Ta Prohm Temple

Location:Ta Prohm is located in the heart of the Angkor Park just to the east of Angkor Thom. It’s along the main road which the Angkor Small Circuit Tour follows.
Recommended reason: Ta Prohm Temple is was used as the backdrop for the filming of the Lara Croft Movie
Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Recommended visit time: 1-2 hours

Ta Prohm entrance fee：

Ta Prohm Temple is included in the Temple Pass for Angkor Archaeological Park and there is no need to pay a separate entrance fee. Details are as follows:

1-Day Pass: US$37 per person, valid for one day only.
3-Day Pass: $62 per person, valid for 7 days from the date of purchase. You can use it to visit the temple on three separate days.
Seven-day pass: $72 per person, valid for one month from the date of purchase. You can use it to visit the temple for seven days each.

History and Facts of Ta Prohm Temple

The temple was founded in 1189 by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII in honor of the royalty and the first name of the temple was Rajavihara which means Royal Temple. The temple is located in the eastern part of Angkor Wat, more than 12 kilometers from the center of Siem Reap. During this period, the temple served as a monastery and school of Mahayana Buddhism, housing nearly 13,000 people including monks, priests, attendants and dancers.

It was a monastery and school of Mahayana Buddhism.

In addition, this temple is also known as the "Tomb of the Queen Mother" and is used to worship the Queen Mother. According to legend, the four stone walls of the tomb are encrusted with diamonds. Treasures in the temple are said to include up to 5 tons of gold plates, 512 beds, 524 umbrellas, 35 pearls and 454 precious stones.

In the 15th century, the capital was destroyed by the Siamese and the Khmer kings were forced to travel to Phnom Penh. All the jewels were stolen by the army and today only a few holes remain for tourists.

After the occupation, the temple was covered by jungle and forgotten for many centuries until it was rediscovered in 1860 by the French botanist Herri Mouhot.

In 2001, the temple was chosen as the setting for the movie Tomb Raider, with Angelina Jolie playing the female lead. Due to the popularity of the movie in many countries, Tapuram became better known to the world.

How to get to Ta Prohm Temple？

There are several different transportation options for visiting the Angkor temples. We will describe the advantages, disadvantages and prices of each mode of transportation.

There are several transportation options for visiting Ta Prohm Temple. You may consider the following options:
By bicycle
The cheapest way to get around Siem Reap is by bike, you can rent a bike for free at your hotel or hostel, if rented, the rent free price ranges from 3 to 10 USD per day depending on the type and quality of the bike. Be prepared for a long ride if you want to combine Ta Prohm with other temples. Due to the heat and humidity in Siem Reap, please bring plenty of water.
Tuk Tuk Rides
Tuk-tuks seem to be the most convenient way to get around in Cambodia, especially in Siem Reap. Tuk-tuk drivers can be found everywhere along the roadsides in Siem Reap. Prices range from US$15 to US$25 per day for temples near the city center. A tuk-tuk can accommodate up to four people, so you can split the cost with a friend. Most tuk-tuk drivers speak English and know where to take you.
By private car
If your budget allows, the most convenient way to get around is by air-conditioned private car, especially if you're going to places far from the city center such as Mount Kulen or Beng Mealea. Depending on the size of your group and the number of temples you visit, it can cost around US$35-50 per day. In addition, a private car is a great way to combine a visit to Ta Prohm Temple with the Angkor Group of Monuments, the Roluos Group of Monuments or the Beng Mealea Group of Monuments.

Travel Tips to Ta Prohm

What to wear in Cambodia?
 Make sure your legs and shoulders are covered when visiting the temples.
Cambodia is hot all year round so make sure you bring plenty of water.
Wear good walking shoes when visiting all the temples at Angkor.
You can visit the temples on your own, but it is best to be accompanied by a guide who will explain everything to you. It will be more meaningful for your exploration.
Wearing colorful clothes will give you good photo results against the dark grey background.

When is the best time to go to Ta Prohm？
The best months to visit Taplun Monastery are from November to February, when the weather is cooler and drier. However, this is also the peak tourist season and many visitors are expected. April and May are hot with heat waves. If you want to avoid most of the crowds, visit between June and October, but be aware that the weather is humid and warm.

While everyone is enjoying Angkor Wat at sunrise, visit Ta Prohm. Yes, you should visit Angkor Wat at sunrise, but make sure you schedule at least one extra day in your itinerary so you can visit Ta Prohm first thing in the morning. It's worth waking up at 4am to have this place all to yourself.