Koh Ker And Beng Mealea Temple

Nestled deep within Cambodia’s lush forests, the ancient temple complexes of Koh Ker and Beng Mealea captivate visitors with their remarkable architectural feats and storied pasts. Koh Ker, once the capital of the mighty Khmer Empire, boasts over 180 sanctuaries, including a towering seven-tiered pyramid temple. Meanwhile, Beng Mealea, a former Hindu shrine, showcases intricate carvings and a unique layout with collapsed galleries. Recently recognized by UNESCO, these sites offer a glimpse into Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, leaving travelers eager to uncover the mysteries that lie within.

Good To Know

• This tour offers a full-day excursion to the historical Koh Ker and Beng Mealea temple sites, located approximately 120 km and 77 km from Siem Reap, respectively.

• The tour includes private transportation, an English-speaking driver, and all entrance fees, providing a convenient and hassle-free experience for the participants.

• Koh Ker, a former capital of the Khmer Empire, features over 180 sanctuaries and a notable seven-tiered pyramid, while Beng Mealea is known for its rich carvings depicting Hindu mythology.

• The tour has a flexible booking process, with no upfront payment required and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring a convenient and stress-free experience for travelers.

• The small group size, limited to 10 participants, ensures a personalized and intimate exploration of the temple sites, allowing for a more immersive cultural experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Starting at €116.77 per group (up to 2 participants), the Koh Ker and Beng Mealea Temple tour offers flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

There’s no upfront payment required, and the tour lasts 8 hours with variable starting times.

Group size is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a small and personalized experience.

The tour package includes private transportation with an English-speaking driver, and entrance fees.

Customers can select their preferred date and group size during the booking process, making this an easily customizable excursion to explore these historic Khmer temples.

Transportation and Logistics

The tour includes private transportation, with pickup at the participant’s hotel at 7:00 AM. The time can be adjusted with prior notice.

An English-speaking driver is provided for the convenience of the participants. This ensures a smooth and comfortable journey to the remote Koh Ker and Beng Mealea Temple sites.

The transportation is included in the tour price, eliminating the need for participants to arrange their own travel. This allows them to focus on the cultural and historical exploration of the two remarkable temple complexes during the 8-hour excursion.

Koh Ker Temple Highlights

Koh Ker, located 120 kilometers from Siem Reap, is a remote jungle area that once served as the capital of the Khmer Empire from 928 to 944 AD under the rule of kings Jayavarman IV and Harshavarman II.

This expansive site features over 180 sanctuaries within an 81 square kilometer protected area.

The most notable structure is the seven-tiered pyramid, standing 36 meters high, which served as the state temple of Jayavarman IV.

Koh Ker’s historical significance has recently been recognized, as it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on September 17, 2023.

Beng Mealea Temple Highlights

Initially built as a Hindu temple, Beng Mealea features Buddhist motifs throughout its largely unrestored sandstone layout. Located 77 km from Siem Reap, the temple’s accessibility has improved with recent road construction. Its layout includes three enclosing galleries around a central sanctuary, now collapsed. Beng Mealea is renowned for its rich carvings depicting Hindu mythology, including the Churning of the Sea of Milk. The temple was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List on March 27, 2020, reflecting its cultural significance.

Feature	Description
Original Purpose	Hindu temple
Construction Material	Sandstone
Restoration Status	Largely unrestored
Notable Characteristic	Rich carvings of Hindu mythology

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Inclusions and Additional Information

The tour includes drinking water and covers all necessary entrance fees.

Participants can conveniently select their desired date and the number of people in their group during the booking process. No upfront payment is required, as visitors can reserve their spot and pay later.

Travelers also have the flexibility to cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour is limited to a small group size of 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Plus, the pickup time can be adjusted with prior notice to accommodate the needs of the group.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Although the tour starts at 7:00 AM, visitors can adjust the pickup time with prior notice to better suit their needs. The booking and cancellation policy is flexible, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s no need for upfront payment as visitors can reserve now and pay later.

Booking and Cancellation Policy
Tour Cost	€116.77
Free Cancellation	Up to 24 hours in advance
Booking Flexibility	Reserve now, pay later
Group Size	Up to 10 participants

Duration and Group Size

The tour takes approximately 8 hours and accommodates a small group size limited to 10 participants.

Visitors have the flexibility to adjust the starting time as needed, with pickup scheduled for 7:00 AM, though it can be adjusted with prior notice.

This small group size ensures a more personalized experience and allows for easier navigation through the expansive Koh Ker and Beng Mealea sites.

The duration of the tour allows ample time to thoroughly explore the historical significance and architectural wonders of these two remarkable temple complexes located outside Siem Reap.

Pickup and Starting Times

Private transportation is included for the tour, with pickup scheduled at 7:00 AM from participants’ hotels in Siem Reap.

The tour’s start time can be adjusted with prior notice to accommodate travelers’ schedules.

During the 8-hour excursion, an English-speaking driver will be provided to ensure a seamless transportation experience.

The small group size is limited to 10 participants, allowing for a more personalized and intimate exploration of the Koh Ker and Beng Mealea Temples.

This flexibility in pickup time and group size ensures that the tour caters to the diverse needs and preferences of each traveler, enhancing the overall experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit Both Temples on the Same Day?

Yes, the tour allows visitors to explore both Koh Ker and Beng Mealea temples on the same day. The 8-hour itinerary provides ample time to experience these two significant historical sites.

Is Photography Allowed at the Temple Sites?

Photography is generally allowed at both Koh Ker and Beng Mealea Temple sites. However, visitors should respect any restrictions and avoid disrupting other travelers or damaging the historical structures. Tripods may be prohibited in certain areas.

What Types of Attire Are Appropriate for the Tour?

Appropriate attire for the tour includes lightweight, comfortable clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Visitors should avoid revealing or sleeveless tops, shorts, or miniskirts to respect the cultural and religious nature of the temple sites.

Are There Any Dining Options or Restaurants Near the Temples?

There are limited dining options near the temples. Visitors can bring their own snacks and water. Some small food stalls may be available, but they’re basic. It’s best to plan ahead and pack a picnic lunch.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Not Covered in the Tour?

The tour price covers entrance fees and drinking water, but there may be additional expenses for personal purchases, meals, or other optional activities during the tour that are not included in the base price.

Sum Up

Koh Ker and Beng Mealea are two remarkable Khmer temples that offer visitors a unique glimpse into Cambodia’s rich history and cultural heritage. Koh Ker’s grand seven-tiered pyramid and Beng Mealea’s intricate carvings and collapsed galleries captivate visitors, making these UNESCO-recognized sites must-see destinations for anyone exploring the ancient wonders of Cambodia.

You can check if your dates are available here: