Cambodia Trip: Trees in Ta Prohm Temple, Siem Reap

Trees, tall trees are abound in all the temple areas in Siem Reap, Cambodia. But one can noticeably distinguish Ta Prohm from the rest because of how these trees grow from  stone ruins.

After Angkor Thom Gate, Bayon Temple and Elephant Terrace, we proceeded to this temple which is known for having a lot of scenes taken in the popular game/movie ‘Tomb Raider’. I’ve never watched the movie nor have I played the game.

Ta Prohm Temple
Siem Reap, Cambodia

sun treesun high up

ta phrom treestrees, tall ones.

The combination of the stones and trees make Ta Phrom stand out from the rest of the temples. Aside from Angkor Wat (which I’ll be writing about next), this is the temple that’s readily clear among others because of its distinctive features.

ta phrom templeroots covering the temple

Ta Prohm has been left in much the same condition in which it was found: the photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings have made it one of Angkor’s most popular temples with visitors. (Wikipedia -Ta Prohm)

siem reap touriststourists abound

ta phrom siem reap
platform for photo op

The influx of visitors shows how tourist-friendly Cambodia has become. According to Chyng, a Pinoy Travel Blogger who recommended our guesthouse, just the thought of having to pay 20 USD for a day tour at the temples is already a big sum.

But one wouldn’t mind paying especially when we’re talking about centuries-old temples and monuments. It’s something to be proud of especially when you’ve been to a place full of history. Unfortunately, I was just there to watch.

temple siem reap ta phromdried leaves

One day, I’ll return with a deeper sense of perspective. To go back and truly understand and review how these temples came about is something I’m preparing for.

tomb raider cambodia
roots on stones

How the roots of these trees find their way to the ground amid stones and still stand strong and tall prove mother nature’s resilience and survival instincts despite change. They’re working on keeping the stones intact to restore parts that are already destroyed.

tomb raider temple
had difficulty getting a shot without other tourists

With the number of foreigners were also Khmer children walking and mingling with the tourists, selling souvenir goods on their own. I’m amazed at the persistence of these kids in promoting their items. They won’t leave you until you can buy a trinket or two.

I tell you, I’ve never encountered such hardcore sellers except for some policy plan holders in Manila. Only this time, I couldn’t put them in a negative light. Not with those innocent eyes staring at you just to make a sale. — will write more about Khmer kids in future articles.

khmer childrenKhmer kid sitting on a branch

By the way, don’t forget to bring a bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated. If you want to keep your costs at a minimum, you can just refill the water bottles provided by your hostel. Also, expect a lot of dust so it would be wise to bring a scarf (your can buy one at their Night Market) or bandanna to cover your face.

The trees served their purpose as canopies of leaves to protect people from the sun. But there are those that leave a lasting impression on you.

khmer treeleft for your own interpretation

Here’s a couple of comprehensive guides about Siem Reap:

Check out my other adventures here:


Enter your email address to subscribe for updates.
 
Please don't forget to confirm your subscription by checking your Inbox.



soloflightEd.com is a travel blog by Edcel Suyo. He enjoys performing headstands and crazy stunts during his trips in the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Now based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and working to earn a living, he takes time to enjoy the city and travel during weekends.
For updates, Like his page on Facebook or Follow him on Twitter.
For questions, advertising, and other concerns, shoot an email to ed@soloflighted.com.


12 thoughts on “Cambodia Trip: Trees in Ta Prohm Temple, Siem Reap”

  1. Kakaiba talaga yung dating ng last pic. Hindi na ako magco-comment. Wahahaha.
    I love the textures of this place! Sarap umupo lang tapos magdrawing ng mga bagay. 😀

    Reply
  2. Hahahahaha. Gusto kong kalimutan yung last photo pero di ko magawa. Hahahaha.
    Ilang taon na kaya ang mga punong yan? Baka pwedeng dalhin sa Pinas ang ganyang puno. Mukhang guguho na yung mga ruins pero dahil sa ugat, di sila babagsak…astig.
    Seriously, seeing the centuries-old temples and monuments, and seeing this area are highlights of every travel to different countries, and your brief mention about these kids selling their crafts is heartwarming. Better to be pushy seller than pushy beggars.
    Bigla tuloy akong natawa sa paggamit ko ng salitang pushy. Sounds bushy kasi. Ohno…that last photo again. Hahahaha.

    Reply
  3. @lily: thanks lily! 😀

    @lakwatseradeprimera: yeah, ganda talaga ng roots. im also enjoying your photos in your van series!

    @robbie: yeah, it's a great place to relax. so many scenes to get inspiration from. no comment na sa last picture. hehe

    @rizalenio: kalimutan mo na! haha. maybe I should take it down, too many people are affected by it. haha. true that about the kids, im inspired to write another blog entry about them 😀

    Reply
  4. @gay: haha, yeah, creepy talaga. pero kakaiba ang mga puno, malalaki at ang taas talaga. they're undergoing major renovations ngayon to keep the structures intact. 😀

    Reply
  5. I like blog really.I'll be in bangkok on April 1,2013 for my  20 days southeast asia tour.From bangkok-cambodia-hanoi to laos.Thank you sa blog mo Ed.Napaka helpful.Cheers
     
    Efren

    Reply

Leave a Reply