9-Hour Koh Ker and Beng Mealea Tour from Siem Reap

9 Hours Round trip from Hotel lobby Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Koh Ker, the short-lived 10th-century capital of the Khmer Empire
02 See Prasat Thom and its striking seven-tiered pyramid rising above the forest
03 Walk through Beng Mealea's collapsed galleries, courtyards, and overgrown passageways
04 Discover how roots and vegetation have become part of Beng Mealea's ancient ruins
05 Learn about distinctive Koh Ker architecture and sandstone sculptures

Step beyond Angkor on a full-day journey from Siem Reap to two of Cambodia's most atmospheric ancient sites: the forgotten royal capital of Koh Ker and the jungle-covered ruins of Beng Mealea. Travel through the remote countryside to discover a chapter of Khmer history that many visitors miss. Explore Koh Ker's standout monument, Prasat Thom, with its striking seven-tiered pyramid, then continue to Beng Mealea to wander through collapsed galleries, courtyards, and sandstone corridors where nature has reclaimed the temple. Return to Siem Reap with a richer understanding of Khmer architecture, sculpture, and the powerful link between temples and the surrounding forest.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Siem Reap, Beng Mealea

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Koh Ker and Beng Mealea Jungle Ruins Tour

Begin your day with a journey from Siem Reap to the remote archaeological area of Koh Ker, the former capital of the Khmer Empire in the 10th century. Explore the impressive Prasat Thom, famous for its massive seven-tiered pyramid, and discover the surrounding temples hidden among the forest. Learn about Koh Ker's short but important period as the royal capital and its distinctive architecture and sandstone sculptures.

Continue to Beng Mealea, a spectacular jungle temple built in the 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II. Walk through its collapsed galleries, courtyards, libraries, and sandstone structures, where trees and vegetation have become part of the ancient ruins. The temple provides a fascinating atmosphere and an opportunity to understand Khmer architecture before visiting the more restored temples of Angkor.

After exploring both sites, return to Siem Reap with a deeper appreciation of Cambodia's ancient history, architecture, and the relationship between temples and the surrounding natural landscape.

The route