Beng Mealea

Beng Mealea

Cambodia is a country steeped in history. Exploring through its many temples is one of the most popular things to do in Siem Reap. One such temple is Beng Mealea. In this guide, we'll explore the basic facts, history, cultural significance, touring tips, and more to help you prepare for a visit to Beng Mealea.

Basic facts of Beng Mealea

King Suryavarman II

Here are some basic facts about Beng Mealea:

1. Beng Mealea is an ancient temple located in the northwest of Cambodia, in the Siem Reap province.
2. The temple dates back to the 12th century and was built during the reign of King Suryavarman II, who also constructed the famous Angkor Wat temple.
3. Beng Mealea is constructed mainly from sandstone and laterite, with an area of approximately one square kilometer.
4. The temple features a mix of Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles and was likely used as a Hindu temple, although it has also been influenced by Buddhism.
5. Beng Mealea is known for its complex layout, with numerous galleries, passageways, and towers to explore.
6. Beng Mealea is significant for its role in Cambodian art and architecture, featuring intricate carvings and sculptures that tell stories from mythology and history.
7. Beng Mealea is located about 60 km east of the city of Siem Reap and is open to visitors from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.

History of Beng Mealea

A sight of Beng Mealea

Here's a timeline of the history of Beng Mealea:

1. Early 12th century: Beng Mealea is built during the reign of King Suryavarman II, who also constructed Angkor Wat.
2. 13th century: After the decline of the Khmer Empire, Beng Mealea is abandoned and left to be reclaimed by the jungle.
3. 19th century: French explorers rediscover Beng Mealea and begin to clear away the vegetation.
4. 20th century: Restoration efforts begin to help preserve Beng Mealea and other ancient temples in the region.
5. 1992: Beng Mealea and other ancient Khmer temples are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. 2003: The Japanese government provides funding for restoration work at Beng Mealea.
7. 2010: Beng Mealea is officially opened to visitors.

Today, Beng Mealea is a popular tourist destination and an important cultural and historical landmark in Cambodia, showcasing the ancient Khmer civilization that once ruled much of Southeast Asia.

Cultural significance of Beng Mealea

Carvings on the walls

Beng Mealea has had an important impact on Cambodian art and literature. As one of the most significant examples of Khmer art and architecture, it has inspired and influenced many artists, writers, and poets in Cambodia and beyond.

In literature, Beng Mealea has been a popular subject for many writers and poets throughout the centuries. Its intricate carvings and sculptures have been the inspiration for many stories and legends, and its significance in Cambodian history has made it an important symbol in literature about the country.

In art, Beng Mealea has been a popular subject for painters and photographers, who are drawn to its unique design and rich cultural significance. Many artists have created works inspired by Beng Mealea, from traditional Khmer paintings to contemporary art pieces.

Beng Mealea has also played an important role in the development of Cambodian tourism and the promotion of Cambodian culture. As more people have become aware of the temple's beauty and historical significance, it has become a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

How to tour Beng Mealea

Travel guide and visitors in Beng Mealea

Visitors to Beng Mealea can explore the temple on foot, taking in its many galleries, courtyards, and passageways. It is recommended to set aside at least a half-day to fully experience the temple's many features.

Here's a sample one-day tour itinerary to Beng Mealea and the surrounding attractions:

Morning:

7:00am: Pick-up from your hotel in Siem Reap

8:30am: Arrival at Beng Mealea

8:30am - 11:00am: Explore the temple ruins, including the central temple, library, and galleries. Take time to appreciate the intricate carvings and sculptures, and learn about the history and cultural significance of the site

11:00am - 12:00pm: Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot within the temple complex

Afternoon:

12:00pm - 1:00pm: Drive to Kampong Khleang, a nearby floating village on Tonle Sap Lake

1:00pm - 2:00pm: Take a boat tour of the village, seeing how the local people live and work on the water

2:00pm - 3:00pm: Return to Siem Reap

3:00pm - 4:00pm: Visit a local artisan workshop to see traditional handicrafts being made and purchase souvenirs

4:00pm: Return to your hotel in Siem Reap

Note that this itinerary can be customized based on your preferences and interests, and can be combined with other nearby attractions such as the temples of Angkor or the Phnom Kulen National Park.

Related itineraries recommended:

4 Days Cambodia Culture Tour in Siem Reap

10 Days Best of Cambodia Tour

17 Days Cambodia Tour from Temples to the Sea

How to get to Beng Mealea

A guy with a local tuk-tuk driver

To get to Beng Mealea, you can either hire a private car with a driver, take a taxi or tuk-tuk, or join a guided tour. Here are the options in more detail:

1. Private car with driver: This is the most convenient and comfortable option. You can book a car with a driver through your hotel or a local travel agency. The journey from Siem Reap to Beng Mealea takes around 1.5 hours each way, and the cost of hiring a car with driver for a full day is usually around $50-$60.
2. Taxi or tuk-tuk: Another option is to take a taxi or tuk-tuk from Siem Reap to Beng Mealea. This is a cheaper option than hiring a private car with driver, but the journey can be more uncomfortable, especially if you take a tuk-tuk. The cost of a one-way trip is around $20-$30 by taxi or $10-$15 by tuk-tuk.
3. Guided tour: This can be a good option if you want to learn more about the history and culture of the temple from an expert guide. We are professional travel agency for experienced Cambodia tour guide. If interested, you can contact us to tailor your Cambodia tour!

Regardless of the option you choose, make sure to plan your visit to Beng Mealea during daylight hours, as the temple closes at sunset. Also, be prepared for bumpy roads and dusty conditions.

Visiting tips

Take enough snacks and food

When visiting Beng Mealea, it's recommended to wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and climbing. Visitors should also bring plenty of water, as the temple can get hot and humid. There are no food or drink vendors inside the temple, so visitors should plan to bring their own snacks if needed. It's also important to respect the temple's cultural and historical significance by not touching or climbing on any of the temple's structures or decorations. You can also click here to learn more about dos and don’ts in Cambodia!

In the end

A visit to Beng Mealea is an unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Cambodia. By learning about the temple's history, significance, and touring tips, visitors can make the most of their time exploring this ancient wonder.