20 Attractions to Explore Near Prasat Beng Mealea

Phnom Kulen National Park is one of the most revered destinations in Cambodia, as it features Kulen Mountain. Once referred to as the Mount Mahendraparvata, the Kulen Mountain is a cultural and historical resort that marked the origin of the Khmer empire in the 9th century when King Jayavarman II announced independence from Java and declared himself as the ‘Chakravartin’, meaning universal king.

Phnom Bok is situated in the northeast of Eastern Baray of Siem reap province. It is one of the three hills chosen by King Yashovarman I that had high religious value during the Angkorian period. Phnom Bok sits at the summit of the highest hill in the Angkor area which is over 200 meters high above the ground and the main attraction is the temple compound on the very top. It is one of the great attractions in this area and it gives a wide view of this area.

Banteay Samre was built in the distinctive Angkor Wat style of construction and art and is a large, relatively low-rise temple. It was built around the same time as Angkor Wat, and the influence can be seen in the towers and railings which strongly resemble the towers of its larger and more famous cousin.

Prasat Lolei is an island temple built in 893 by King Yasovarman I, to honor his ancestors. The temple was constructed on an artificial island in the Indratataka baray, a vast water reservoir measuring nearly 4 kilometers long and 750 meters wide. The baray, now dry, was dug out for irrigation purposes and as a source of drinking water for the capital.

The Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre (BBC) is a new tourist attraction for Siem Reap Province featuring a live display of Cambodian butterflies. it is the largest enclosed butterfly center in Southeast Asia. The center is sometimes referred to as the Angkor Butterfly Center.

Preah Ko is one of the four temples which make up the Roluos Group, the other three being Bakong, Lolei, and Prasat Prei Monti. It’s one of the oldest temples built during the Khmer empire and predates Angkor Wat by a few hundred years. The temple was built under the Khmer King Indravarman I in 879 to honor members of the king's family, whom it places in relation to the Hindu deity Shiva.

The Landmine Museum represents an agonizing window into the realism of the country’s land mine situation – during Cambodia’s 3-decade-long conflict, approximately 6 million land mines were planted in the nation. This museum was founded in 1997 by Aki Ra, with the aim to make the country safe through the removal of mines from wherever he could find them. Aki Ra was forced to work as a minelayer by the Khmer Rouge, planting land mines from an age as young as 5 years old.

The Bakong is the first of the large mountain temples in Angkor. It belongs to the Roluos group, build at the end of the 9th century. The Bakong and the other temples of the Roluos group, like the Preah Ko and the Lolei were build in Hariharalaya, an early capital of the Khmer empire. This area is now called Roluos, located North of Tonle Sap lake, about 15 kilometers East of Siem Reap.

Banteay Srei is one of the most elaborate temples at Angkor, Cambodia. Dedicated to Hindu god Shiva, this 10th-century Cambodian temple is famous for its beautiful pinkish sandstone and intricate three-dimensional wall carvings.

The original River of Thousand Lingams, Kbal Spean is an intricately carved riverbed deep in the foothills of the Cambodian jungle. Lingams are phallic representations sacred to Brahmanism as symbols of fertility, and hundreds of them are carved into the rock here, as are several carvings of gods and animals above the small waterfall.

East Mebon is a mountain temple that was built in the middle of the 10th century. It was built by King Rajendravarman II and dedicated to Shiva. Mebon is a pyramid of terraces with stunning sculptures and statues, including the 2m high elephants which sit on each corner. Although not as popular as the main temples, it is a widely visited temple and one that you should definitely make time for during your visit to Siem Reap.

The Pre Rup was the state temple of King Rajendravarman II. It is a mountain temple built in the year 961, located just south of the large East Baray and the East Mebon, another mountain temple build by Rajendravarman II just 9 years earlier. In the early 20th century the Pre Rup had been completely overgrown and covered with soil. The temple was excavated during the 1930s and now it is one of the prime attractions in Cambodia.

The Khmer temple of Ta Som, located at the eastern end of the Northern Baray at Angkor, was built at the end of the twelfth century during the reign of the powerful Buddhist King Jayavarman VII. Little is known of the history and purpose of Ta Som. It was likely dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s father, although some have speculated that it may have been dedicated to one of his teachers. The site is relatively small compared with the many other temples built under Jayavarman’s reign.

This 10th Century reservoir is a magical setting for its visitors, who admire a serene sunrise from its cross-shaped, laterite landing stage. Under the watchful eye of two lion guardian statues, enjoy the view of the reservoir, which has remained at least partially flooded since its heyday in King Rajendravarman II’s rule.

Krol Ko at Angkor, Cambodia, is a Buddhist temple built at the end of the 12th century under the rule of Jayavarman VII. This is a small temple with a single central tower surrounded by two laterite walls. Pediments displaying the most interesting carvings at the site are on the ground along the enclosure wall. Krol Ko is comparatively untouristed, offering a peaceful atmosphere.

Banteay Kdei, meaning “A Citadel of Chambers”, also known as “Citadel of Monks’ cells”, is a Buddhist temple in Angkor, Cambodia. It is located southeast of Ta Prohm and east of Angkor Thom. Built-in the mid 12th to early 13th centuries AD during the reign of Jayavarman VII, it is in the Bayon architectural style and it is now one of the great attractions in Cambodia.

Prasat Kravan is a 10th-century Hindu temple which was originally dedicated to Vishnu. There are five brick towers that are oriented to the east and surrounded by a small moat. Unusually, the temple wasn’t built by the king, instead, it was constructed by high ranking officials during the reign of King Harshavarman I or Ishanavarman II. Prasat Kravan is in pretty good condition and its symmetry and lines make for a great photo opportunity.

Neak Pean is small and a collection of five ponds, it is worth a visit for its unique features. It is believed to have been consecrated to Buddha coning to the glory of Nirvana. It is one of the temples that make one dream of the olden days of luxury and beauty.

Ta Prohm Temple is a very popular part in a typical Angkor tour. It's the only major stop that wasn't fully reclaimed from the jungle. Many of the walls and structures have been smothered by huge silk-cotton trees and strangler figs, which grow over, around, and through the ancient stone blocks. These trees both hold the ruins together and cause them to collapse.

Prasat Ta Nei is a late 12th Century stone temple located in Angkor, Cambodia. Built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, it is located near the northwest corner of the East Baray, a large holy reservoir. It was dedicated to the Buddha. It was built under King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century.