TRAVEL: Ta Prohm Temple in Siem Reap

Of all the temples at Ancient Angkor, Ta Prohm has mileage when it comes to popularity thanks to Lara Croft and Tomb Raider. Of course, my friend and I were so excited to visit this since this temple is the reason why we went to Siem Reap. The other reason was because another friend bullied us into travelling to Siem Reap but ended up not joining us (long story).

It was still early when we visited Ta Prohm because we really didn't stay long at Angkor Wat and Bayon. I mean, I know that these two temples have their own charms but we have visions of Lara. ;)

Ta Prohm is a temple within a forest and not as accessible as Angkor Wat and Bayon so the trees and plants grew and grew until it almost swallowed the temple.

There are several huge trees (maybe Ents?) inside Ta Prohm.

And since the trees literally swallowed parts of the temple, some parts have metal braces to support the doorway or window from being destroyed. The assigned "restorers" of Ta Prohm (joint project between the Cambodian Government and India) has a dilemma. To save the temple, they need to cut away some trees. Or to save the trees, but in doing so- the temple might be ruined in a few more years.

That's my friend, playing Temple Run. :)

Here's what Ta Prohm looks like from outside.

Related posts:

Angkor Thom and Bayon Temples

Glimpse of Ancient Angkor

Sunrise at Angkor Wat



*** All photos taken using Lenovo S960 (VibeX)