Angkor Archaeological Park: Ta Prohm

I was entering college when the movie Tomb Raider was released. Back then, I didn't pay much attention about the Cambodian temple which was used as one of the film's location. Who would have thought that 11 years later, I'll see this place in person?

Entrance to Ta Prohm


I didn't do much research on Siem Reap prior this trip so the only temple I know is Angkor Wat and nothing else. When we were in Bayon temple the day before, we thought that it was the film location but the tour guide told us it was Ta Prohm. So... Ta Prohm is the name.

From the gate, we had to walk a few meters to get to the temple.


Restoration of the Ta Prohm temple has been undergoing since 2004. These blocks of stones from the collapsed galleries were numbered and measured. This will help the restorers return them on the part of the gallery they belong to. Jigsaw puzzle eh?



the temple's facade


Restoration On-going


The roots of the spung trees have grown at the roofs and eventually crawled on the entire building. A platform / stage has been placed for people who would like to take a picture on the gigantic tree root.

tourist mode

more rubbles


the roots of this tree have almost eaten up the whole structure

red walls

the hallways

This is tree with rope-like roots is called a Sralao tree.  It wraps itself around a Spung tree eventually killing it.



tourist mode again

Patting your chest while leaning against these walls produces an echo in the entire tower.



steel braces to support the falling roof caused by this massive Spung tree root




Our tour guide / photographer


Among the Angkorian temples we have visited, this one is my favorite.

--- part 21 of my 3 Countries, 7 Days - Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam series

Read part 20 here: Catching the Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Comments

  1. Hi can I know the Tour guide's name, email, number? I'd like to hire him for our trip to siem reap...kinldy email me at mitch_pardo@yahoo.com thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, I don't have any info about our tour guide. We just had our tour arranged by Bou Savy guesthouse.

      Delete

Post a Comment