Tomb Raider Temple (Ta Prohm): My Honest Guide From Angkor
How To Visit Tomb Raider Temple AKA Ta Prohm
I’ll be honest, when I first started planning Angkor, Ta Prohm kept getting written off as “the one with the trees,” like it’s a side attraction rather than one of the main events. That undersells it badly.
I spent 27 days in Cambodia, splitting my time between Koh Rong Samloem’s beaches, the temples around Siem Reap, and the chaos of Phnom Penh. Angkor was always going to be the centrepiece, so I got the three day pass and treated it like a full time job.
I wish I’d gone for the seven-day pass instead. Three days is enough to hit the big names properly, but it’s a sprint when you’d rather be strolling.
Even with the tighter schedule, I made sure Ta Prohm was non negotiable. Along with Angkor Wat and Bayon, it’s one of the temples nobody skips, and once you’re standing under those silk cotton roots swallowing the stonework whole, you’ll understand why.
This isn’t a place that needs a filter or a clever caption. It looks unreal in person, and that’s before you factor in the Tomb Raider connection that gave it the nickname most people actually search for.
Whether you’re travelling solo and want to know how early to arrive before the tour groups descend, or you’re there as a couple hunting the quiet corners for photos that don’t have fifty strangers in them, this guide covers what I actually did over three days at Angkor, what I’d change with more time, and everything you need to know before you go.
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My Honest Opinion On Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm was probably my favourite temple in all of Cambodia.
Angkor was fascinating, but the trees growing over the temple made Ta Prohm look as if it were being swallowed and pulled into the ground.
I can’t remember anything else that felt quite as special. I visited at the end of May in 2023.
The small dinosaur carving at Ta Prohm is a cool feature, and it can take a while to find if you don’t check the map. When I visited, I walked 200 metres from the parking spot beside NAN-SOR LUCKY Number14 and through the vegetation and tall trees surrounding the Tomb Raider temple, which gradually revealed itself to me.
There was a wooden prop holding the first door open, which made me think, “This place is so old, it’s practically falling apart.” Ta Prohm is also where I saw the most beautiful silk cotton tree.
It stretched over the highest part of the temple and looked centuries old.
Where Is Ta Prohm
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee for Tomb Raider Temple is included in the Angkor Pass, and you can choose from three options below:
- 1-day pass: KHR 150,035 ($37.00/€32.11/£27.52)
- 3-day pass: KHR 251,410 ($62.00/€53.81/£46.11)
- 7-day pass: KHR 291,960 ($72.00/€62.49/£53.54)
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Opening Hours
Tomb Raider Temple is open from 06.30 AM to 06.30 PM.
The best time to avoid tour groups is early in the day, as Ta Prohm gets busy with bus tours in the late morning.
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Where Is The Dinosaur Carving?
I didn’t check the map before going in, and it cost me a good while hunting for this one.
Head to the west side of the temple to see the bas-relief.
When I visited, I walked around the temple without knowing it was there, so I was excited when I found it. The dinosaur looks greyer than the darker stone around it.
If you only have a quick lap of Ta Prohm, check the map first and make a beeline for it.
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Where To Find The Tomb Raider Tree
I’d seen this tree in so many photos that I half expected it to be smaller in real life but it was so big.
You’ll find it easily in the centre of the temple.
As you explore, you’ll spot other similar features, but the Tomb Raider tree was the real highlight for me.
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How Long To Spend At Ta Prohm
I spent around 45 minutes at Ta Prohm, and it felt rushed.
I hired a tuk-tuk to drive us around for the day.
Honestly, I was so exhausted after the 04.00 AM start that I could easily have spent two hours here. If Tomb Raider Temple is a priority for you, don’t leave it until the last temple of the day as I did.
Ta Prohm is bigger than it looks from the entrance, and that catches people out.
How To Get There From Siem Reap
I discovered that Ta Prohm sits on the Small Circuit, so most routes from Siem Reap pass close by anyway.
I recommend exploring the Tomb Raider Temple and the Angkor complex by tuk-tuk. The drivers know where to go and which temples are worth visiting. If you already know exactly what you want to see, tell your driver and agree on an itinerary for the day.
I paid KHR 60,825 ($15.00/€13.02/£11.16) for the day and felt like it was too little.
You can book a tuk-tuk for the day with an English-speaking guide to easily communicate too.
If you book in person with a guy in Siem Reap, agree the price before you set off.
It saves an awkward chat at the end.
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Who Built Ta Prohm?
The temple was built by King Jayavarman VII in 1186.
It was originally called Rajavihara, meaning “Monastery of the King”. Ta Prohm roughly translates to “Ancestor Brahma”.
At the empire’s peak, 12,500 people lived here, including 18 high priests and 615 Apsara dancers. The surrounding villages were home to 800,000 people, who relied on services provided by the temple.
When I walked through the site, there were only a handful of people around, so it was hard to imagine it in its prime.
After the empire fell, the temple was abandoned and left to ruin, allowing the trees to take over.
When the French arrived at the temple in the 19th century, they chose to leave the trees in place for their appearance and to help hold the temple together.
Should You Visit Tomb Raider Temple?
Yes, Ta Prohm is one of the best temples to see in Angkor.
Other temples are also being overtaken by trees, but Ta Prohm feels extra special. The Hollywood film draws many visitors, but honestly, I think people would come from all over the world even without it.
The roots, the size of the trees and the temple’s age make it perfect for couples, families and solo travellers who enjoy exploring places like this.
If you enjoyed this post, check out my guide to visiting Angkor Wat.
Any questions, just ask.
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
What Temple Was Used In Tomb Raider?
Ta Prohm was used in the film Tomb Raider, starring Angelina Jolie. It is located on the Small Circuit within the Angkor complex, and most people reach it from Siem Reap by guided tour or tuk-tuk. The temple is famous for its silk-cotton trees, whose roots engulf parts of the structure, creating a dramatic and striking sight.
Why Is Angkor Wat Temple So Famous?
Angkor Wat is famous for its size and history. Built in the 12th century, it is the largest religious monument in the world and appears on Cambodia’s flag. I started exploring at 04.00 AM to catch the sunrise. It was an exhausting day, but one of my best in Cambodia.
Is There Really A Dinosaur Carving At Ta Prohm?
Yes, you’ll find a stegosaurus-like figure inside the Tomb Raider temple. Check the map before you visit, as it’s easy to walk past. It isn’t very large, so keep an eye out for it on the temple walls.
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