Among many beautiful temples in Angkor Complex, Ta Prohm temple in Cambodia is one of the most popular and fascinating ones with many ancient trees roots snaking across crumbling stone walls. The place creates a mystical and secretive feeling during your Cambodia tours.
Ta Prohm history
Ta Prohm is not part of Angkor Wat itself, but it is part of the larger Angkor Archaeological Park complex. Here are the key distinctions:
Ta Prohm is a separate temple complex built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by King Jayavarman VII. The temple is located in the east of Angkor Thom and over 12 km from the center of Siem Reap. During this time, the temple was used to be a monastery and school of Mahayana Buddism, which hold up nearly 13 thousands people including monks, priests, maids and dancers. It’s now famous for the massive trees and roots that have grown through and around the temple structures, creating a dramatic fusion of nature and architecture.
Meanwhile, Angkor Wat is a distinct temple complex built earlier (early 12th century) by King Suryavarman VII as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, later transitioning to Buddhist use.
Furthermore, the temple was called “Queen’s Tomb” to worship King’s Mother. According to legend, the tomb was placed in four stone walls full of diamonds. It has been said that the treasures of the temple included up to 5 tons of gold dishes, 512 beds, 524 umbrellas, 35 pearls and 454 precious stones.
In 15th century, the capital was destroyed by Siamese, forcing Khmer King left to Phnom Penh. All the jewelries got stolen by the army and there is only holes left nowadays that travelers can see during their visit.
After being taken over, the temple was then covered by the jungle and had been forgotten many centuries until 1860, it was rediscovered by Herri Mouhot, a French botanist.
What can you expect when coming?
The Iconic “Tomb Raider” Experience
Ta Prohm is famous for its dramatic appearance in the 2001 film “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.” You’ll encounter the exact atmospheric ruins where massive silk cotton trees (cecropia) and strangler figs have grown through and around the ancient stone structures, creating one of Cambodia’s most photographed and Instagram-worthy locations.
Architectural Fusion with Nature
Unlike other restored Angkor temples, Ta Prohm has been deliberately left in a semi-ruined state. Expect to see enormous tree roots cascading over doorways, walls split apart by growing trunks, and corridors where stone and living wood intertwine. The most famous spot is the “Tomb Raider Tree” – a massive spung tree whose roots dramatically frame a doorway.
>> Suggested tour to Ta Prohm: Classic Angkor 4 Days
Layout and Exploration
Even though the temple was destroyed very much by Siamese before, Ta Prohm was left much when it was found. The layout of the site is relative simple – a typical Khmer temple, consisting of a number of one-story building.
Having been swallowed by the jungle many centuries ago, the interior temple has continued to be inhabited by big trees. The interior temple used to be house of many people of royal families. The temple complex covers 39 hectares with a series of concentric rectangular galleries. You’ll navigate through:
- Narrow, sometimes dark corridors
- Partially collapsed halls and chambers
- Multiple courtyards with scattered stone blocks
- Several iconic tree-root formations throughout the complex
How to get to Ta Prohm
There are a couple different transportation options when it comes to visiting the temples of Angkor. We’ll review the pros and cons of each transportation option along with pricing. There are few transportation options to visit Ta Prohm temple. You can consider these below options:
By bicycle
The cheapest way to get around Siem Reap is by bicycle, which may be free at your hotel or hostel or if rented, the rent free is from US$3 – 10 per day depending on types and quality of bike. Please be prepared for a long ride if you want to combine Ta Prohm temple with other temples. Since the weather in Siem Reap is quite hot and humid, please bring enough water with you.
By tuk tuk
Tuk tuk seems to be the most convenient way to get around Cambodia, especially in Siem Reap. You can easily find tuk tuk drivers everywhere along the side of the road in Siem Reap. The price ranges from US$15- 25 per day for temples located near by the city center. A tuk tuk can hold up 4 people so you can always split the cost between friends. Most of tuk tuk drivers can speak English and know where to take you to.
By private car
If your budget allows, the most convenient way is to get a private car with A/C, especially if you are going to visit places far from center such as Kulen Mountain or Beng Mealea. Depending on the number of people in your group and how many temples you visit, the cost is around US$35 – 50 per day. Furthermore, private car is a good way to combine your visit to Ta Prohm temple with Angkor Complex, Roluos group or Beng Mealea.
>> Suggested tour to Ta Prohm: Siem Reap In Depth 5 Days
Travel Tips Information
Ta Prohm entrance fee
Ta Prohm is included in the temple pass for Angkor Archaeological Park, there is no separate entrance fee to visit temple. Please find further details as below:
- 1 Day Pass: US37 per person, only valid for 1 day.
- 3 Day Pass: US$62 per person, valid for seven days from the day you bought your ticket. You can use it to visit the temples on three separate days.
- 7 Day Pass: US$72 per person, valid for one month from when you bought your ticket. You can use it to visit the temples on seven separate days.
Ta Prohm opening hours
The opening hours of Ta Prohm is from 5:00 am to 18:00 pm. If you want to get away from the crowd, let’s wake up early to see the temple. While most of other people go to Angkor Wat to witness sunrise, you will have much quiet atmosphere here in Ta Prohm. Also, remember to carry your valid ticket with you since it will be checked upon each park entry of the temple.
Best time to visit Ta Prohm temple
The best time to explore Ta Prohm Temple is early in the morning, when there are fewer visitors and the air is cool, making it easier to enjoy the beauty of the temple.
Dress Code Requirement
- What to wear in Cambodia? During your visit to temple, make sure your legs and shoulders are covered.
- Since Cambodia is hot all year around, make sure to bring enough water with you.
- Wearing good walking shoes during your visit in all temples in Angkor.
- You can get to the temple and visit it by yourself, but it is always much better to have a guide escorted to explain everything for you. It would be much more meaningful for your exploration.
- Wearing colored clothes will give you a good picture as it is against the dark grey backgrounds.
Ta Prohm Temple at Tonle Bati
Being built the same time with Ta Prohm Temple in Angkor by famous King Jayavarman, Ta Prohm Temple at Tonle Bati was a sanctuary for Hindu deities at the same time. Since the sixth century, this place used to be a Hindu place of worship, which belonged to the maritime “empire”. The temple was located on the road to Tonle Bati, a small lake and popular picnic spot for the locals. You can get there by local buses from Phnom Penh or rent a private vehicle to explore this temple and the surrounding nature.
Suggested Cambodia itinerary including Ta Prohm temple
Van Do – Travel Specialist
