Ta Prohm, the Tree Temple in Siem Reap
- Anju Chandna
- Jun 21
- 2 min read
If you've seen the Hollywood movie Tomb Raider, you're likely familiar with Ta Prohm Temple, because this rustic temple served as the filming location for the 2001 Angelina Jolie film.
However, this is not the only reason why this temple should be on your must-see list. The hauntingly beautiful ruins of Ta Prohm Temple have many a tale entwined in the thick roots and branches of its ancient trees that seem adamant on swallowing the old stone structures of the temple. But the resilient structures that have withstood this onslaught by nature with panache are what make this temple stand out among its many counterparts.
This is the first view you get as you step inside the temple complex...
Ta Prohm was originally built as a Buddhist monastery in the early 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, dedicated to his mother.
Stunning bas-reliefs, stone carvings depicting ancient legends and mythological figures, adorn the hallways of this temple. For me, the most intriguing part of the temple was the hallways that open into a symmetrical courtyard inside the temple, and then this courtyard will lead into another narrow corridor that in turn will lead to another courtyard.
This amazing labyrinth of corridors cloaked in the heavy roots of overgrown silk-cotton and ficus trees creates a striking visual that has to be seen to be believed!
Some things to know before you visit Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm Temple, despite its mesmerising beauty, is a structure in need of extensive renovation. Interestingly, the conservation and restoration work is being done in a partnership project between the Archaeological Survey of India and the APSARA National Authority of Cambodia in cooperation with UNESCO.
Ta Prohm is about 8 km from Angkor Wat. There is a free parking slot across the road from the temple. Entry to the temple is included in your Angkor Day Pass.
The same rules for appropriate modest dress as in all the other temples of Angkor Archaeological Park also apply here.
You must keep aside at least 1 to 2 hours to see this beautiful temple, and remember that a lot of walking is involved in the temple, from the parking to reach the temple and then within the temple over rugged stone paths, overgrown tree roots, rickety stone steps and rocks that have fallen off the stone walls of the temple.
Check out this stunning temple by clicking on my YouTube link
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