From Siem Reap: Beng Melea, Roluos group with Floating Village

Experience a journey through Cambodia’s past and present: explore the jungle-covered ruins of Beng Melea Temple, wander the ancient sandstone monuments of the Roluos Group — the cradle of the Khmer Empire — and glide through the stilted homes of Kampong Phluk Floating Village on Tonle Sap Lake, witnessing authentic lakeside life still thriving today.

1. 1

   Prasat Beng Mealea

   3 hours

   Prasat Beng Melea is a 12th-century Angkorian temple located about 40 km east of Siem Reap, built during the reign of King Suryavarman II. Often called the “jungle temple,” it remains largely unrestored, with massive stone blocks scattered across the ground and giant tree roots growing over its towers and galleries. Designed in a style similar to Angkor Wat and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, the temple offers visitors a true sense of exploration as wooden walkways lead through collapsed corridors, hidden courtyards, and peaceful forest surroundings.

2. 2

   Kampong Phluk Floating Village

   2 hours

   Kampong Phluk Floating Village is a traditional fishing community located about 30 km southeast of Siem Reap on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake. The village is known for its tall wooden stilt houses, built to adapt to the seasonal rise and fall of the water level. Visitors explore the area by local boat, passing homes, schools, and pagodas while witnessing daily life on the water, including fishing activities and floating markets. A peaceful boat ride through the flooded mangrove forest (during the wet season) offers a unique glimpse into Cambodia’s living culture and lakeside way of life.

3. 3

   Bakong

   1 hour

   Bakong Temple is the largest and most important monument of the Roluos Group, located about 15 km east of Siem Reap. Built in the late 9th century by King Indravarman I, it is considered the first major sandstone temple-mountain of the Khmer Empire and a prototype for later Angkor temples. The five-tier pyramid structure represents Mount Meru, the sacred mountain in Hindu cosmology, and is surrounded by a moat and smaller shrines. Bakong marks the beginning of classical Khmer architecture that later culminated in Angkor Wat.

4. 4

   Preah Ko

   30 min

   Preah Ko Temple is one of the earliest temples of the Angkor period, built in 879 AD by King Indravarman I at the ancient capital of Hariharalaya (Roluos). The temple consists of six brick towers arranged in two rows, dedicated to the king’s ancestors and Hindu deities. Known for its well-preserved stucco carvings, decorative lintels, and sacred stone bull statues (Nandi), Preah Ko represents the beginnings of classical Khmer temple art and architecture.

5. 5

   Lolei

   30 min

   Lolei Temple, built in 893 AD by King Yasovarman I, is part of the Roluos Group and was originally constructed on an island in the now-drained Indratataka Baray (ancient reservoir). Dedicated to Shiva and the king’s ancestors, it features four brick towers with intricate carvings and stands as a symbol of early Khmer temple architecture. Lolei reflects the Khmer mastery of combining religious devotion with hydraulic engineering.

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.