Ta Prohm Temple: Framed by Gigantic Trees

Ta Phrom Temple is unique. It is famous for its wonderful huge old trees growing through, over and around the temples that are hundreds of years old.

King Jayavarman VII built Ta Phrom Temple in 1186 AD. It was a Buddhist temple dedicated to his mother. It is one of the massive temples in the Angkor complex.

The natural surroundings of the temple give a splendid feeling to the whole temple experience. We were amazed by the simplicity of this temple. We liked the bizarre growth of the trees; some of them have huge tall roots between which you could build a small house. We enjoyed looking at the trees growing on top of the stone walls. We savored seeing some lichens, mosses and other creeping plants delicately carved on the walls. We adored the way the roots coiling around the stone walls; it shows how nature has reclaimed the land. All these gave us a great impression and gave us a sense of how it would have looked like discovering Ta Phrom Temple for the first time after it had been abandoned for four to five hundred years. This is really something to behold.

We went there in the afternoon. We found it a good timing because the leaves filter the sunlight and welcomed us with enough shade while casting some greenish light. We took many good pictures since the sun shone a fabulous glow on the trees and the temple.

This ancient temple has continuously been receiving thronging crowds since parts of the Tomb Raider movie starring Angelina Jolie was filmed here. Even though it gets busier and busier as everyone wants to see the trees, everyone gets a turn and you can still find your own mysterious space and entangling roots with the temple.

If you love history and photography and if you dream about such mysterious places, Ta Phrom is the perfect place for you.