Angkor Temples Pass – Beang Mealea Temple Pass and Koh Ker Temples pass
From Angkor Wat to Koh Ker—Know Every Pass Before You Hit the Gate! Stop Guessing, here is Your Simple Pass Guide That Locals Wish Tourists Knew
Your Temple Pass Cheat Sheet
The Angkor Temples Pass and the Beng Mealea Temple Pass and The Koh Ker Temples pass system can save or cost you serious money depending on your approach. The Angkor Archaeological Park pass ($37-$72) covers 100+ temples including Angkor Wat, but excludes Beng Mealea ($10 separate) and Koh Ker ($15 separate). Multi-day Angkor passes can be used non-consecutively within validity periods. Buy directly from Angkor Enterprise—online or at their Road 60 office—never from third-party sellers. Your photo gets printed on the pass, making it non-transferable.
Temple Pass Mastery Made Simple
Planning your Angkor Temples Pass and the Beng Mealea Temple Pass and The Koh Ker Temples pass strategy requires understanding what each covers and costs. The Angkor Temples Park Pass grants access to over 100 temples within the Archaeological Park for $37 (1-day), $62 (3-day), or $72 (7-day). However, Beng Mealea entrance fee ($10) and Koh Ker temple ticket ($15) require separate temple admission fees since these remote sites operate independently.
Your Angkor ticket validity periods allow flexible usage—3-day passes work within 10 days, 7-day passes within 30 days. The Angkor Wat entrance ticket system uses photo verification, preventing transfers between travelers. Whether you need an Angkor 1-day pass for a quick visit or the 7-day Angkor pass for extensive exploration, buying directly from official channels prevents costly mistakes.
Actionable Insight: Purchase your Angkor pass the evening before sunrise visits, then plan remote temple tickets for Beng Mealea and Koh Ker based on your remaining time and budget. This approach maximizes temple access while minimizing redundant fees.
The Gentleman’s Guide to Cambodia’s Temple Pass Labyrinth: Why Three Different Systems Will Either Make or Break Your Temple-Hopping Dreams
Look, I’ll be honest with you—Cambodia’s temple ticketing system feels like it was designed by someone who really enjoys watching tourists scratch their heads in confusion. You’ve got the main Angkor Temples Pass and the Beng Mealea Temple Pass and The Koh Ker Temples pass to figure out, and each one operates under completely different rules.
But here’s what most guidebooks won’t tell you: once you crack the code, this system actually works in your favor. The trick is knowing which temples cluster together under which pass, when to buy what, and how to time your visits so you’re not throwing money at redundant tickets.
After helping hundreds of travelers navigate these waters (and making plenty of expensive mistakes myself in the early days), I’ve distilled everything into this guide. We’ll cover the Angkor Temples Park Pass basics, explain why Beng Mealea included in Angkor Pass is a myth that costs people $10, and break down the Koh Ker pass price structure that catches everyone off guard.
1. The Angkor Archaeological Park Pass: Your Golden Ticket to 100+ Temples
What Your Angkor Pass Actually Covers
The Angkor Temples Park Pass is your gateway to the main temple complex—we’re talking Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, Preah Khan, and roughly 95 other temples within the Archaeological Park boundaries. Your Angkor Wat entrance ticket comes with photo verification, making it completely non-transferable.
Here’s what you get access to with your pass:
Small Circuit Temples (17km route):
- Angkor Wat: The crown jewel, best experienced at sunrise
- Bayon: Those haunting face towers everyone photographs
- Ta Prohm: The “Tomb Raider temple” where trees reclaim stone
- Baphuon: Massive pyramid temple with restoration stories
- Phimeanakas: Royal Palace temple with steep climbing
Grand Circuit Temples (26km route):
- Preah Khan: Sprawling monastery complex perfect for exploration
- Neak Pean: Unique island temple surrounded by ancient pools
- East Mebon: Brick towers rising from former reservoir
- Ta Som: Smaller but photogenic with tree-covered gopuras
- Pre Rup: Excellent sunset viewing platform
Current Pricing and Validity Rules
Pass TypePrice (2025)Validity PeriodBest For
Angkor 1-day pass $37 USD Single day only Quick temple highlights
Angkor 3-day pass $62 USD Any 3 days within 10 days Most popular choice
7-day Angkor pass $72 USD Any 7 days within 30 days Serious temple exploration
The flexibility here is brilliant—your Angkor ticket validity periods let you spread visits across weeks, not consecutive days. Planning a 3-day pass? You could visit on Monday, skip Tuesday-Wednesday for other activities, return Thursday-Friday, then finish the following Monday if you want.
