Beng Mealea is a very impressive temple built in the reign of King Suryavarman II, 12th century CE. Little is known about the history of the temple and the attraction. As a Hindu temple. Beng Mealea ranks among the Khmer empire’s larger temples and the attraction really lies in the atmosphere of mystery and exploration, rather than the historical and architectural intricacies of the other Angkorian sites.

The city of Koh Ker was the capital of the Khmer Empire between 928 AD and 944AD during the reigns of Jayavarman IV and Harshavarman II. It located around 120 km north east of Siem Reap. The King Jayavarman IV took control of the Khmer Empire, he made the bold choice to move his capital from Angkor to Koh Ker temple in Cambodia. For 16 short years, this remote site buzzed with royal activity. Workers built close to 40 major structures here, including temples, barays, and living quarters. After Jayavarman IV died, his son Harshavarman II ruled briefly before power shifted back to Angkor in 944 CE.