Beng Mealea Temple in Cambodia

Temple Facade in Beng Mealea. Source: aesta1

I bet you missed Beng Mealea Temple when you visited Angkor Wat in Siem Reap but, not to worry.

​Make this a compelling reason to go back to Cambodia. Just short of an hour from Siem Reap, on the same road going to Preah Vihear, this temple opened in 2005, though to the locals, they have known this temple for a thousand years.

Many locals refer to this as the jungle temple as it has been left to Nature to take over for many, many years. Maybe it was a good thing as it has been preserved from looting as well.

It was not until 2000 when deminers and archaeologists started to clear the area and as the villagers were hired, they had first glimpse of what remained of the Temple.

Largely covered by vegetation, Beng Mealea still has many hidden secrets. More of this temple will be revealed to us in the future but, in the meantime, let's revel in the mystery.

​For more on Beng Mealea, click here.