Deep within the ancient city of Angkor lies a temple unlike any other—Ta Prohm. In contrast to the grand symmetry of Angkor Wat or the enigmatic faces of Bayon, Ta Prohm offers a vision of nature entwined with history. Giant silk-cotton and strangler fig trees grow through its crumbling stone walls, their massive roots cascading over centuries-old carvings, creating one of the most atmospheric and photographed sites in Cambodia.
Ta Prohm (Khmer: ប្រាសាទតាព្រហ្ម, “Ancestor Brahma”) is a modern name, with Ta meaning ancestor and Prohm meaning Brahma. Some also refer to it as Old Brahma. Historically, it was known as the Citadel of Rajavihara (Khmer: រាជវិហារ, “royal monastery”).
Since a sequence from the 2001 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider was filmed here, Ta Prohm is now often called the “Tomb Raider Temple” and sometimes referred to as the “Tree Temple.” It captivates the imagination with its haunting beauty and the raw, relentless power of the jungle.
A Temple Built for a Queen
Ta Prohm was built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university. He dedicated it to his mother, making it one of the most personal and sacred projects of his reign. Ta Prohm was a vast complex, home to over 12,000 people including monks, priests, dancers, and attendants.
What makes Ta Prohm unique is that it has been left much as it was when rediscovered in the 19th century, allowing visitors to experience the romance and mystery of a lost city swallowed by the jungle.
Things to See and Experience
1. The Iconic Tree Roots:
The most unforgettable feature of Ta Prohm is the sight of massive tree roots merging with the temple’s ancient stonework. These natural sculptures have become emblematic of Angkor. The most famous trees—like the towering silk-cotton tree near the east entrance—are among the most photographed spots in all of Angkor.
2. Crumbling Corridors and Doorways:
Unlike the restored grandeur of other temples, Ta Prohm’s partially ruined condition offers a genuine sense of exploration. Narrow passageways, collapsed galleries, and hidden corners create an Indiana Jones-style adventure that’s as thrilling as it is spiritual.
3. Intricate Carvings:
Despite centuries of decay, many delicate carvings remain intact. Look for detailed devatas (celestial maidens), floral motifs, and Buddhist iconography—though some were defaced during later Hindu takeovers.
4. The Dancing Apsaras and “Dinosaur” Carving:
Among the walls are exquisitely carved apsaras in flowing poses. One particular carving, often pointed out by guides, resembles a stegosaurus—a detail that has sparked curiosity and debate.
Restoration and Preservation
When Angkor was rediscovered by French explorers in the 19th century, most temples were cleared of vegetation. But Ta Prohm was intentionally left largely as it was found, to preserve its unique “jungle temple” appearance. The French called it the “école du romantisme,” or the school of romanticism, because of its picturesque ruin.
In recent years, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in partnership with APSARA (the Cambodian authority managing Angkor), has taken the lead in carefully stabilizing Ta Prohm. Their work includes reinforcing crumbling walls, reassembling fallen stones, and pruning trees that threaten the structure—while ensuring that the temple’s iconic tree-root imagery is preserved.
Visiting Tips
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon is ideal for avoiding crowds and capturing the golden light filtering through the jungle.
Entry: Ta Prohm is included in the Angkor Pass, which grants access to multiple temples in the complex.
Getting There: Located just 1 km east of Angkor Thom and around 15 minutes by tuk-tuk from Angkor Wat.
Bring: Good walking shoes, water, sun protection, and a camera for dramatic shots of roots and ruins.
I visited Ta Prohm in December 2023 during my cycling journey across Cambodia, while I was staying in Siem Reap. Ta Prohm was part of a full-day tuk-tuk tour of the Angkor Archaeological Park, which also included Angkor Wat, Bayon, Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants, and Ta Keo.
To fully appreciate Ta Prohm, plan to spend at least two to three hours exploring its labyrinth of crumbling corridors, towering trees, and intricate carvings. The temple’s unique blend of architecture and jungle creates an otherworldly atmosphere that rewards slow, deliberate exploration. It’s truly a mesmerizing experience.
Pro tip:
Unless you’re deeply interested in temple architecture, a 1-day pass is enough to see the major highlights — Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm. Beyond that, temples and the ruins can begin to feel repetitive.
Ta Prohm is more than a temple—it’s a poetic reminder of the impermanence of human endeavor and the power of nature. As roots wind through stone and birdsong echoes in empty halls, visitors are transported back in time. Few places in the world offer such a visceral, visual encounter between civilization and the jungle. A visit to Ta Prohm is not just a stop on a temple tour—it’s a journey into Cambodia’s soul.
