Ta Prohm Temple

Ta Prohm Temple

　 Tour Guide Location: Southeast of the Victory Gate in Angkor Thom, between Ta Keo and Banteay Kdei. Construction Period: 12th–13th century. Religion: Buddhism. Introduction: Built by King Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire in honor of his mother, it is also known as the “Temple of the Mother.” Ta Prohm Temple is like the castle of Sleeping Beauty, completely engulfed by the jungle. Towering trees with twisted roots wrap around the stupas, invade the corridors, tear through walls, pry up stone steps, reach into windows and doors, and even lift rooftops… The intricate embrace between architecture and nature presents a huge challenge for preservation efforts: leaving it untouched would mean the temple’s inevitable ruin, while forcibly separating the trees would destroy both the trees and the temple. As a result, this extraordinary embrace has been preserved in its original state to this day.

Tips: 1. Before you go, rewatch "Tomb Raider" and "In the Mood for Love." 2. Even at noon, it's recommended to bring a flashlight and a compass. 3. Hire a local child as your guide—they can take you to every nook and cranny.

Cambodia’s Angkor Wat