Siem Reap Trip Overview
The jungle around Siem Reap still has a lot of surprises for the more adventurous traveller. Two lesser-known temple ruins, Beng Mealea and Koh Ker are among the least sought-after in the whole region yet are must-see essentials for its size and history.
• Explore Cambodia’s jungle outside Siem Reap;
• Gaze at temple ruins, away from the Angkor crowd;
• Wander through the wide galleries of Beng Mealea;
• Admire the 7-tiered pyramid temple of Koh Ker;
• Experience Cambodian rural life, the way it has been.
Additional Info
* Duration: 8 hours
* Starts: Siem Reap, Cambodia
* Trip Category: Tours & Sightseeing >> Bus & Minivan Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Siem Reap, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
The jungle around Siem Reap still has a lot of surprises for the more adventurous traveller. Two lesser-known temple ruins, Beng Mealea and Koh Ker are among the least sought-after in the whole region yet are must-see essentials for its size and history.
• Explore Cambodia’s jungle outside Siem Reap;
• Gaze at temple ruins, away from the Angkor crowd;
• Wander through the wide galleries of Beng Mealea;
• Admire the 7-tiered pyramid temple of Koh Ker;
• Experience Cambodian rural life, the way it has been.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Beng Mealea, 40 km east of Angkor Wat Cambodia
On this tour, we travel through the thriving countryside, past rice paddy fields and local villages to Beng Mealea temple. Beng Mealea – the “Lotus Pond” Temple from the early 11th Century – was built by Suryavarman II as a Hindu Temple. One of the few accessible temples, hidden in a maze of the jungle – if there is one temple to explore resplendent with jungle engulfing it, it is Beng Mealea. Clambering over large sandstone blocks to reach the inner sanctuary and eerie worship corridor is an exploration to remember. Architecturally, Beng Mealea is known for its innovative, in its time, construction of hallways, it was a large temple with wide galleries foreshadowing Angkor Wat. A picnic lunch will be arranged during the tour.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Koh Ker Temple, RN64 – 2km south KOH KER site entrance and Srayang 100 Km North of Siem Reap Cambodia
Continue with a visit of Koh Ker Temple which represents the remnants of the capital of the Khmer Empire from 928 AD – 944 AD, a very unique period in the Age of Angkor. The premier, dilapidated bastion of the complex is Prasat Thom, an imposing 7-tiered pyramid and temple complex. It was home to Jayavarman IV, the maternal uncle of the two previous kings and a great feudal landholder, who ascended the throne in 928. In only a few years, Jayavarman IV built many colossal sanctuaries dedicated to Shiva, ruling over large numbers of people and in considerable splendour for twenty years until succeeded by his son Harshavarman I.
We head back to Siem Reap while we pass remote villages and the dense, untouched jungle behind us. We can assure you that you will look back to this day as an adventurous one.
Duration: 2 hours
