Ta Prohm was built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by King Jayavarman VII, one of the greatest rulers of the Khmer Empire. It was originally named Rajavihara, meaning “royal monastery,” and served as a Buddhist temple and university. In its prime, Ta Prohm housed over 12,000 people, including monks, priests, dancers, and workers. The temple also managed thousands of villages and received valuable resources such as gold, pearls, and silk to sustain its operations.
Unlike many other Angkor temples that were later converted to Hinduism, Ta Prohm retained much of its Buddhist identity. Many carvings depicting the Buddha and scenes from Buddhist mythology can still be seen on the temple walls today.
Practical Information
Location: Inside Angkor Archaeological Park
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Admission: Included in the Angkor Pass
Suggested Visiting Time: 1–1.5 hours
Google Map
The Temple Swallowed by the Jungle
What makes Ta Prohm truly unique is the way nature has reclaimed the structure. Towering kapok and strangler fig trees have grown over and through the stone buildings, their thick roots wrapping around walls, galleries, and doorways. In some places, the trees seem to be holding the ruins together; in others, they’re slowly tearing them apart.
This dramatic blend of stone and wood gives Ta Prohm an almost mystical quality, as if it were a lost city rediscovered after centuries. It’s easy to understand why early French explorers decided to preserve the temple in this “natural” state, unlike other Angkor temples that were extensively restored.
Best Time to Visit in the Green Season:
The Green Season (May to October) offers a completely different Ta Prohm experience. Light rain showers bring the surrounding jungle to life, covering the stones with a lush green carpet of moss and vines. The temple feels cooler, fresher, and less crowded during this time. Soft, diffused light from overcast skies enhances the colors of the roots and carvings, making it one of the most photogenic seasons to visit. If you don’t mind occasional rain, exploring Ta Prohm in the Green Season can feel like stepping into a living, breathing temple lost in time.
Layout and Architectural Features
Ta Prohm follows the Bayon style of Khmer architecture, characterized by flat galleries, axial alignments, and multiple enclosures arranged symmetrically. The temple is oriented to the east on a central east–west axis and features a flat ground plan, unlike some other Angkor temples that were built on elevated tiers.
The outermost rectangular enclosure measures approximately 1,000 meters by 700 meters, enclosing an area of about 60 hectares (600,000 m²). This vast space once included not only the temple itself but also support buildings, residential quarters, and ceremonial areas for thousands of inhabitants.
World Fame Through the Silver Screen
Ta Prohm gained international fame when it appeared in the 2001 Hollywood film “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” starring Angelina Jolie. Scenes filmed among the temple’s twisting roots and moss-covered walls brought the site to a global audience. Today, many visitors still refer to it as the “Tomb Raider Temple.”
Best Time to Visit
Ta Prohm is one of Angkor’s most popular temples, so timing your visit can make a big difference:
Avoiding Crowds
To truly experience the temple’s quiet, mystical atmosphere:
Visit on weekdays (Monday to Friday), avoiding Saturdays and Sundays when local and international tourists peak.
Steer clear of Cambodian public holidays, especially major ones like Khmer New Year (mid-April), Pchum Ben (September/October), and Water Festival (November), when domestic travel surges.
Arriving early on a regular weekday is your best bet for a serene and magical experience.
Photography Tips
The famous “Tomb Raider tree” is a must-capture spot, but don’t forget to explore the less crowded back galleries, which often offer beautiful, root-covered doorways without people.
Tripods are not allowed inside the temple, so bring a camera or smartphone that performs well in low light.
Overcast skies can actually enhance the colors of the moss and roots, giving your photos a magical feel.
Video
Nearby Temples & Sites Around Ta Prohm
Banteay Kdei (600m)
A peaceful, lesser-visited temple with crumbling corridors and serene courtyards. Built in the late 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, it served as a Buddhist monastic complex, offering a quiet escape and a glimpse into monastic life. read more
Ta Keo (1.2km)
A towering sandstone temple-mountain known for its bold, unfinished look. Constructed in the late 10th to early 11th century under King Jayavarman V, Ta Keo was dedicated to Shiva. Its steep staircases and minimal carvings make it feel raw and powerful — symbolizing spiritual ascent. read more
Srah Srang (2km)
A tranquil reservoir once used for royal bathing. Originally built in the mid-10th century by King Rajendravarman II, and later remodeled by King Jayavarman VII, it was designed as a royal bathing pool for ceremonies and relaxation. Visit at sunrise for a magical reflection of the sky over the water. read more
Pre Rup (3.3km)
A majestic brick and laterite temple with three central towers, often bathed in golden light at sunset. Built around 961 AD by King Rajendravarman II, it was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and likely used for royal funerary rituals. read more
Bayon (4.5km)
Famous for its massive stone faces smiling in all directions. Built in the late 12th to early 13th century by King Jayavarman VII, Bayon stands at the center of Angkor Thom and represents a fusion of Buddhist symbolism and intricate Khmer artistry. read more
Angkor Wat (8km)
The crown jewel of Angkor. Constructed in the early 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II, it was originally dedicated to Vishnu. This iconic temple is the largest religious monument in the world, renowned for its grandeur, symmetry, and detailed bas-reliefs depicting Hindu epics.
Restoration and Conservation Work
While Ta Prohm is famous for its “untouched” look, extensive conservation work has been ongoing for decades to prevent the temple from collapsing entirely.
The École Française d’Extrême-Orient (EFEO), a French archaeological organization, was one of the first groups to study and document Ta Prohm in the early 20th century. They made the key decision to leave the temple largely in its natural state, only clearing enough vegetation to make it accessible. This approach became a model for conserving “romantic ruins” while preserving their wild charm.
In 1992, Ta Prohm was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor, which brought international support for preservation.
Since 2003, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been leading major restoration efforts in cooperation with the APSARA National Authority (the Cambodian agency responsible for Angkor). Their work focuses on:
Stabilizing weakened structures and walls
Carefully removing some invasive trees whose roots are causing dangerous cracks
Reassembling fallen stones using original techniques
Strengthening galleries and corridors while maintaining the temple’s natural atmosphere
Eastern Gopura gate Notable completed work includes the stabilization of the eastern gopura (gate) and several inner galleries, which were at risk of collapse. New drainage systems were also installed to reduce water damage during the rainy season.
Ongoing efforts continue in less-accessible areas of the temple. Restoration teams work slowly and delicately, often numbering and cataloging each stone before reassembling sections, like a giant 3D puzzle. The goal is to preserve the temple’s romantic jungle setting while ensuring it remains structurally safe for future generations.
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