| Angkor Temple: Ta Phrom
Built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, Ta Prohm is a shrine devoted to the king’s mother. This is one of the must-see sites in Siem Reap besides Angkor Wat and Bayon. It was originally a big Buddhist monastery that housed more than 3000 villages and accommodated more than 70,000 residents. The monastic complex of Ta Prohm consists of a series of long, low buildings connected with passages and galleries. A rectangular, laterite wall that encloses the entire complex is 700 by 1,000 metres (about 2,200 by 3,200 feet).
However, what makes Ta Prohm a remarkable place to visit is that it is only partially restored. This monument is shrouded in jungle, largely covered by massive fig and silk-cotton trees. The temple’s galleries are wrapped by towering Banyan trees’ gigantic roots. Tree branches intertwine to form a shelter above the terraces. Some areas of the temple are impassable while some can be reached only by narrow passages. This is Ta Prohm at its natural state, a fascinating aspect that is not found in any temple in Siem Reap. There are several spots in Ta Prohm where you can simply enjoy the serenity and reflect on the grandeur of this structure.
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