Ta Prohm Temple Cambodia – The Most Unique Experience

Ta Prohm Temple also known as the Tomb Raider Temple was one of the most incredible places I’ve ever explored. Walking through its ancient ruins, surrounded by massive tree roots twisting around crumbling stone, felt like stepping into another world. The eerie silence, broken only by rustling leaves, made the experience even more surreal.

Seeing nature reclaim history in such a dramatic way was breathtaking. It’s no wonder this jungle-covered temple became famous in Tomb Raider. Visiting Ta Prohm wasn’t just a sightseeing stop. It is a journey through time.

Curious about what makes Ta Prohm Temple in Cambodia so unique? Let’s dive into its history, hidden corners, and how to plan your visit to this wonder.

As an affiliate, I may earn a small commission for purchases on the links provided at no extra cost to you – disclaimer. All the tours and services I recommend are carefully selected and I use them myself throughout the travels.

Location & Opening Times of Ta Prohm Temple

📍 Location:
Ta Prohm Temple is located within the Angkor Archaeological Park, about 12 km (7.5 miles) from Siem Reap and just 15 minutes east of Angkor Wat. It’s one of the key temples included in the Angkor Pass.

This is the google 📍 location

🕒 Opening Hours:
Ta Prohm is open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

🔸 Best Time to Visit: Arrive early in the morning before 9am or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds and capture the temple in the best light.

💡 Pro Tip: We visited late in the afternoon around 4.30 PM and had an hour almost for ourselves!

Guided Tours: Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm Temple

A complete guided tour is the most common option for tourists and travelers, especially when you only have 1 or 2 days in the area. A Guided Tour gives you the best of both worlds, as they arrange transport, help with the tickets and they will share you the much needed background information on the sites you will be witnessing. Main sites are Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm Temple and the Bayon Temple.

Also they know what the best sites are, where to take the best pictures and with what settings and have a full day filled with adventure without having to arrange anything. Its cheaper then hiring a taxi or tuktuk each time or even then renting a motorbike and you will be entertained throughout the day. Price is only around $16 for the day, so definitely recommended.

Ta Prohm Temple’s Unique Appeal

Visiting Ta Prohm temple was nothing short of magical. As I wandered through the temple, it felt as though I had stepped into a forgotten world where time stood still. The way the roots of the trees wrapped around the crumbling stone structures was mesmerizing, almost like the temple and jungle were in a delicate dance.

It’s a stark contrast to the more polished temples like Angkor Wat, where restoration has taken center stage. At Tomb Raider Temple, nature is allowed to take the lead, and there’s something awe-inspiring about seeing history and nature intertwined so perfectly.

For me, it was one of those rare moments where you can’t help but stand still, taking it all in. I could imagine how explorers centuries ago might have felt as they discovered this temple overtaken by the wild. It’s raw, it’s beautiful, and it’s a place that makes you feel the weight of history in every step you take. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend experiencing this temple—you won’t find anything quite like it.

My personal opinion: I found it way more intriguing and beautiful to experience than the Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat or many other world famous sites I have seen. It was truly a magical experience and still can’t place the level of enthusiasm i get from this site. Have been here just yesterday, and will for sure go back later this week!

The History of Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm was built in the late 12th to early 13th century under King Jayavarman VII. Originally named Rajavihara, it was designed as a Buddhist monastery dedicated to the king’s mother. The temple served both religious and educational purposes, and at its peak, it supported over 80,000 people, including monks, scholars, and artisans.

Its spiritual significance was immense, reflecting the Khmer Empire’s wealth and devotion to Buddhism.
When you look closely, you will see a lot of sculptures carved in the stones and gates, all telling the stories of the past.

The Fall and Abandonment

Following the decline of the Khmer Empire in the 15th century, Ta Prohm, like many other temples, was abandoned. As the area was gradually overtaken by the jungle, nature slowly reclaimed the temple. The roots of silk-cotton and strangler fig trees twisted through the stone, creating the hauntingly beautiful ruins you can see today, marking the temple’s return to the wild.

Exploring Ta Prohm – What to See

After stepping into the enchanting world of Ta Prohm, there’s so much to discover. From moss-covered hallways to tree-covered ruins and hidden courtyards, each section of the temple has its own unique charm. Let’s dive into the key highlights that make this temple truly unforgettable.

The Main Entrance & Hallways

When you first approach Ta Prohm, the long, narrow entranceway sets the tone for the entire experience. The corridors leading into the temple are covered in dark green moss, giving the space a mystical, almost eerie feeling. As you walk through these dark, quiet hallways, you can’t help but feel the weight of history around you.

The stone walls, weathered over centuries, are a reminder of the temple’s age and the many hands that once built and cared for it. The atmosphere is calm, almost meditative – an ideal introduction to this jungle-clad wonder.

