Beng Mealea is about 68km northeast of Siem Reap. This is probably one of the most mysterious temples at Angkor having been badly run in by nature. Built to same floor plan as Angkor Wat in the 12^th century under Suryavarman II, the temple is also enclosed by a massive moat measuring 1.2km by 900m.

It used to be utterly consumed by jungle, but some of the dense foliage has been cleaned up in recent years. Piles of finely chiseled sandstone blocks and long dark chambers with hanging vines in between may at first discourage, but this temple is actually a place worth spending the time exploring. The rewards include several impressive carvings besides a well-preserved library in the north-eastern quadrant and much more.