Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1930s French Indochina and starring two tiger cubs. The filming included 20 tigers of all
ages for continuity throughout the story.
There are very basic, unmarked family homestays a few hundred metres behind the res-
taurants opposite the temple entrance. The best restaurant is
Romduol Angkor II
(mains
US$5)
, a sister restaurant to the Romduol Angkor near Sra Srang. Wholesome Cambodian
food is on offer, plus cold drinks.
It costs US$5 to visit Beng Mealea and there are additional small charges for transport
- make sure you work out in advance with the driver or guide who is paying this.
Beng Mealea is about 40km east of Bayon (as the crow flies) and 6.5km southeast of
Phnom Kulen. By road it is about 68km (one hour by car, longer by
moto
or
remork
)
from Siem Reap. The shortest route is via the junction town of Dam Dek, located on NH6
about 37km from Siem Reap in the direction of Phnom Penh. Turn north immediately
after the market and continue on this road for 31km. The entrance to the temple lies just
beyond the left-hand turn to Koh Ker. Allow a half day to visit, including the journey time
from Siem Reap or combine it with Koh Ker in a long day trip best undertaken by car or
4WD.
Beng Mealea is at the centre of an ancient Angkorian road connecting Angkor Thom
and Preah Khan in Preah Vihear Province, now evocatively numbered NH66. A small
Angkorian bridge just west of Chau Srei Vibol temple is the only remaining trace of the
old Angkorian road between Beng Mealea and Angkor Thom; between Beng Mealea and
Preah Khan there are at least 10 bridges abandoned in the forest. This is a way for extreme
adventurers to get to Preah Khan temple; but don't undertake this journey lightly.