Where and How to Buy Your Pass
You’ve got two legitimate options for purchasing your Angkor Temples Pass and the Beng Mealea Temple Pass and The Koh Ker Temples pass:
Option 1: Angkor Enterprise Ticket Office
- Location: Road 60, approximately 4km from Siem Reap center
- Hours: 4:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily
- Process: Photo taken on-site, pass printed immediately
- Payment: USD, Khmer riel, major credit cards accepted
Option 2: Official Online Portal
- Website: angkorenterprise.gov.kh
- Process: Upload photo, pay online, receive QR-code ticket
- Advantage: Skip ticket office lines entirely
- Note: Use only the official portal—third-party sellers are scams
Pro tip: If you’re planning sunrise at Angkor Wat, buy your pass the evening before. The temples open at 5:00 AM, but the ticket office doesn’t open until 4:30 AM—cutting it close for optimal sunrise positioning.
2. Beng Mealea: The $10 Jungle Temple That Catches Everyone Off Guard
Why Beng Mealea Requires a Separate Pass
Here’s where the Angkor Temples Pass and the Beng Mealea Temple Pass and The Koh Ker Temples pass system gets tricky. Despite being managed by the same Angkor Enterprise organization, Beng Mealea entrance fee operates independently from your main Angkor pass.
Located about 65 kilometers east of Siem Reap, Beng Mealea sits outside the Archaeological Park boundaries. This sprawling 12th-century temple complex—roughly the same size as Angkor Wat—remains largely unrestored, creating an atmospheric jungle-temple experience that many consider superior to the main park temples.
Beng Mealea Ticket Details
- Price: $10 USD per person
- Purchase location: On-site ticket office at Beng Mealea
- Payment options: USD, Khmer riel, major credit cards
- Validity: Single entry, same day only
- Hours: Typically 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
The separate temple admission fees for Beng Mealea often surprise travelers who assume their Angkor pass covers everything temple-related. It doesn’t. Budget the extra $10 per person—trust me, this temple is worth every dollar.
Getting to Beng Mealea
Most visitors combine Beng Mealea with other destinations since the journey takes 1.5-2 hours each way:
- Tuk-tuk: $45-60 roundtrip (can be combined with other stops)
- Private car: $60-80 roundtrip (more comfortable for longer distances)
- Motorbike rental: $5-8/day (adventurous option, good roads)
- Organized tour: $25-40/person including transport
The Koh Ker and Beng Mealea Adventure tour combines both remote temples in a single day, making the most of your transportation costs.
3. Koh Ker: The $15 Ancient Capital Most Tourists Skip
Understanding Koh Ker’s Separate Ticketing
The Koh Ker temple ticket represents the most expensive separate temple admission fees in the region, but also offers one of Cambodia’s most unique archaeological experiences. Located 120 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap, this former Khmer Empire capital (928-944 AD) features over 80 temples scattered across forested terrain.
Koh Ker Ticket Information
- Price: $15 USD per adult
- Children: Under 12 free with passport
- Purchase: On-site at Koh Ker entrance
- Payment: USD, Khmer riel, major cards accepted
- Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily
- Validity: Single day entry
The Koh Ker pass price reflects its remote location and specialized maintenance requirements. Unlike Angkor’s crowds, you might have entire temple complexes to yourself here.
