Ta Prohm: Destination Guide

Overview

Ta Prohm was built in the late 12th century as a Buddhist monastery and university dedicated to King Jayavarman VII's mother. Unlike most Angkor temples, it has been deliberately left largely as it was found: massive silk-cotton and strangler fig trees grow directly out of the stonework, their roots wrapping over doorways and collapsing galleries.

Ta Prohm is best known as the "Tomb Raider Temple," after scenes from the 2001 film were shot among its ruins. It draws large crowds, especially at the famous root-and-doorway photo spot, so an early or late visit helps avoid the busiest tour groups.

Wear closed-toe shoes, the root-covered walkways are uneven and can be slippery after rain. Bring water, there's little shade once you're inside the ruins.

Best Photo Spots

Massive tree roots engulfing a stone doorway at Ta Prohm temple (via Unsplash) — Tree Roots Over Doorway

Towering tree growing directly out of a Ta Prohm temple gallery (via Unsplash) — Silk-Cotton Tree Gallery

Collapsed stone corridor with rubble piled amid Ta Prohm's ruins (via Unsplash) — Collapsed Stone Corridor

Moss-covered stone ruins and carvings at Ta Prohm (via Unsplash) — Moss-Covered Carvings

Photography tips: timing, lens picks & less-crowded spotsShow less

Timing

Arrive right at opening (~7:30 AM) or after 3:30 PM, tour buses hit hardest late morning
Overcast days actually help here, soft light reduces harsh shadows across the tree roots

Lens & Gear

24–35mm to fit a full root system and the doorway it's swallowing
85mm+ for tight shots isolating a single root against the stonework
Skip the tripod, corridors are narrow and crowded even off-peak, handheld is faster

Less-Crowded Spot

The famous root-over-doorway ("Tomb Raider tree") always has a line for photos. Walk the perimeter gallery on the north side instead, similar root-and-stone scenes, almost nobody stops there

More temples covered in the full Photography Guide.

Entry Fee & Hours

Ta Prohm is included in the standard Angkor Archaeological Park pass, so no separate ticket is needed if you already hold a 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day pass.

Pass	Price	Valid
1-Day Pass	$37	1 day
3-Day Pass	$62	10 days
7-Day Pass	$72	1 month
Children under 12	Free	N/A

Temple hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily.

How to Get There

Ta Prohm sits about 8 km (20 minutes) east of Siem Reap, on the far side of the main Angkor Thom loop.

Tuk-tuk from Siem Reap: ~$15–20/day
Private car/driver: ~$35–45/day
Bicycle: ~$3–5/day
Guided small-group tour

Ta Prohm