Beng Mealea
About 65 km east of Siem Reap
A huge 12th-century temple left half in ruins and swallowed by the jungle, which feels like a real-life adventure.
History: Built in the early 12th century, with a layout similar to Angkor Wat. Many scholars believe it was a model for Angkor Wat. Most of the temple has never been restored, so visitors walk on wooden paths over fallen stones covered in moss and tree roots.
Opening hours: About 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tickets: Included in the Angkor Pass, or buy a separate single-entry ticket at the site (about $10).
Best time to visit: Morning, when it’s cooler and quieter.
How to get there: About 1.5 hours by car. It’s often combined with Koh Ker.