What Makes Koh Ker Worth the Extra Cost
The standout attraction is Prasat Thom, a 36-meter pyramid temple that you can actually climb (unlike most Angkor temples). The views from the top stretch across forest canopy to distant mountains—a perspective impossible to find elsewhere in Cambodia.
Other highlights include:
- Prasat Krachap: Known for its well-preserved lintels
- Prasat Chen: Twin temples with intricate carvings
- Prasat Neang Khmau: The “Black Lady Temple” with mysterious legends
- Forest trails: Connect various temple clusters naturally
Transportation to Koh Ker
The 2.5-3 hour journey from Siem Reap requires planning:
- Private car with driver: $80-100 roundtrip
- Motorbike: Adventurous but doable on good roads
- Combined tour: Often paired with Beng Mealea for $40-60/person
Many travelers use the 5-day Siem Reap itinerary to properly allocate time for both remote temples without rushing.
4. Smart Strategies for Multi-Temple Pass Planning
The Most Cost-Effective Combinations
Your Angkor Temples Pass and the Beng Mealea Temple Pass and The Koh Ker Temples pass strategy depends on your available time and temple priorities:
3-Day Visit Budget Breakdown:
- Angkor 3-day pass: $62
- Beng Mealea ticket: $10
- Koh Ker ticket: $15
- Total temple fees: $87 per person
5-Day Visit Budget Breakdown:
- 7-day Angkor pass: $72 (use 5 days for thorough exploration)
- Beng Mealea ticket: $10
- Koh Ker ticket: $15
- Total temple fees: $97 per person
The jump from 3-day to 7-day Angkor passes costs only $10 extra but provides much more flexibility. If you’re staying 5+ days, the 7-day pass usually makes financial sense.
Optimal Temple Visit Sequencing
Days 1-2: Angkor Archaeological Park Foundation Start with the Private Guided Angkor Sunrise Tour to cover the essential temples with expert context. Your Angkor Wat entrance ticket works best when combined with professional interpretation of the complex symbolism.
Day 3: Remote Temple Adventure
Combine Beng Mealea and Koh Ker in a single long day. The remote temple tickets for both sites cost $25 total—expensive individually but reasonable when split across multiple temples.
Days 4-5: Deep Angkor Exploration Use remaining Angkor pass days for lesser-known temples, sunrise/sunset photography, and relaxed exploration without tour group crowds.
5. Essential Practical Information and Pro Tips
Document Requirements and Photo Rules
Your Angkor Temples Pass and the Beng Mealea Temple Pass and The Koh Ker Temples pass system requires specific documentation:
- Passport: Required for all visitors (originals, not copies)
- Photo verification: Taken at purchase, printed on pass
- Age verification: Children under 12 need passport for free entry
- Non-transferable: Photos make sharing passes impossible
Dress Code and Conduct Expectations
All temple sites maintain similar standards:
- Covered shoulders: No tank tops or sleeveless shirts
- Long pants/skirts: Shorts must reach at least mid-thigh
- Closed shoes recommended: For climbing and rough terrain
- Respectful behavior: These remain active religious sites
Ticket Office Hours and Timing Strategy
Understanding when to buy your Angkor ticket validity periods makes a huge difference:
For sunrise visits: Buy passes after 5:00 PM the previous day (they’re valid starting the next morning) or arrive at 4:30 AM when offices open.
For flexible scheduling: Online purchase eliminates timing pressure entirely—your QR code works immediately upon payment confirmation.
Peak season considerations: December-February sees heavier crowds. Consider the Siem Reap Temples Tour during these months for crowd-avoiding strategies.
6. Money-Saving Strategies and Common Costly Mistakes
Mistakes That Cost Travelers Money
Buying unnecessary multi-day passes: If you’re only spending 1-2 days in temples total, the 3-day pass wastes $25+. Be honest about your temple enthusiasm level.
Third-party ticket sellers: Scammers around Siem Reap claim to sell “official” passes at discounts. They don’t exist—you’ll pay twice when the real passes are required.
Not understanding validity periods: Your 3-day pass expires 10 days after first use, regardless of how many days you actually visit. Plan accordingly or upgrade to the 7-day pass.
