Thailand Travel Pages – Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Asia Products LLC Thailand Travel Pages Header

Ta Prohm:

Probably the most enigmatic and alluring of all the temples of Angkor is Ta Prohm. Located approximately one kilometer east of Angkor Thom, on the southern edge of the East Baray (reservoir), Ta Prohm was founded by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII. Constructed in around 1186 AD the Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university was built to honor the King’s mother. Inscriptions at the site describe how the temple was maintained by over 80,000 people (including 18 high priests and 615 dancers).

What makes Ta Prohm extra special however, is that unlike most of the ruins at Angkor, Ta Prohm has been left in much the same condition as when it was discovered. Therefore, do not be surprised to see the jungle in a perpetual battle with the ruins. There are two main types of tree at Ta Prohm, the Kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra) and the Strangler Fig (Ficus gibbosa), the roots of these gargantuan trees coil serpent-like around the buildings, giving the site an ‘other-world’ quality that fascinates and amazes every visitor.

Ta Prohm gained further fame when it was featured in the movie Tomb Raider.

Getting there

As Ta Prohm is one of the most popular ruins in Angkor, most tuk tuk drivers will be able to take you straight there. There are two ways to reach Ta Prohm, either from the direction from Banteay Kdei, or from the direction of Angkor Thom, passing through Ta Keo.