Venture beyond the Angkor crowds to jungle-clad Beng Mealea and Koh Ker's 7-tiered pyramid temple, the former Khmer capital under King Jayavarman IV, on a full day tour with lunch.
Two of the least-visited temple sites near Siem Reap make for an adventurous full day away from the main Angkor circuit.
Beng Mealea, the 'Lotus Pond' temple, was built in the early 11th century by Suryavarman II and remains half-swallowed by jungle, with wide galleries said to have foreshadowed Angkor Wat's own construction. A picnic lunch is served during the visit before continuing to Koh Ker, the remote former Khmer capital from 928 to 944 AD under King Jayavarman IV. Its centrepiece, Prasat Thom, is a striking 7-tiered sandstone pyramid, the boldest architectural statement of this brief but ambitious period in Khmer history.
The return drive passes remote villages and dense, untouched jungle, a fitting close to a day spent well off the beaten path.
We pick up from only hotels inside Siem Reap, Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.
On this tour, we travel through the thriving countryside, past rice paddy fields and local villages to Beng Mealea temple. Beng Mealea - the “Lotus Pond” Temple from the early 11th Century - was built by Suryavarman II as a Hindu Temple. One of the few accessible temples, hidden in a maze of the jungle - if there is one temple to explore resplendent with jungle engulfing it, it is Beng Mealea. Clambering over large sandstone blocks to reach the inner sanctuary and eerie worship corridor is an exploration to remember. Architecturally, Beng Mealea is known for its innovative, in its time, construction of hallways, it was a large temple with wide galleries foreshadowing Angkor Wat. A picnic lunch will be arranged during the tour.
Continue with a visit of Koh Ker Temple which represents the remnants of the capital of the Khmer Empire from 928 AD – 944 AD, a very unique period in the Age of Angkor. The premier, dilapidated bastion of the complex is Prasat Thom, an imposing 7-tiered pyramid and temple complex. It was home to Jayavarman IV, the maternal uncle of the two previous kings and a great feudal landholder, who ascended the throne in 928. In only a few years, Jayavarman IV built many colossal sanctuaries dedicated to Shiva, ruling over large numbers of people and in considerable splendour for twenty years until succeeded by his son Harshavarman I. We head back to Siem Reap while we pass remote villages and the dense, untouched jungle behind us. We can assure you that you will look back to this day as an adventurous one.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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