Ta Prohm
Siem Reap, Cambodia · Landmark
About Ta Prohm
Built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, Ta Prohm is a mesmerizing Mahayana Buddhist monastery and temple complex in the heart of the Angkor Archaeological Park. Unlike many neighboring temples, it was deliberately left largely in its natural condition, swallowed by thick jungle foliage and colossal root systems. It is internationally renowned for its dramatic, untamed scenery and as a primary filming location for the movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
Don't miss
- Marvel at the iconic Tomb Raider Tree, whose massive silk-cotton roots dramatically drape over an ancient stone portal.
- Test the acoustic phenomenon inside the Echo Chamber, where thumping your chest produces a resonating sound throughout the stone room.
- Spot the mysterious carving that resembles a stegosaurus on a corner pillar near the western entrance.
- Admire delicate bas-reliefs of devatas and apsaras emerging through curtains of vibrant green moss and ancient stone blocks.
Plan your visit
Visit early in the morning right around opening time to explore the atmospheric corridors before crowds and mid-day heat arrive. The dry, cooler months from November to February provide the most comfortable walking conditions.
Access requires a standard Angkor Archaeological Park pass, which must be purchased in advance online or at the official ticket center. Individual entry tickets specifically for Ta Prohm are not available.
Ta Prohm sits about 12 kilometers northeast of downtown Siem Reap and is typically reached by hiring a tuk-tuk or private driver for the Angkor Small Circuit tour. More adventurous travelers can also reach the temple via rented bicycle along paved park roads.
Tips for visiting
- Follow the Angkor visitor dress code strictly by keeping shoulders and knees covered with appropriate clothing.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes with reliable grip, as stone paths and wooden boardwalks can be slippery and uneven.
- Stay strictly on the elevated wooden walkways to protect the fragile tree root systems from erosion.
- Apply insect repellent before your visit, as the humid, shaded jungle canopy attracts mosquitoes.
- Carry a wide-angle lens or use your camera's wide setting to capture the sheer scale of the towering trees and roots.
Ta Prohm FAQ
Why was Ta Prohm left covered in tree roots?
When French conservationists began restoring the Angkor complex in the 20th century, they chose to leave Ta Prohm largely untouched as a concession to the jungle. This decision allowed modern visitors to experience the temples much as European explorers encountered them in the 19th century.
Was the movie Tomb Raider actually filmed here?
Yes, several key action scenes from the 2001 film starring Angelina Jolie were shot inside the ruins of Ta Prohm. The movie catapulted the temple into global fame, leading many travelers to refer to it simply as the Tomb Raider Temple.
Is the temple wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, Ta Prohm is mostly inaccessible for wheelchair users due to raised stone doorways, uneven flagstones, and collapsed masonry. While some flat wooden boardwalks exist, navigating between the courtyards requires stepping over significant barriers.
What kinds of trees are growing over the ruins?
The giant trees clutching the temple walls are primarily silk-cotton trees and strangler figs. Their massive, winding root structures grow down into the soil while simultaneously holding up and slowly tearing apart the ancient masonry.
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AI-written guide, last updated 2026-10-09. Check opening times and ticket prices on the official website before you go. Photos: ahmetyuksek, dMz on Pixabay.