The Tree-Covered Ruins

Ta Prohm’s most iconic feature is its intertwining trees, and the temple’s ruins are a photographer’s paradise. Among the most famous spots is the “famous doorway with roots”, where massive tree roots cascade over an entrance, creating a stunning visual of nature’s dominance over man-made structures.

This spot is arguably one of the most photographed in Cambodia, and for good reason – it’s the perfect example of how nature has intricately merged with history. As you explore, you’ll find other equally mesmerising tree-covered ruins, where roots have slowly overtaken the temple’s stone, wrapping it in their might.

The Hidden Courtyards & Chambers

While the main areas of Ta Prohm are the most visited, the lesser-known sections offer a more tranquil and intimate experience. Hidden courtyards and chambers are scattered throughout the temple, each one offering a glimpse into the design meant for meditation.

These quieter spots allow for a deeper connection to the temple’s history, where you can imagine how monks and scholars once used the space. The temple’s layout, with its maze-like corridors and secluded areas, was designed to encourage contemplation, making it a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude.

How Long Do I Need to Explore Ta Prohm Temple?

The time you spend at Ta Prohm depends on how deeply you wish to explore, but typically, 1 to 2 hours is enough to appreciate its beauty and key areas. If you’re an avid photographer or someone who loves to soak in the details, you may want to set aside more time to capture the intricate tree-covered ruins and quiet courtyards. Especially if you don’t want any people in your photographs, it can take some time before people move on.

For a more relaxed visit without rushing, 1.5 to 2 hours will give you plenty of time to explore the temple’s highlights at your own pace. We did it yesterday within the hour, but felt at points we had to rush it, even though there were just a few people around. Hence we want to get back again!

How to Get to Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm is located within the Angkor Archaeological Park, just a short distance from Siem Reap. It’s easily accessible from most accommodation options in the area, and there are several transport options to choose from.

Transport Options:

• Tuk-tuk from Siem Reap: The most popular and affordable way to get to Ta Prohm is by tuk-tuk. A ride from Siem Reap typically takes 20-25 minutes, and you can arrange for a driver to take you around the Angkor temples at your hotel or at the street. Price should be around $4
• Bicycle: If you’re feeling sporty, cycling to Ta Prohm can be a great option, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Its pretty common here and fun to see bikes driving around.
• Complete Guided Tour: This is the most common option for tourists and travelers, especially when you only have 1 or 2 days in the area. Scroll down to find more info on the available tours

• Hire a Scooter: People who know us and our blog have seen that we love hiring a scooter everywhere in Asia! This gives us the most freedom possible and a lot of speed as well to roam and explore the areas we stay. We wanted to rent at We Scooter Rental, but they were sold out. It was already late, so we found one very close by and was fine. $25 for 3 days and 2 helmets plus phone carrier.
• Private Car with Driver: For a more comfortable and private experience, hiring a car with a driver is a great choice, though it’s more expensive than a tuk-tuk.

How to get to Siem Reap

By Plane: There is an airport in the area SAI Airport, with flights coming from neighbouring countries. You can see the locations in below map

By Bus: We came from the South of Thailand and found an incredibley affordable and luxury bus connection that we couldn’t resist. It goes from Bangkok to Siem Reap and costs around $40 per person. Its an 8 hour trip, with WIFI (works half the time), luxury seatings and Airco. It was a smooth trip for us and allowed us to work in a very comfortable setting.

Important Tip: Only travel during the day when traveling to and through Cambodia, as the roads are not great in many parts and its known for many accidents. This Bus Trip during the day was very safe, so i can surely recommend it. I would also highly suggest you only do the bus trip with Giant Ibis, as they are the best and safest for this area!

✔️ You can book it through this link

Angkor Pass Information

To enter Ta Prohm and other temples within the Angkor Archaeological Park, you’ll need an Angkor Pass. There are several ticket options depending on how much time you plan to spend exploring:

• One-day Pass: Perfect if you want to see the major highlights in a single day. Cost $37
• Three-day Pass: Ideal for those who want to explore at a more leisurely pace. Cost $62
• Seven-day Pass: Great for visitors who wish to experience everything the park has to offer over a longer period. Cost $72

The Angkor Pass can be purchased at the main ticket office near the park entrance or online right here
I wish we had this info beforehand or did a bit more research, as we didn’t know that the pass would include this many sites. So don’t make our mistake and look at how long your staying in the area and get the appropriate pass matching this.

Tips for Visiting Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm is a sacred site, so dressing respectfully is important. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and if you feel better you can wear clothing that covers your knees as well, although this is not mandatory as we discovered firsthand.

Essentials

• Water – The Cambodian heat can and will be intense, especially during the mid-day so stay hydrated.
• Sunscreen & Hat – There’s limited shade in some areas, so covering of your head is highly recommended.
• Mosquito Repellent – The jungle surroundings mean plenty of mosquitoes.
• Bring Cash – If you want to grab a drink, a hat or some snacks along the way, cash is king.
• Camera – This is probably the most important item, as the rest you can all buy along the way. A good camera will be heaven here as the sites are a photographers dream.

