Beng Mealea 
 
  I decided to go with Villa tour which offered a good package for the whole day, I got picked by the Villa tour at 8.30 am for Beng Mealea after delicious breakfast at Angkor pearl hotel.


 
 
 
  But the Villa tour took us straight to the ruins of Banteay Srei 2 and then Beng mealea, they did not take us to Roluos group and Bakong Temple or Dom Dek Market, included in the itinerary. I wish I had gone with Holystone tours instead, I could have done it on my own but being solo traveller it was too much hassle but if there are two of you, just book a car and you can combine it with Koh Ker so you can do it at your pace. We had to pay additional $5 entrance fee for Beng mealea and there is toll fee too. The other lady in my group was very friendly and she was telling me that beaches in Cambodia were great, unspoilt.
Beng Melea is located 60km east of Siem Reap town, the road is in good condition and the trip from Siem Reap took us about 1.5 hours. 

 
 Beng Mealea is the larger temples of the Khmer empire and set in the middle of the jungle with sprawling trees. The towers of the temple have been reduced to large mounds of rubble with thick tree roots snaking through the walls.
Beng Mealea has most beautiful decorated Naga, a Serpents head, the large and tall trees surrounding makes it feels secluded and tranquil in the wilderness. The sandstone were believed to be transported by water canals that were artificially constructed at the time. Bring insect repellent, sun block, hat, wet wipes, anti - bacterial gel, emergency medications and lots of water. Wear very comfortable shoes as there is some climbing involved, this temple is definitely my most favourite all set in jungle and with many beautiful butterflies

 
It was only 2.30 pm so I got dropped at central market, I bought 20 kramas/ scarfs, decorative bedcover, I wanted to buy key rings and asked one of the girls, she was helpful but I had run out of money so I told her I would be back after I had eaten. I walked to the Pub Street and to Chamkar, the vegetarian restaurant. This restaurant is a gem on the Pub Street, I had spring rolls, fresh mango juice and Amok. I loved the Amok, it was very delicious. The service was brilliant and the potions were huge, as I was on my own, they packed the left over and I gave it to the lady with little baby in the street who was pleased. I went back to look for the nice girl in the market and she was very happy that I had returned to buy the key chains from her.


These key rings make very good presents as they have nail cutters. They were most popular from all the souvenirs; I bought in my SE Asia trip, back at the hotel the hotel staff, arranged two hour Khmer massage in my room, which was very good. The Khmer girl looked very small and she spoke few words of English. She massaged me with both her hands and both her feet. V hard massage :) She was one tough cookie but I slept like a log at night.