The temple of Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm Temple is a Khmer temple built in the 12th century in the Angkor region of Cambodia. It is famous for its unique architecture, as it is overgrown with lush vegetation, especially tree roots that have grown through the walls and roofs of buildings. This combination of ancient stone and lush vegetation creates a surreal landscape that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Ta Prohm Temple was built during the reign of Jayavarman VII, a Khmer king who reigned from 1181 to 1218. It was used as a place of worship for Hindu deities and also served as a residence for Buddhist monks. The temple is surrounded by exterior walls and includes galleries, rooms and terraces. The bas-reliefs and statues that adorn the temple bear witness to the exceptional art and architecture of the Khmer era.
Today, the Ta Prohm temple is managed by UNESCO and is included on the World Heritage List. Efforts are underway to protect the stone structures while maintaining the wild, natural ambiance that has attracted visitors throughout the centuries.

Ta Prohm Temple is a Khmer temple located in the Angkor region of Cambodia. It was built in the 12th century during the reign of Jayavarman VII, a Buddhist king. It is known for its unique architecture that has been preserved in a ruined state, especially the trees that grew inside the walls and foundations of the temples. This temple is recognized for its characteristic architectural style, where trees and vines invade the stones, creating a jungle atmosphere in the ruins. It was restored by archaeologists while respecting this original architecture, giving it the appearance of an abandoned temple. Ta Prohm is also known for being used as a set for scenes in one of the most famous films in cinema history, Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie.
This temple has become a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists and tourists who visit the Angkor region to discover the architectural and cultural riches of Khmer civilization.

Architecture

The architecture of Ta Prohm Temple is similar to other Khmer temples of the same period, with thick sandstone walls, a central tower called a “prasat”, and galleries decorated with bas-reliefs and statues of Hindu deities . The central tower is dedicated to the Hindu deity Prajnaparamita, and is decorated with bas-reliefs and statues which represent different incarnations of Prajnaparamita and other Hindu deities. The galleries are also decorated with bas-reliefs which represent scenes from daily life and mythological scenes.
The temple is built of sandstone, a strong and durable stone used for the construction of Khmer temples. The sandstone is precision cut to fit together perfectly, without the use of mortar or cement. This allowed the temple to withstand the elements for centuries.
What distinguishes Ta Prohm from the other temples of Angkor is that it was left in the state in which it was discovered by French archaeologists, that is to say invaded by the jungle. Trees and vines grew through the walls and arches, creating a strange and wild landscape. This adds a unique dimension to the temple architecture, which has become famous for tourists.

Visit

Visiting Ta Prohm Temple is a unique and fascinating experience for archeology and history lovers. It is located in Angkor, a few kilometers from the modern city of Siem Reap.
Once there, you can also admire the bas-reliefs and statues of Hindu deities that adorn the temples and sanctuaries. It is also interesting to walk through the temples to discover the scenes of daily life and the mythological scenes represented there.
The architecture of the temple is unique due to the tangle of trees and vines that have grown through the walls and arches, creating a strange and wild landscape. It is possible to walk through the temples following the marked paths so as not to damage the architecture.
The giant trees and roots of Ta Prohm Temple are one of the most fascinating aspects of this temple. These trees grew through the walls and arches of the temple, creating a strange and wild landscape. The trees have huge roots that wrap around the walls and arches, making it look like they were built around them.
These trees and roots are largely responsible for the preservation of the temple. They protected stone structures from weather and external elements, preventing the stone from decay. The trees and roots also helped keep moisture in the air, preventing the stone from cracking due to temperature change.
The giant trees and roots of Ta Prohm Temple are considered a symbol of nature encroaching on human ruins, creating a unique and fascinating landscape. They are also a reminder of the merciless nature that can take possession of man’s creations. Visitors can walk through the temple following the paths laid out so as not to damage the architecture, and admire these giant trees and roots that have invaded the temples.

Opening hours

Most temples are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.

• Angkor Wat : 5h – 17h30
• Baphuon : 7h30 – 17h30
• Banteay Srei : 7h30 – 17h30
• Bayon : 7h30 – 17h30
• Bakheng : 5h – 19h
• Srah Srang : 5h – 17h30
• Pre Khan : 7h30 – 17h30
• Prè Rup : 5h – 19h
• Phnom Bakheng : 5h – 19h

Times given as an indication, but guides and tuk-tuks know them very well.

You will easily find restaurants and merchants that offer good meals with good Khmer recipes for your meals during your visit. On the site, you will also find where to stay during your stay in Cambodia.