Prasat Ta Phrom
Temple Angkor-era temple entwined by massive tree roots
At Angkor, Ta Prohm’s 12th-century sandstone galleries are entwined with large tree roots; visitors photograph the tree-ruin interplay, explore narrow corridors and pair the visit with nearby Angkor monuments.
Overview
Prasat Ta Phrom is a late 12th-century temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park in northwestern Cambodia, constructed around the reign of King Jayavarman VII. It is widely known for the trees and root systems that grow among its ruins.
What visitors find / highlights
The site is best known for massive tree roots - primarily Tetrameles and fig species - that envelop walls, towers and galleries, creating distinctive visual contrasts between living vegetation and stone. The complex retains a deliberately unrestored, semi-ruined appearance that makes the tree-rooted structures a primary draw for photographers and visitors.
Ta Prohm is one of the most popular temples in the Angkor group and is frequently visited as part of the Angkor Archaeological Park itinerary. Its narrow corridors, central sanctuary and outer gopuras provide multiple viewpoints for photography and exploration, and several courtyards are enclosed by walls entwined with roots.
History
The temple was built in the late 12th century during the reign of Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university. Over centuries the site fell into ruin and was then the subject of conservation efforts that have aimed to stabilise structures while retaining the iconic tree-rooted appearance.
Location
Located within the Angkor Archaeological Park near Siem Reap in northwestern Cambodia, the temple sits among the wider Angkor complex of temples and monuments managed by the APSARA Authority.
- Tomb Raider filming: The 2001 film "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" filmed key scenes here, which increased international recognition of the site.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon visits reduce crowds and give better light for photographing the trees and ruined facades.
What to See #
- Central sanctuary: The complex's central sanctuary is a 12th-century sandstone tower with inner chambers and surrounding galleries characteristic of Jayavarman VII's temple architecture.
- East and West gopuras: A main entrance and outer gopuras form the primary approach to the temple and are notable for large roots and collapsed masonry where trees have grown through the stonework.
- Galleries and courtyards: Courtyards and covered galleries link the sanctuary and entranceways, creating narrow corridors and open courts that are among the most-photographed locations inside the temple.
How to Get to Prasat Ta Phrom #
Prasat Ta Prohm (Ta Prohm temple) is inside the Angkor Archaeological Park north of Siem Reap. From Siem Reap take National Road 6/Angkor Park road toward the temple complex - it’s about 5-7 km from the town center and most visitors get there by tuk‑tuk (about 15-25 minutes) or by bicycle (30-60 minutes depending on pace). There is vehicle access along the park roads and a short walk from the parking/visitor areas to the temple itself; you must have a valid Angkor Park ticket to enter.
Tips for Visiting Prasat Ta Phrom #
- Visit Ta Prohm right at park opening or late in the afternoon for softer light and noticeably fewer tour groups, and remember an Angkor entrance pass is required.
- Once inside, avoid the main tree‑rooted photo spots by exploring the quieter north and east corridors and upper levels-those side lanes reveal less photographed compositions and details.
- Consider a knowledgeable guide to explain the temple's conservation history and iconography; that context deepens appreciation of the striking tree‑ruin interplay many visitors only admire from the main courtyards.
Best Time to Visit Prasat Ta Phrom #
Plan a visit to Prasat Ta Phrom in the cool, dry season (November-February) for the best weather and light for photography.
Weather & Climate near Prasat Ta Phrom #
Prasat Ta Phrom's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 19°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1328 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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February
February is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (139 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (169 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (188 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (189 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (270 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (195 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall.
