Beng Melea (which translates into lotus pond) is an Angkor-style temple complex located more than 60 kilometers east from Siem Reap.  It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 1992 and is one of the new temple sites of Cambodia, having been cleared of mines in 2003.

Only recently has Beng Melea been accessible from Siem Reap.  Dirt roads from the Cambodian city to the site made travel difficult, but it has now been paved and travel time from Siem Reap only takes about half an hour.
Much of the temple’s history is unknown and can only be deciphered from its architectural style, which is similar to Angkor Wat.  Because of this, scholars believe that Beng Melea was probably built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century.  Although smaller than Angkor Wat, it is nonetheless a large temple complex, measuring well over one square kilometer within its moat.

Like a lot of Angkor-era structures, Beng Melea was originally built as a Hindu temple.  However, there are some carvings depicting Buddhist designs and motifs.  The structures at the site are built primarily from sandstone and are un-restored, with trees, figs and roots thriving amongst the structures.

The temple is orientated towards the east, with three additional causeways from the other cardinal directions.  At first sight, Beng Melea appears to be nothing more than a large pile of stone concealed by the surrounding jungle.  But upon closer inspection, the temple reveals itself and looks just as the way the French colonial explorers from the 19th century have found it.

Libraries are on the left and right side from the eastern causeway.  There are also carvings of scenes from Hindu mythology, including the Churning of the Sea of Milk and Vishnu being borne by the bird god Garuda.

The dapped light caused by the jungle trees and un-restored structures at Beng Melea make it a fabulous temple site to visit and a perfect opportunity for picture taking.  The temple causeways also house one of the most impressive and beautifully decorated Naga (serpent deity) rails as well as some impressive lintels.

Beng Melea is not quite on the tourist trail yet, but with word spreading fast, that can change soon, and with good reason.  This is an impressive site where history, culture and nature all intertwine in one.  Exotissimo highly recommends visiting this site as part of your Siem Reap temple tour with our Beng Melea & Phnom KulenExcursion – Siem Reap day trip.  After exploring these magnificent ruins, continue on to Phnom Kulen.  This mountain range is considered the birthplace of the Khmer Empire and is a sacred place for the Cambodian people.  Along with Beng Melea, our Grand Tour of Cambodia also includes other magnificent sites such as Angkor Wat and Sambor Prei Kuk as well as visits to cities and towns across the country.  You may also see our suggested Cambodia tours page for other memorable trips into this wonderful country.

Sambor Prei Kuk is a collection of 7th century temples located in a remote jungle just off the town of Kampong Thom, about halfway between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.  There are over 100 brick and sandstone temples scattered throughout the area which are surrounded by the scenic Cambodian jungle.

Sambur Prei Kuk was the capital of the Chenla kingdom (an empire that pre-dates Angkor) which was then known as Isanapura during the reign of King Ishanavarman.  The main temple compound is made up of three complexes enclosed by what appears to be the remains of two concentric walls.  The arrangement of the compound, with its central tower flanked by shrines, ponds and gates could have served as inspiration for the Angkor temples built more than half a millennium later.

The first temple complex, Prasat Sambor is a collection of 11 sanctuaries built of brick and limestone, situated on the north side.  The sanctuary once consisted of 14 temples but only eight remain.  These were built and dedicated to Gambhireshvara, one of Shiva’s many incarnations.  Within this complex are several yonis (female fertility symbols) built from the Angkorian period, demonstrating the continuity between pre-Angkorian and Angkorian architecture and culture.

Probably the most atmospheric of the temple complexes has to be Prasat Yeay Peau.  The forest surrounding the complex adds even more mystique and mysteriousness to the area.  The eastern gate has been tattered and held into place by an old tree, with the bricks interwoven into the tree’s roots.  Another interesting structure that has been engulfed by nature is Prasat Chrey.  An old fig tree has somehow grown onto the structure and has overwhelmed it.

Prasat Tao (also known as Lion Temple) is the largest of the Sambor Prei Kuk complexes, comprising 18 temples with two fortifications near the pond.  The temple got its name from two excellently carved Chenla lion statues at the top of the main stairway.

Exotissimo’s Sambor Prei Kuk – Siem Reap day trip is an excellent way to explore these pre-Angkor temples and structures.  Well off the tourist trail and blissfully free of crowds, you may uncover these complexes deep in the Cambodian jungle either by foot or by bicycle along a network of shady paths.  You can also explore these ancient temples on our three day Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Overland tour.  Stop by Kamphong Thom on the way to Siem Reap from the capital and explore these beautiful jungle ruins.  You can also see our Cambodia tours page for other recommended trips into this remarkable country.