Koh Ker, Beng Mealea Forest Temples
An incredibly special day of viewing the remote and less-visited temples in the countryside around Siem Reap
Spend one day birding amongst the spectacular sites of ancient Khmer empire- Koh Ker and Beng Mealea. This trip offers a rich and diverse range of bird species including: Black-headed and White-bellied Woodpecker, Velvet-fronted and Neglected Nuthatch, Rufous-winged Buzzard, Indochinese Bushlark, the beautiful White-Rumped Pygmy Falcon and the Collared Falconet.
Koh Ker gives you the opportunity to explore ancient Khmer history without the abundance of tourists. Koh Ker is a unique pyramidal temple built in 931AD, strikingly reminiscent of the structures built by the Central American Maya. Not only is the appearance unique but also the history, as this was the location that became the capital of the Khmer Empire. This site also allows explorations in the dry and semi-evergreen forest among seldom-visited outlying temples to discover the birds and incredible butterflies.
Beng Mealea temple, thought to be the blueprint for Angkor Wat, gives the birder a chance to pick up some migrants from the north during December – March, often including the difficult to find White-throated Rock-thrush.
What’s included?
Entry & admission fees
All entry and admission fees are included in the price.
Transfers
You will be collected and dropped back to your hotel.
Refreshments
Water will be provided to you throughout the trip.
Breakfast
Breakfast is provided on this trip.
Lunch
Tip or gratuity
Wifi
Wifi not available outside of major cities and towns.
Itinerary
Subject to change depending on seasons and personal requests
05:30 - Pick Up
07:30 – Arrival
11:00 – Koh Ker Temple
12:30 – Lunch
13:30 - Beng Mealea Temple
14:30 - Visit Beng Mealea
17:00 - Drop Off
Location
Title | Address | Description |
---|---|---|
Siem Reap | 13.361657, 103.859881 | |
Koh Ker | Unnamed Road, Cambodia | |
Beng Mealea | Unnamed Road, Cambodia |
Things to note

Transport
4*4 Car
When to go
Accessible all year round. Birds are easier to see between December and March but in wetter season it is incredibly beautiful and alive with butterflies and other wildlife.

Species
Birds: White-bellied Woodpecker, Black-headed Woodpecker, White-throated Rock Thrush, Rufous-winged Buzzard, White-rumped Pygmy Falcon, Brown Prinia, Blossom-headed Parakeet, Burmese Shrike, Collared Falconet, Indochinese Bushlark, Grey-slaty Woodpecker and Rufous-winged Buzzard.

Habitat
Deciduous dipterocarp forest with semi-evergreen forest patches.
Things to bring
- Sun hat
- Sun cream
- Appropriate closed-toe shoes. Walking boots are best
- Light clothing covering shoulders and knees- this is especially relevant when visiting temples and religious sites. Clothing should not be bright when birding
- Insect repellent
- Waterproof coat
- Small denominations of money. This is especially relevant when entering Northern Cambodia. $20 is the maximum denomination of money that should be taken
- Binoculars. SVC charge $5 per person per day to use our Swarovski Optik binoculars
- Ear plugs are recommended for multi-day tours. The sound of nature at night in remote areas can be loud
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