Crowd Management

Ta Prohm is one of the most visited temples in Angkor, so arriving early (before 8 AM) or later in the afternoon (after 3 PM) can help you avoid the biggest crowds. Midday tends to be the busiest, especially with tour groups.

Respecting the Site & Avoid Dangers

Ta Prohm’s ruins are fragile, so avoid climbing on the stones or tree roots. Stick to designated paths and be mindful of preserving this incredible piece of history for future visitors.

Don’t go Off the Beaten Track – Stay on the main paths and try not to wander too far. Cambodia still has some areas with hidden landmines, but since Ta Prohm is a popular site with millions of visitors, it’s generally safe. Just be mindful of where you walk, and you’ll be fine.

The Angkor Archaeological Park

The Angkor Wat Archaeological Park is home to over 70 temples and ruins, with some estimates counting more than 100 when including smaller structures. However, the main temples that most visitors explore include:

1. Angkor Wat – The largest and most famous temple.
2. Bayon Temple – Known for its massive stone faces.
3. Ta Prohm – The “Tomb Raider Temple” with tree-covered ruins.
4. Banteay Srei – Famous for its intricate pink sandstone carvings.
5. Preah Khan – A sprawling, less-crowded temple with a similar atmosphere to Ta Prohm.
6. Ta Som – A smaller temple with tree roots growing over its entrance.
7. Neak Pean – A unique island temple surrounded by water.
8. Bakong – One of the oldest temples, part of the Roluos Group.

These are just a few highlights, but the park is massive, covering 400 square kilometers and filled with ancient wonders waiting to be explored. We have taken the 7 days pass, so we had all the time to explore the area and the incredible temples.

Activities around the Ta Prohm Temple

I can highly recommend staying here multiple days, so you can really soak in the area, the local vibes and see the many temples and sites that are in the area. Our idea was to stay here for 4-5 days, but to be fair, we will definitely extend this as the area, the people and Siem Reap city are incredible.

Some of the top activities include:

• Floating Village Tour: Experience Cambodia’s floating villages, where stilted houses, bustling boat markets, and serene waters offer a glimpse into a unique way of life on the Tonlé Sap Lake. U must visit when in the area, and we love it!
  📍 Book this tour Through This Link
• Adventure Full Day Tour: Kulen Mountain, Beng Mealea and Tonle Sap are all places where this tour will take you and trust me, its an unforgettable day. If you love breathtaking cliffside views, enjoying a picnic by a stunning waterfall, exploring an ancient temple overtaken by nature, and cruising through a fascinating floating village, this excursion in Siem Reap is perfect for you!
  📍 Book this tour Through This Link

Where to stay in Siem Reap

The advantage in Cambodia is that you can get luxury for a very affordable price. In countries like this we like to spend a bit more and get the luxury we normally can’t afford.
After careful research and consideration, we have staid at these 2 resorts and had an incredible time.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Indochine D’angkor Hotel Resort
Approx $30 a night with a nice swimming pool, comfortable rooms, lots of services, pool bar and good food. Its in the heart of Siem Riep, and you can basically walk to the centre.

📌 You can book this resort through this link

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Moringa Tree Maison Resort
Approx $50 per night. Our Stay at Moringa Tree Maison, Siem Reap was the perfect mix of luxury and comfort. The sun terrace and pool were a great place to relax after a long day at the temples, and the à la carte breakfast was a fantastic way to start the day. With five-star service, room service, and a helpful concierge, everything felt effortless and complementary bikes to explore the area. If you’re looking for a place that combines convenience with a touch of luxury, this sure hits the spot.

📌 You can book this resort through this link

Wrap up Ta Prohm Temple Cambodia

Ta Prohm Temple or Tomb Raider Temple is the most incredible place we visited in Cambodia. Walking through its ancient, crumbling hallways, with massive tree roots twisting around the stone, felt like stepping into another world. The way nature has reclaimed the temple is something you have to see to believe.

It’s haunting, beautiful, and completely mesmerising. Unlike the perfectly restored Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm feels raw and untouched, making it one of the most unique stops in the Angkor Archaeological Park.

If you’re visiting Siem Reap, this temple is an absolute must. Heck, if your visiting Cambodia, this is a must if i can say so. Arrive early to beat the crowds, or go late in the afternoon as we did, so you have the site nearly to yourself.

Take your time wandering through the ruins, and soak in the magic of this place. Whether we came for the history, the stunning photography, or simply to soak in its magic, Ta Prohm left us speechless. It’s one of those rare places where time seems to pause, and we’re beyond grateful to have experienced its beauty firsthand.

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What do you think of this blog?
It took me a long time to work on this, so any feedback is highly appreciated 💙

My Other Recommended Blogs in Cambodia:

Phnom Penh Night Market – Is it Worth Visiting? An Honest Review

A Full Guide to Magestic Angkor Wat in Siem Reap Cambodia

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