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Ta Prohm
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Ta Prohm is one of the most atmospheric temples in Angkor, famous for the memorable symbiosis between ancient architecture and encroaching nature. Built in the late 12th century by Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university, it was originally named 'Rajavihara.' Unlike many other temples, Ta Prohm was largely left by restorers in the state in which it was rediscovered in the 19th century: gigantic strangler figs and silk-cotton trees tower over the walls, their roots wrapping around the stones like tentacles. This visual power made the temple world-famous, not least due to its role as a filming location for the movie 'Tomb Raider.' Beyond the aesthetics, inscriptions testify to the immense scale of the facility, which once housed over 12,000 people. Ta Prohm serves as a haunting reminder of the transience of human civilization in the face of the unstoppable force of the jungle.
- Location: Cambodia
- Top sights: Ta Prohm - East gate · Ta Prohm - South gate · Ta Prohm Temple
- Nearby: Kampong Phluk (11 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 29 | 31 | 31 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 12 | 16 | 46 | 75 | 140 | 168 | 197 | 195 | 231 | 138 | 37 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
You can walk entirely through this incredibly atmospheric temple complex, traversing narrow stone corridors and heavily shaded courtyards. The wooden walkways provided usually help protect the delicate ruins and keep visitors safely off the most unstable, root-covered stones.
Typical hours
Operating hours generally follow the standard early morning to late afternoon schedule of the larger archaeological park it belongs to. Getting there at the crack of dawn is a common strategy to experience the mystical jungle atmosphere before the midday heat arrives.
Photography
The iconic giant tree roots swallowing the ancient masonry offer some of the most dramatic and highly sought-after photographic frames in the world. Using a wide-angle lens is typically recommended to fully capture the immense scale of the trees against the dark stone corridors.
Time needed
Exploring the winding passages and taking the necessary time to admire the intricate interaction between nature and architecture generally requires about two hours. The crowds can slow down the flow of movement through the tightest spots, so never rush your visit.
Combine with
This iconic jungle temple is invariably visited as part of a much wider circuit exploring the monumental neighbor temples within the same vast archaeological complex. It perfectly contrasts the massive, highly restored stone structures found nearby.
Getting there
Transport to the site is almost universally managed by hiring a local motorized rickshaw driver or an air-conditioned car for the entire day. The temple is deeply embedded in the forested park, requiring a short, pleasant walk from the designated drop-off parking areas.
Insider tip
Because the towering tropical trees create a highly humid, almost greenhouse-like environment among the stones, wearing lightweight, highly breathable clothing is absolutely crucial. Bring plenty of mosquito repellent, as the dense, shaded foliage harbors numerous insects year-round.
Geography
Facts
- Consecrated in 1186 in honor of the King's mother.
- Inscriptions record that 3,140 villages supported the temple's upkeep.
- The complex once housed 18 high priests and 615 dancers.
- One of the few temples with detailed records regarding its inhabitants.
- Deliberately left unrestored by the École française d'Extrême-Orient.
- The enclosure wall measures approximately 1,000 by 650 meters.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Ta Prohm (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why are trees growing on the temple?
The temple was intentionally left in its semi-ruined state, overgrown by the jungle.
Was 'Tomb Raider' filmed here?
Yes, Angelina Jolie filmed scenes for the first movie here.
Is the path difficult to walk?
Paths are mostly flat but uneven due to roots and stones. Wear sturdy shoes.
How long does the visit take?
Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the site comfortably.
Is there shade?
Yes, due to the many massive trees, it is one of the shadiest temples in Angkor.
Ta Prohm: where is it located?
Ta Prohm is located in Cambodia.
Ta Prohm: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ta Prohm - East gate, Ta Prohm - South gate, Ta Prohm Temple.
Ta Prohm: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Ta Prohm: why is it worth visiting?
Ta Prohm is one of the most atmospheric temples in Angkor, famous for the memorable symbiosis between ancient architecture and encroaching nature.
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