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 high up
trees, 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.
roots 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)
tourists abound
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.
dried 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.
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.
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 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.
left for your own interpretation
Here’s a couple of comprehensive guides about Siem Reap:
- Tips and Things to Know about Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Digital Nomad Life: One Month in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Check out my other adventures here:
- Quick Update from Bousavy Guesthouse in Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Siem Reap and Bangkok Chronicles
- Getting There: Cebu to Manila to Clark to Bangkok to Aranyaprathet to Siem Reap
- No Ordinary Train Ride From Bangkok to Aranyaprathet
- Bangkok to Siem Reap: Avoid Scammers from Aranyaprathet to Poipet Border
- Where to Stay: Bousavy Guesthouse in Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Where to Stay: Victory Guesthouse in Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Cambodia Trip: Angkor Thom Gate, Bayon Temple and Elephant Terrace
- Cambodia Trip: Trees in Ta Prohm Temple, Siem Reap
- Cambodia Trip: Walking Barefoot at Angkor Wat Temple
- Cambodia Trip: Pre Rup, Banteay Srei and East Mebon Temples
- Cambodia Trip: Haggling Prices in Angkor Night Market
- Cambodia Trip: Those Khmer Kids Selling Merchandise
- Cambodia Trip: Chill Out and Relax at Pub Street in Siem Reap
- Cambodia Trip: Insightful Conversations Over a Fish Massage
- Cambodia Trip: Land Mine Victims
- Cambodia Trip: A Guide to Eating Cheap Khmer Food in Siem Reap
- Cambodia Trip: Engrish and Random Sights in Siem Reap
- Cambodia Trip: Shuttle Bus from Siem Reap to Bangkok, Thailand
- Total Budget Expense in Siem Reap, Cambodia
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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.
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aGI LANG kO EDS. nICE PIX AS USUAL!
ang cool nung roots ng trees sa third pic pero walang tatalo sa last, special talaga yan para kay Edl 😉
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. 😀
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.
@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 😀
Di na din ako magco comment sa last photo haha 😀 Talagang kita sa mga puno na yan kung ilang taon na ang lumipas.
@dyanie: haha. parang gusto mong magcomment talaga. hehe. yeah, very old yet very strong 😀
dalawang beses ko binalikan ang Ta Phrom. kahanga hangatlga! lalo na yung last pic. mystory yan ed, nadaanan ko kase ang isang group na my tour guide tinuturo yang kahoy na my sunog. 😉
@gael: sana i should've asked for the story so I could elaborate on the photo. hehe.
Ta Prohm is just sooo uhm, creepy… with all those roots. Creepy, but beautiful. Wish ko lang hindi ma-crush ng roots yung structures someday.
@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. 😀
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