs emerge from the enchroaching jungle.

Highlights

Koh Ker

A 35 meter high stupa-like temple that can be climbed to the top
A particular art and architectural style
A UNESCO World Heritage site

Beng Mealea

A temple emerging from the encroaching jungle, the ultimate Indiana Jones experience
A temple whose architecture could have served as a model for Angkor Wat

Itinerary

Full-day tour from Siem Reap.

Spend the morning to explore the Koh Ker temple group, a remote archaeological site in northern Cambodia about 120 kilometres away from Siem Reap. The region is densely forested and sparsely populated. More than 180 sanctuaries were found in a protected area of 81 square kilometres (31 sq mi). Only about two dozen monuments can be visited by tourists as most of them are still hidden in the forest.

In the afternoon, visit Beng Mealea, built as a Hindu temple, but with some carvings inspired by Buddhist traditions. The temple is largely unrestored, with trees and thick bush still covering piles of fallen stones.