Ta Prohm Temple Complex, the Atmospheric Temple at Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Unlike most temples in the Angkor complex, Ta Prohm has been left undisturbed, much as it was when first found: the conservation of Angkor saved the main monuments but didn’t remove the trees and the roots which had invaded. The current structure dates from 1186 A.D., was one of the largest of the temples  and is a product of the Khmer culture.  It was built by Jayavarman VII in honour of his family and it is recorded that the area was home to more than 12,500 people, including over 600 dancers.  It was a considerably rich temple with gold, pearls and silks decorating the walls of the rooms.  After the fall of the Khmer empire in the 17^th century the temple was abandoned for centuries. 

In the late 19^th century Ta Prohm was discovered by French and fortunately for today’s visitors they decided not to do a full-scale restoration of the temple. This was partly because giant trees, such as ficus and silk trees, were so merged with the ancient buildings and walls that they seemed as one.  We now see this unique complex in a somewhat similar state to what it was when originally discovered.  Much later it was decided that Ta Prohm would be left “as a concession to the taste for the picturesque” as it it had merged well with the jungle.   Work has had to be done however, to stabilize the ruins.

Ta Prohm is known to many who have not travelled to Cambodia and visited Angkor Wat and many of these images will be familiar to them.   The reason? Some of the most impressive scenes in the famous blockbuster film Lara Croft - Tomb Raider, were created in and among the ruins.

Having undergone minimal restoration, the stone pillars and carvings intertwining with massive tree roots and jungle in this stunning temple complex proved the perfect setting for the block-buster.

Now let the images talk for themselves.