Private One Day Trip-Pyramid Temple Koh Ker and Beng Mealea

Pick up at hotel and travel through picturesque countryside and rural villages approximately 60km in the north-east direction to the jungle clad temple of Beng Mealea. Once in a complete state of disrepair resembling a giant jigsaw puzzle, Beng Mealea has recently been made more accessible with the addition of a wooden walkway throughout the structure assuring safe access and slight elevation, thus a better view. This mid 12th century temple features mixture of Buddhism and Hinduism attributes and is particularly mesmerising in the wet season.

Then, we visit The archaeological site of Koh Ker, UNESCO on September 17, 2023, a sacred urban ensemble of numerous temples and sanctuaries including sculptures, inscriptions, wall paintings, and archaeological remains. Constructed over a twenty-three-year period, it was one of two rival Khmer Empire capitals – the other being Angkor – and was the sole capital from 928 to 944 CE. Established by King Jayavarman IV, his sacred city was believed to be laid out on the basis of ancient Indian religious concepts of the universe. The new city demonstrated unconventional city planning, artistic expression and construction technology, especially the use of very large monolithic stone blocks. Scattered over a large area, the most prominent temple of this group by far is the pyramid-like Prasat Thom. A wooden staircase has been repaired recently and it is now again possible to climb up and enjoy the breathtaking view of the surrounding region. On a clear day one can see the Kulen Mountain range in the south-west direction and Dangrek Mountain in the north marking the border with Thailand.