Beng Melea is still my favourite temple. It was discovered not long ago and still has a very wild side to it. Nature has taken back what was hers. It was built towards 1100 and no one knows exactly who lived there or what its main function was. It is full of mystery. And it's great, your imagination leaps for joy when you see the first stone, or rather, the first landslide. Because, when you visit Beng Melea don't expect the same perfection that you have at Angkor Wat. Don't expect the usual quiet tourist visit. Take some good strong shoes and take off on an adventure. In order to visit the temple you have to climb over and around, duck under branches, clamber... In brief, it's quite a sporty activity! Great for nature (and wild jungle) lovers.
The temple is quite far from Siam Reap and so off the usual tourist circuit. As a result you will be almost alone. Your photos will be magnificent - no need to struggle and strain to get one without tourists in it. Beng Melea is very enchanting. I didn't want to leave. It's a definite must-see during a trip to Cambodia.
Beng Mealea is in ruins and covered by the jungle but reminds you of Ta Phrom, the temple which is famous for its part in the film Tomb Raider. Nature has taken back what was hers! You feel like you are in a secret garden, full of passages that need to be discovered. The temple walls are covered with moss and hidden by trees. The creepers have taken the columns prisoner. Piles of stone lie on the ground.
If, during your trip to Cambodia, you dream of getting off the beaten path and feeling like an explorer from the 15th century, take a tuk-tuk and head in the direction of Beng Mealea. Few tourists go so far from Siem Reap. So you will be able to enjoy the place in peace and quiet. I'm sure you've understood, Beng Mealea was the Angkor site that I fell in love with.