Cambodia is well known for the ancient temple of Ankor Wat.
"Wat" means temple in the Khmer language.
One of the lesser known temples (Wats) is called Beng Melea
The temple is situated about 40 Kilometres from Seam Reap and is a 1 hour drive by car or a 3 hour trip in a Tul Tuk.
This temple is definetly on my recomended MUST SEE sites in Cambodia.
It is overgrown with trees and vines. Unlike the other Ankor Wat temples at Beng Melea you are permitted to scamper, climb and explore the ruins. The danger is that you may fall off a roof top, start a collapse and injure yurself. This is of course the best part of the visit as you follow either a temple guide or young children around and through the temple ruins.
The temple is very big and you need to allow a few hours to explore it throughly.
The area was cleared of landmiones in 2007 so I suggest you don't stray too far off the paths just to be sure.
"Wat" means temple in the Khmer language.
One of the lesser known temples (Wats) is called Beng Melea
The temple is situated about 40 Kilometres from Seam Reap and is a 1 hour drive by car or a 3 hour trip in a Tul Tuk.
This temple is definetly on my recomended MUST SEE sites in Cambodia.
It is overgrown with trees and vines. Unlike the other Ankor Wat temples at Beng Melea you are permitted to scamper, climb and explore the ruins. The danger is that you may fall off a roof top, start a collapse and injure yurself. This is of course the best part of the visit as you follow either a temple guide or young children around and through the temple ruins.
The temple is very big and you need to allow a few hours to explore it throughly.
The area was cleared of landmiones in 2007 so I suggest you don't stray too far off the paths just to be sure.
Vines and trees have taken over the temple. The roots spread out , around insdie and in betreen the temple stones to gradually pull is apart.
This was once a covered "gallery" or walkway connecting different parts of the temple. The sold stone roof has collapsed into the walkway.
Tree roots invade the cracks betwwen the stones, prying them apart with patient force.
May of the stones have intricate carvings of dancers called "Apsaras"
Ferns find a foothold high above in the small craks betwenn the stonework
Tis was once the headstone above a doorway
Moss covered stones rest peacfully on the forest floor. Putting these temples back together is a massive jigsaw puzzle.
This window is slowly being taken over by roots and vines
Intricately carved "Apsara dancer" slowly wearing away. Many have beed chipped off and sold to collectors around the globe.
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