Beng Mealea

Ivar Hagendoorn -

Beng Mealea is one of the most spectacular temples at Angkor, because it is still largely covered by dense foliage. It was built in the 12th century under Suryavarman II. Beng Mealea is located about 68km northeast of Siem Reap and I was lucky that, much to my surprise, my hotel came with a private driver and an SUV for the entirety of my stay. Because of its distance from Siem Reap there were far less visitors. I had a great time exploring the complex.

Beng Mealea is still largely covered by jungle
Beng Mealea offers the ultimate Indiana Jones experience around Angkor
At Beng Mealea too you will find the famous Silk Cotton Trees...
...and Strangler Figs.
To take this photo I was indeed standing on top of one of the walls, which took a bit of scrambling
Ruins of the library at Beng Mealea
Frontal view of the library at Beng Mealea

I had a great time walking around the rubble and foliage

I like the black and white photos
Beng Mealea in black and white

The other temples of Angkor: Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, Ta Som, Preah Khan, the hidden and rarely visited Ta Nei.