Beng Mealea
Beng MealeaLocated 65km from Siem Reap, it is a pleasant 1.5 hour drive through the Cambodian countryside to reach the sprawling jungle temple of Beng Mealea. Constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat style by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Beng Mealea preceded and may have served as a prototype for Angkor Wat. Today the temple is largely overrun by vegetation and the stone walls are crumbling which adds to its charm in a unique way. Accessibility has improved as elevated walkways have been set up throughout most of the temple, although to see all corners does require a sense of adventure as you will need to climb over stone blocks or walk through narrow passageways.
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