"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ta Prohm Temple
Cambodia - Angkor temples overview
Ta Prohm in Cambodia is one of the more famous Angkor temples and is a very popular spot, second only to Angkor Wat temple for tourists. The temple is located 12.1km from Siem Reap within the main UNESCO archaeological park. For tourists the principle attraction of Ta Prohm is as an exotic travel adventure, a 'lost' temple still gripped by the jungle. Highlights of Ta Prohm, Cambodia include wonderful photo opportunities of the interplay of ancient carved stonework and nature.
Ta Prohm tour notes
Travel from Siem Reap to Ta Prohm temple around 12.1km (14 mins by car, 30 mins by tuk tuk, 80 mins by bicycle) either via Srah Srang or through Angkor Thom passing Bayon. You can visit Ta Prohm at any time of day but should arrive before 7:30am to avoid the worst of the tourists crowds in this popular place. A Ta Prohm temple plan can be useful for orientation but this complex site can be confusing. An expert local tour guide from Siem Reap will ensure you get the very best from your visit.
Itinerary planning
- Ta Prohm Cambodia - Prasat Kravan, Srah Srang. A half day out from Siem Reap.
- Ta Prohm Cambodia - Srah Srang, Ta Nei, ta keo, Preah Khan, Neak Pean for temples in the forest. A full day out from Siem Reap.
Tour resources library
- Ta Prohm temple highlights - The best bits.
- Ta Prohm plan - Find your bearings.
- Visit Ta Prohm - How and when to visit.
Ta Prohm floor plan
Ta Prohm history summary
One of the largest Angkor temples Ta Prohm was built under King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century. It was originally dedicated to the King's mother in the Buddhist style but later converted to the Hindu style. Many of the figures of Buddha in niches were destroyed in the process and some converted to Shiva Linga (Hindu). The temple has remained in its collapsed state, part hidden by jungle and is most famous for the interplay between the giant tree roots and the stonework.
ABOUTAsia Head Guide says
"The best light for photographing the temple is early morning as the strong contrasts between the sunshine and deep shadow of the tree roots can play havoc with even the most advanced camera light meters.
This Tombraider temple with amazing giant Kapok and Strangler fig trees reminds us what it would have been like to 'rediscover ' these temples in the late C19th. Look out for the hidden "stegosaurus". Traverse from West to East and get your driver to wait for you at the other end. For more adventure exit by the North gate and circle around to the West gate."
Cambodia travel information and Angkor Wat tour specialists ABOUTAsia are based in Siem Reap just 4km from Angkor Wat. At the heart of the organisation is a guiding research centre providing Cambodia vacation advice and industry leading tours planning.
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