Beng Melea

Constructed at early 11th century by king Suryavarman II (1113-1150).
Religion: Hindu (dedicated to Vishnu). Art style: Angkor Wat.

Sprawling jungle temple covering over one square kilometer. The temple is largely overrun by vegetation and very lightly touristed, giving it an adventurous, “lost temple” feel. Trees growing from the broken towers and galleries offer some of the best “tree in temple” shots aside from Ta Prohm. Constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat style under the same king that built Angkor Wat, Beng Melea preceded and may have served as a prototype of sorts for Angkor Wat. Though there are some lintel and doorway carvings, there are no bas-reliefs and the carvings are comparatively sparse. When the temple was active, the walls may have been covered, painted or had frescos. In its time, Beng Melea was at the crossroads of several mayor highways that ran to Angkor, Koh Ker, Preah Vihear (in northern Cambodia). Beng Melea is located 63km east of siem Reap.