Overview
Ta Prohm is arguably the most atmospheric and photogenic temple in the entire Angkor Archaeological Park. Built in 1186 by King Jayavarman VII as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university, the temple was originally known as Rajavihara, meaning "Royal Monastery." It was dedicated to the king's mother, and a statue in her likeness, depicted as Prajnaparamita , the personification of wisdom , once stood at the heart of the temple.
What makes Ta Prohm unique among Angkor's temples is the deliberate decision by early French conservators to leave it largely as they found it, with massive silk-cotton trees (Tetrameles nudiflora) and strangler figs (Ficus gibbosa) growing over, around, and through the stone structures. Their enormous root systems cascade over walls, pry apart galleries, and embrace doorways in a dramatic illustration of nature's power over human construction. This decision to preserve the "romantic" state of the temple has made it one of the most visited and beloved sites in Cambodia.
Ta Prohm gained worldwide fame as a filming location for the 2001 movie "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" starring Angelina Jolie, which brought international attention to the temple and helped boost tourism to Cambodia. Today it remains one of the "big three" temples on the Small Circuit, alongside Angkor Wat and the Bayon.
What to See
- The Giant Tree Roots: The most iconic feature of Ta Prohm is the silk-cotton and strangler fig trees whose enormous root systems have become inseparable from the stone architecture. The most photographed tree straddles the inner gallery on the east side of the temple, its roots cascading over a doorway like a living waterfall of wood.
- The "Tomb Raider" Tree: The famous tree featured in the Tomb Raider film is located at the eastern entrance to the central enclosure. Its roots flow dramatically over the gallery wall, and it remains one of the most popular photo spots at Angkor.
- The Hall of Dancers: This large building features carved rows of apsara dancers on its walls, similar to those found at Preah Khan and Banteay Kdei. The quality of the carvings is exceptional despite the temple's general state of disrepair.
- The Dinosaur Carving: A small carved figure on a wall near the eastern entrance appears to depict a stegosaurus-like creature. While likely representing a stylized rhinoceros or boar backed by decorative leaves, it has become a popular curiosity that sparks lively debate among visitors.
- The Inscription Stones: Ta Prohm's foundation stela, discovered in situ, provides extraordinary details about the temple's original operation: it housed 12,640 people, was served by 79,365 people from 3,140 villages, and required 2,740 officials plus 2,202 assistants and 615 dancers for its ceremonies.
Architecture
Ta Prohm follows the standard flat layout of a Jayavarman VII-era monastery, with concentric rectangular enclosures rather than the pyramid-style mountain temples of earlier periods. The complex covers approximately 60 hectares including its outer enclosure, making it one of the largest temples at Angkor. The inner enclosure is roughly 1 kilometer by 650 meters.
The temple is built primarily from sandstone, with laterite used for the outer walls and some structural elements. The architectural style is late Bayon period, characterized by face towers (though fewer than at the Bayon itself), extensive bas-relief decoration, and the cruciform gallery plan that became standard under Jayavarman VII.
Conservation at Ta Prohm requires a delicate balance between structural stabilization and preserving the dramatic tree-root features that make the temple famous. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has undertaken major restoration work since 2003, carefully propping and stabilizing structures while maintaining the temple's romantic, overgrown character. This approach , neither fully restoring nor allowing further collapse , represents one of the most complex conservation challenges in the archaeological world.
Tips for Visiting
- Visit early or at closing time: Ta Prohm is one of the most crowded temples at Angkor. Arrive before 8:00 AM or after 3:30 PM for a more peaceful experience. The midday crowds between 10 AM and 2 PM can be overwhelming.
- Enter from the east: Most tour groups enter from the west (the parking lot side). Entering from the less-used eastern entrance provides a more atmospheric and less crowded introduction to the temple.
- Watch your footing: The terrain is uneven with fallen stones, tree roots, and narrow passages. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip rather than sandals or flip-flops.
- Be patient for photos: The most photogenic tree-root locations attract queues of visitors waiting for their turn to pose. If you arrive early, you'll have these spots almost to yourself.
- Allow 1 to 1.5 hours: The temple is best explored at a leisurely pace. Rushing through in 30 minutes means missing many hidden details and atmospheric corners.
How to Get There from Villa Agati
Ta Prohm is approximately 11 kilometers from Villa Agati, a 20 to 25-minute tuk-tuk ride. It is typically the third temple visited on the Small Circuit, after Angkor Wat and the Bayon, though visiting it first thing in the morning (before heading to Angkor Wat) is a savvy strategy to avoid crowds.
Villa Agati arranges comfortable tuk-tuk transport for all temple visits. Our drivers know the best approach routes and can drop you at either the western (main) or eastern (quieter) entrance depending on your preference. An Angkor Pass is required for entry.