Ta Prohm Temple – Angkor Archaeological Park

This is probably my favorite of all the Angkor temples.  Below are details to help you have a great experience when visiting Ta Prohm.  Recent changes to the time the temple is accessible may hinder some opportunity.  Being prepared for your visit will help you maximize your time and leave time for more adventure.

 

Temple vs. Jungle:  Ta Prohm is also referred to as Temple of the Jungle. Much has been untouched by Archeologist other than to clear paths through the ruins. Ta Prohm was built in the late 12th century. It is a fairly large complex of towers and corridors linking courtyards and temples.

This temple can become very overrun with tourist all day. Its unique sights make it very popular and can be difficult to take a photo without someone standing in your shot. There are a number of trails and walkways weaving throughout Ta Prohm and with a little patience and walking you can definitely get some beautiful photos.

I enjoyed Ta Prohm so much, I return at least two times when ever I visit Angkor. Early morning is always best as I typically have the entire place to myself. The silence and sun rising through the over grown trees is amazing. The moss and lichen covered stone of the temple take on an illuminating green color. I highly recommend going to Ta Prohm very early in the morning.  With no one around, it can send chills down you spine in a good way. It was a very special time.

Ta Prohm is known as the temple of the jungle for good reason. More than any other temple in Angkor, the jungle battles to reclaim its domain. Many of the structures at Ta Prohm have an amazing growth of trees and vegetation sprouting through rocks or growing over doors and windows. Walls are being wrapped by jungle trees like nothing I have ever seen.  The view is surreal.  There is so much of this over-growth, you have to take time and wander around. Much of the experience is taken away when viewing with many people around.

 

Carved in Stone:  One of my favorite things to do at Ta Prohm is to take a close look at the beautiful carvings around the complex. Some still have great detail. Every structure and every wall seem to have carvings of a Buddha or ornate relief. None are the same. There is so much to see at Angkor, few people take the time to really check these carvings.  Take time to go beyond the big picture of the temples. Look closely. You will be amazed at what you will see.

 

Ta Prohm Stegosaurus:  This little carving has become quite popular in recent years. Some think it is evidence that dinosaurs existing during human times. Being that Ta Prohm was constructed around the 12th century, they hardly had the technology to determine what a Stegosaurus looked like even if they unearthed some dinosaur bones. Others believe it is a Rhinoceros with leaves behind it. There is even another suggestion that it is a hoax put there as a joke.  I can tell you that I don’t believe this is a hoax in any way possible. Anyone that has been there can tell it is obviously old and similar to the other carvings along that area and throughout Ta Prohm.

I think its great to let people make their own decision. To find the “Stegosaurus” walk to the far west of Ta Prohm. In the center of the second wall is a doorway (see photo with the woman in green). To the left on the outside in the corner, below the tower, is a vertical line of Bas-relief carvings. There you will find it.

Hiking Ta Prohm: One of the best temple trails at Angkor. This trail takes you around the four gates of Ta Prohm.  In 2017, the government changed the rule of when you are permitted to enter the temples. Now you have to wait until 7:30 a.m. missing some prime photo opportunities.

This trail can be accessed from the west or from the east. I suggest starting from the east because it will be a shorter drive to your next temple. From the east entrance, hike the wide path until you reach the east gate. You can hike the loop around the temple in any direction. I chose clockwise. The trail weaves in and out of an outer temple wall. You’ll pass by several large trees that are growing on top of and over the wall and parts of the temple. Take the opportunity to explore inside the temple either as you hike the loop or after. There is quite a lot to see with the jungle overgrowing the ruins. While the trail is short, it is very picturesque, especially if you like ancient ruins. It is well-shaded and perfect to do in the morning.