For travellers who have seen the big temples and want the feeling of discovery, this day trip is the answer. Beng Mealea, about 70 kilometres east of Siem Reap, is a huge twelfth-century temple laid out on a plan much like Angkor Wat’s, but it has never been restored. Its galleries have collapsed into heaps of carved blocks, trees grow from its roofs, and wooden walkways and scrambles over the stones lead you through dim corridors and courtyards half lost in the forest. Further north lies Koh Ker, which was briefly the capital of the Khmer Empire in the tenth century and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023. Its centrepiece, Prasat Thom, is a seven-tiered pyramid rising above the forest, and dozens of smaller temples, giant lingas and brick towers are scattered around it. This page links to a join-in tour on Viator, rated 4.9 from more than 800 reviews, that visits both sites by minibus with an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and lunch.
How to visit: Beng Mealea is covered by the Angkor Pass, while Koh Ker has its own one-day ticket of about 15 US dollars. Both are a long way from town, so a tour or a private car is the practical choice. Koh Ker lies in Preah Vihear province; it is well visited and the main sites are cleared, but always stay on marked paths and follow your guide, and check current travel advisories, which warn against the areas right along the Thai border.
The tour: the Viator join-in tour is run by Siem Reap Shuttle. Hotel pickup is between 7:40 and 8:10, the day lasts nine to ten hours, and you are back in Siem Reap around 18:00. It spends about two hours at Beng Mealea and two hours at Koh Ker, including Prasat Thom and smaller temples such as Prasat Pram and Prasat Kraham. An English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, water and cold towels are included. The listing is not consistent about temple fees, so confirm with the operator whether your Koh Ker ticket is included.
Making the most of it: wear shoes with good grip for the scrambles at Beng Mealea, bring a hat, and save phone battery for the view from the top of Prasat Thom when the stair is open.
What to expect
The experience
A long guided day by minibus to the unrestored jungle temple of Beng Mealea and the pyramid and towers of Koh Ker, with lunch in between.
Best time
The dry months from November to March, when forest paths are firm and the long drive is comfortable.
How long
Nine to ten hours with hotel pickup, back in Siem Reap around early evening.
Tips
Bring your Angkor Pass for Beng Mealea, check whether the Koh Ker ticket is included, and wear sturdy shoes for climbing over fallen stone.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Return visitors and temple lovers who want ruins without crowds and a real sense of adventure.
- Families
- Older children who like scrambling will love Beng Mealea, but the long drive is hard for little ones.
- Couples
- Exploring silent jungle ruins together is the most Indiana Jones day Angkor offers.
- Pair with
- A slow morning and an evening at Phare the next day to recover from the drive.
- Time needed
- A full day from Siem Reap.
Good questions
Is Beng Mealea included in the Angkor Pass?+
Yes, Beng Mealea is covered by the Angkor Pass. Koh Ker is not and needs its own ticket of about 15 US dollars.
How far is Beng Mealea from Siem Reap?+
Beng Mealea is about 70 kilometres east of Siem Reap, roughly an hour and a half by road. Koh Ker is further north, so combining both makes a full day.
Is Koh Ker a UNESCO site?+
Yes, Koh Ker was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023. It was briefly the capital of the Khmer Empire in the tenth century.
Is it safe to visit Koh Ker?+
Koh Ker is well visited and its main sites have been cleared, but you should stay on marked paths and follow your guide. Check current travel advisories, which warn against areas along the Thai border.
Is lunch included on the tour?+
Yes, the join-in tour includes lunch, water, cold towels, an English-speaking guide and hotel pickup. Confirm temple ticket inclusions with the operator.