Forgetting about remote temples: Budgeting only for Angkor passes then discovering Beng Mealea and Koh Ker costs $25 extra per person creates unpleasant financial surprises.
Smart Money-Saving Approaches
Group transportation: Split private car costs between 4 people for remote temples. A $80 car becomes $20/person—cheaper than individual tuk-tuks.
Strategic pass timing: If arriving Thursday and leaving the following Tuesday, buy your 3-day pass on Friday (valid through the following Sunday) rather than Thursday (expires the following Saturday).
Resident discounts: Long-term foreign residents (2+ years) can apply for free annual “Angkor Special Passes” covering both Angkor and Koh Ker. Apply at the ticket office with proper documentation.
7. Advanced Planning for Temple Photography and Crowds
Best Times for Different Temple Types
Your Angkor Temples Pass and the Beng Mealea Temple Pass and The Koh Ker Temples pass timing affects both crowds and lighting:
Sunrise temples (5:00-7:00 AM):
- Angkor Wat: Classic reflection shots, heavy crowds
- Srah Srang: Excellent alternative with fewer people
- Pre Rup: Eastern-facing, beautiful golden light
Sunset temples (4:30-6:00 PM):
- Phnom Bakheng: Popular but crowded, limited capacity
- Pre Rup: Less crowded alternative with great views
- Angkor Wat western galleries: Dramatic side lighting
Midday temples (11:00 AM-2:00 PM):
- Beng Mealea: Jungle shade provides comfort
- Ta Prohm: Tree-covered areas stay cooler
- Interior temple galleries: Even lighting for detail photography
Crowd Avoidance Strategies
Reverse typical routes: Most tours follow predictable patterns. Start with less popular temples and work toward major sites.
Use the 3-temple rule: Visit no more than 3 temples per day for quality over quantity. Temple fatigue is real—pace yourself.
Embrace midday breaks: Many tours pause 11:00 AM-2:00 PM. This is prime time for atmospheric photography without crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Temple Pass Concerns Answered
Angkor Temples Pass Questions
What types of passes are available and how much do they cost?
The Angkor Temples Park Pass comes in three options: Angkor 1-day pass ($37), Angkor 3-day pass ($62), and 7-day Angkor pass ($72). Each provides access to 100+ temples within the Archaeological Park.
Where can I buy an Angkor Pass?
Purchase directly from Angkor Enterprise Ticket Office on Road 60 or through their official online portal at angkorenterprise.gov.kh. Never buy from third-party sellers—they’re scams.
Can I use multi-day passes on non-consecutive days?
Yes! Your Angkor ticket validity periods allow flexible usage: 3-day passes work within 10 days of first use, 7-day passes within 30 days.
Which temples are included with the Angkor Pass?
All temples within Angkor Archaeological Park boundaries, including Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, Preah Khan, and approximately 95 others. Beng Mealea and Koh Ker require separate temple admission fees.
Are Angkor tickets refundable or transferable?
No. Your photo is printed directly on the pass, making it completely non-transferable. No refunds are provided once purchased.
What ID do I need to collect my pass?
Original passport required for all visitors. Children under 12 need passports for free entry verification.
Q: Is there a dress code for the temples?
Yes. Covered shoulders (no tank tops), long pants or knee-length skirts/shorts, and closed shoes recommended for climbing.
Q: What are the ticket office opening hours?
Angkor Enterprise Ticket Office operates 4:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily. Online purchases work 24/7.
Can I buy a pass the same day I arrive in Siem Reap?
Absolutely. The ticket office processes same-day purchases, and online orders provide immediate QR-code access.
Beng Mealea Questions
Is Beng Mealea included with the Angkor Pass?
No. Despite common misconceptions, Beng Mealea entrance fee ($10) operates separately from your Angkor pass. This is one of the most frequent costly misunderstandings. Only long-term resident “Angkor Special Pass” holders get free Koh Ker access.
Can I buy a Beng Mealea ticket at the temple gate?
