Beng Mealea Temple, Cambodia

0800 A.M depart Siem Reap and travel 70km on a country road to the forgotten temple of Beng Mealea. The temple was built about the same time as Angkor Wat (12th century) and has a similar style of architecture. Have time for a thorough visit to Beng Mealea which is still invaded by the forest nowadays and which bears a wild atmosphere.

 Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, travel further to the north-east for 2 hours to the remote temples of Koh Ker. Enjoy getting lost amid the jungle-covered ruins of Koh Ker with captivating views of the forest from the temple' top level.

The ruins of Beng Mealea Temple, Cambodia
The ruins of Beng Mealea Temple, Cambodia

King Jayavarman IV, who reigned 928-942, moved the capital of Cambodia from Angkor to Koh Ker. In 944, a successor king - Rajandravarman II moved the capital back to Angkor. Under his reign, King Jayavarman IV executed the construction of several religious buildings and structures at Koh Ker of which Researchers have found 96 temples nowadays. The most impressive of these temple is Prasat Thom, 40m high built of sandstone with pyramid style of 7 levels.