Siem Reap, Cambodia (2013) Day 2: Part 3 - Ta Prohm Temple

Date Visited: 2nd March 2013

Angkor Wat - Checked!
Bayon Temple - Checked!

So what's next? Once we done with fulfilled our hungry tummy and quick nap (see enjoyable we were), our driver drove us to another Angkor's most popular temples among the visitors, the Ta Prohm Temple. When most of my friends ranked Bayon Temple as their favourite temple in Angkor Archaeological Park, I could say this temple is arguably my most favourite temple comparing the rest.

#1: East Gate - The Main Gate to Ta Prohm

#2:Pathway into the temple

It's quite sad to see largely of Ta Prohm Temple is heavily ruined due to its relative isolation but somehow, there are still certain area can be visited by the visitors. Some areas of the temple are only accessible through narrow corridors, hence it is advisable to wear suitable shoe and follow the landmarks and route indicated to avoid getting lost.

#3:

#4: Root of Banyan Tree growing on the Ta Prohm Temple

It seems like Ta Prohm Temple is like swallowed by huge living jungle. One thing that we couldn't keep our eyes from was the huge and strong Banyan Tree growing on the Ta Prohm temple. As this temple is recognized for its appearance as one of the shooting location of Tom Raider film which played by Angelina Jolie, today this temple is also known as Tomb Raider's Temple.

#5: Another group photo is a must. This spot is the most popular one as we waited for almost half an hour.

 

#6: Another famous spot whereby Lara Croft played by Angelina Jolie picked a jasmine flower underneath the doorway. Ooops, we accidentally blocked it.

 

#7: Young monks

With its dynamic interaction between man-made art and nature, this atmospheric and photogenic temple is absolutely one of the Angkor Archaeological Park's temples shouldn't be missed by everyone. Absolutely fascinating and surreal!

When is the best time to visit Ta Prohm? 
From the research we came across, the best time would be in the early morning to avoid the shades of the sunlight. However due to that reason, it attracted more visitors and thus, it will be pretty crowded and hardly to get a photogenic spot of the Banyan Tree growing on the Ta Prohm Temple. To avoid the crowd, it is advisable to go during lunch time or late afternoon.

[Credit To: Sacred Destinations, Tourism of Cambodia]