Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Archaeological Sites & Ruins

Beng Mealea

Svay Leu, Cambodia

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST RUINS & SITES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 73 2026
Beng Mealea

An unrestored Khmer temple in Svay Leu district, Siem Reap province, about an hour's drive from the city. Wooden walkways run past collapsed sandstone galleries, walls and a central shrine overgrown with trees, roots and moss.

Highlights

  • Wooden walkways over ruins
  • Collapsed central shrine
  • Galleries and carved lintels

Good to know

  • Included in Angkor Pass, otherwise $10 ticket
  • Allow one and a half to two hours
  • Go early morning for fewer visitors

Also in Cambodia

  1. Angkor N° 31 Angkor Siem Reap Temple site
  2. Preah Vihear N° 88 Preah Vihear Sra Em Temple site