Yes. The on-site ticket office accepts USD, Khmer riel, and major credit cards. No advance purchase required.
Is Beng Mealea open daily and when should I visit?
Open 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily. Morning visits (8:00-11:00 AM) offer the best lighting and comfortable temperatures before midday heat.
How do I get to Beng Mealea from Siem Reap?
65km journey takes 1.5-2 hours. Options include tuk-tuk ($45-60), private car ($60-80), motorbike rental ($5-8/day), or organized tours ($25-40/person).
Are there facilities at Beng Mealea?
Basic facilities include restrooms and small food stalls. Bring water and snacks—options are limited compared to main Angkor temples.
Koh Ker Questions
Is Koh Ker included with the Angkor Pass?
No. Koh Ker temple ticket costs $15 separately.
Where can I buy a Koh Ker ticket?
On-site at Koh Ker entrance. No advance purchase required—the ticket office accepts USD, riel, and cards.
What are the main highlights at Koh Ker?
Prasat Thom (36-meter pyramid you can climb), Prasat Krachap (preserved lintels), Prasat Chen (twin temples), and forest trails connecting 80+ temple structures.
Are there visitor facilities at Koh Ker?
Limited facilities—basic restrooms and occasional food vendors. Bring adequate water and snacks for the remote location.
Your Next Steps: From Planning to Temple-Hopping Success
After years of watching travelers navigate (and sometimes struggle with) the Angkor Temples Pass and the Beng Mealea Temple Pass and The Koh Ker Temples pass system, I’ve learned that success comes down to three things: realistic planning, flexible timing, and understanding what each pass actually covers.
The temple pass system isn’t designed to confuse you—it’s actually quite logical once you grasp that different temple sites operate independently. Your main Angkor pass covers the Archaeological Park beautifully, but those spectacular remote temples require separate budgeting. Budget $87-97 per person total for comprehensive temple access, buy from official sources only, and plan for 4-5 days minimum if you want to experience both the famous temples and hidden jungle gems properly.
Key Takeaways:
- Angkor Archaeological Park pass ($37-72) covers 100+ temples but excludes remote sites
- Beng Mealea ($10) and Koh Ker ($15) require separate tickets—budget accordingly
- Multi-day passes offer flexibility with non-consecutive usage within validity periods
- Official purchase channels prevent costly scams and ensure legitimate access
- Strategic timing and transport planning maximize value while minimizing expenses
Implementation Roadmap:
- Immediate: Determine your total temple days and buy appropriate Angkor pass online
- Pre-arrival: Book accommodation near temple routes and arrange transport for remote sites
- First morning: Start with sunrise at major temples using professional guides for context
- Mid-trip: Schedule Beng Mealea and Koh Ker day when you need a change from crowded Angkor
- Remaining days: Explore lesser-known Angkor temples at relaxed pace with flexible scheduling
Future Outlook: Cambodia continues investing in temple site infrastructure and visitor experiences. Expect improved facilities at remote temples, expanded online ticketing options, and potentially new combo passes as tourism rebounds. The fundamental pass structure will likely remain stable, making current planning strategies viable for years ahead.
Ready to turn this temple pass knowledge into your perfect Cambodia adventure? Our team at Southeast Asia Journeys specializes in creating custom itineraries that maximize your temple experiences while minimizing logistical headaches. We’ll handle the complex timing, suggest optimal pass combinations for your specific interests, and ensure you experience both famous temples and hidden gems without tourist traps or unnecessary expenses.
Helpful Resources:
Official Documentation and Current Pricing
- Angkor Enterprise Official Portal – Authoritative source for current pass prices, validity rules, and online ticket purchasing
Planning Your Temple Strategy
- 5 Days in Siem Reap Itinerary – Comprehensive planning guide for balancing temple visits with other Siem Reap experiences
Professional Tour Options
- Koh Ker and Beng Mealea Adventure – Expert-guided day trip combining both remote temple sites efficiently
These resources provide current information and professional support for implementing your temple pass strategy successfully.
