Angkor Wat is the main temple complex associated with Cambodia. It is massive in a size, the scale needing to be seen to be believed. Three of its towers feature on the Cambodian flag and consequently there are tourists in their legion swarming all over it, spoiling one another’s photos and generally being disagreeable. The place has become so popular and there is no way to avoid it. The temple complex is a must see and we will not stay away, however it was recommended that we avoid this as a first experience and see some of the more remote and less populated temples to glean a better impression of what Cambodia has to offer. So we headed to Koh Ker and Beng Mealea.
Koh Ker is a 10th-century temple complex in the north Cambodian jungle. A former capital of the Khmer Empire, The main structure is a stepped 7-tiered pyramid which we pretty well had to ourselves and you get to climb. It was a little confronting to see evidence of Cambodia’s more recent history on the way however. This land mine sign pulled me a up a little short.
Beng Mealea is a sight to behold. It’s about 70km northeast of Siem Reap and one of the most mysterious temples at Angkor, nature has well and truly been allowed to run riot. It is a massive complex and built to the same floor plan as Angkor Wat. It is the ultimate Indiana Jones experience. To make things even cooler it is enclosed by a massive moat measuring 1.2km by 900m.
All in all it was a seriously cool day. Tomorrow we do Angkor Wat but I have to say it will be hard pressed to beat this.
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