Ta Som

Ta Som is a small Angkor-period temple complex east of the main Angkor group, constructed in the late 12th to early 13th century during the reign of Jayavarman VII. It is one of the smaller state temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park but is well known among visitors for its ruined gopuras and tree-covered towers.

The site’s standout feature is the eastern gopura where a large strangler fig has grown over the stonework and a tower, producing an iconic ‘tree-over-temple’ image. The temple has a cruciform plan with a central sanctuary, surrounding enclosure walls and corner towers connected by galleries, and is typically visited on the circuit of East Mebon, Ta Prohm and other nearby monuments.

Ta Som was built as a Mahayana Buddhist foundation and bears Khmer bas-reliefs and inscriptions typical of the Jayavarman VII building program. Over the centuries the complex fell into ruin and was later cleared and conserved during modern archaeological work.

The temple stands inside the Angkor Archaeological Park near Siem Reap in northwest Cambodia, a short drive from the main Angkor temple cluster and accessible from the Angkor road network.

• Fig tree: The massive fig tree on the eastern gopura is the temple's most recognisable feature and best viewed early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer visitors.

What to See #

• East Gate (strangler fig): The eastern gopura, famous for a large strangler fig that has grown across the tower and bas-reliefs, forms the most photographed facade and is often the first stop on circuit visits.
• Central sanctuary: A small inner sanctuary and cruciform central chamber that once housed Buddhist images and is surrounded by a laterite and sandstone enclosure wall.
• Outer enclosure and gopuras: The enclosing gallery and corner gopuras that mark the temple's outer limits and connect the site with the Angkorian road network.