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Ta Prohm , located east of Angkor Wat, was built by Khmer King Jayavarman VII in 1186 in memory of his mother, hence its nickname, " Mother Temple . " It was also used as a filming location for the movie "Tomb Raider."
The temple is made of large stones and was once a shrine with monks, priests and dancing girls, serving the dual functions of a temple and a monastery. However, over time, it was invaded by rampant tropical trees. The python-like roots crawled all over the temple and penetrated deep into the building, causing the internal stone towers and walls to collapse. The originally neat building was transformed into a " maze " due to the interweaving of rubble and plants .
Besides the stunning sight of the temple blending seamlessly with the trees, Ta Prohm itself is also exquisitely built, with the various sculptures particularly worth admiring. It features four porches, with the main hall facing east. A relief of the six- armed guardian deity Vishnu graces the protruding north porch . Entering through the east gate, one passes through a long corridor topped by a row of Apsara reliefs, exuding an air of elegance and romance, earning it the nickname " Dancing Corridor . "
Siem Reap is located in a low-latitude area and has a tropical climate. May to October is summer, with temperatures hovering around 33°C; November to April is winter in Siem Reap, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C, making it the best tourist season.
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
Entrance fee is included in the Angkor Wat pass
One-day tour: $ 37 / Three-day tour : $ 62 / Seven-day tour : $ 72
6:00-17:00
Ta Prohm Temple, built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, was originally dedicated to the king's mother. It is notable for its picturesque integration of nature, with enormous tree roots growing through and around the temple's stones. Unlike other temples in Angkor, it has been left in much the same state as it was found, with much of its overgrown nature preserved, making it a symbol of the struggle between man-made structures and the natural world.
Ta Prohm is located in the Angkor Archaeological Park, about 6 km east of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The most common way to reach the temple is by tuk-tuk, taxi, or bicycle from Siem Reap. Visitors can also hire a guide for a more informative experience. It is not accessible by metro, and walking from other nearby temples is possible but takes longer.
Ta Prohm Temple is open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds, and to capture the best light for photography.
Visitors need an Angkor Archaeological Pass to enter Ta Prohm, which also grants access to other temples in the Angkor Park. The ticket prices are: $37 for a 1-day pass, $62 for a 3-day pass, and $72 for a 7-day pass. Tickets can be purchased at the official Angkor ticket office in Siem Reap.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased on the day of your visit at the official ticket office in Siem Reap. However, during peak tourist seasons, it's advisable to arrive early to avoid long lines.
It typically takes around 1-2 hours to fully explore Ta Prohm Temple. However, if you plan to explore the surrounding jungle paths and take time for photography, you may want to allocate 2-3 hours.
Guided tours are available in several languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, and others. Audio guides are also available for rent at the entrance, offering a self-guided experience in multiple languages.
Start by exploring the central sanctuary and the iconic tree-covered areas. Then, move towards the outer galleries and take a walk around the temple’s perimeter to view the overgrown tree roots and carvings. Don't miss the quieter areas to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience.
Night visits are not available at Ta Prohm. The temple is open during the day only. Special tours can be arranged, but the temple is best visited during daylight to experience its natural beauty and capture the best photographs.
Ta Prohm is one of the most popular temples in Angkor, so it can get crowded, especially during midday. The least crowded times are early in the morning (before 8 AM) and later in the afternoon (after 4 PM), when many other tourists have left.
There are basic facilities, including toilets and small food stalls near the entrance. Water and snacks are available, but there are no major restaurants or shops within the temple complex itself. It is recommended to bring water and snacks with you if planning to stay for a while.
Ta Prohm is not very accessible for elderly or disabled visitors, as the temple’s pathways are uneven, and there are a lot of steps. However, children can easily explore the temple with supervision. It’s advisable to have someone assist with elderly or disabled visitors if you plan to visit the temple.
Cash is the primary method of payment at the temple. Credit cards and mobile payments are generally not accepted in the temple complex, though some larger vendors in Siem Reap may accept them.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at restaurants around the temple complex and in Siem Reap. Halal food is also available at certain eateries, especially in Siem Reap, which caters to Muslim tourists.
There are souvenir shops near the entrance of the temple complex and in Siem Reap, offering a variety of local handicrafts, including wooden carvings, silk scarves, and traditional Khmer art.
