Ta Som

A must see on the Angkor Wat experience. Really nice carvings and designs in the walls. Easy to walk around and explore as well. A few shaded areas from the trees and walls for a hot day as well. Get the smart guide app for free information and history about the area as well.

Beautiful, unfortunately the beautiful tree seen in some pictures has been cut down.

The Khmer temple of Ta Som, located at Angkor Archaeological Park, was built at the end of the twelfth century during the reign of the powerful Buddhist King Jayavarman VII. This temple is around 3 km from Neak Pean Temple. There's a quiet place for you to visit and inform of the entrance gate is the West Baray Baray of Neak Pean temple, it's a beautiful view and fresh. You can review my photos below the description. Thank and enjoy your Temple trip. The ticket is required for Foreign Visitor.

Ta Som Temple is a quieter but breathtaking part of the Angkor Archaeological Park. Unlike the crowded main temples, this 12th-century gem offers a peaceful atmosphere with its intricate carvings, towering trees, and iconic east-facing gate engulfed by a giant strangler fig—perfect for photos

Ta Som is definitely a temple worth adding to your list. It's surprising how many people skip this one, and I can’t understand why! The temple is beautiful, with a unique charm. It’s quieter than most other temples, which is perfect for those who enjoy taking their time to explore and capture great photos without the crowds. Make sure to walk all the way through to the end, where you'll find a stunning tree wrapped around a doorway or building—it's a sight you won't want to miss!

Ta Som Temple Ta Som Temple, located in the Angkor region of Cambodia, is a charming and historically significant Buddhist temple built in the late 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. The temple was dedicated to the king's father, Dharanindravarman II, and is a fine example of the Bayon architectural style, characterized by its face towers and intricate carvings. The temple's layout includes a single shrine situated on one level, surrounded by three laterite enclosure walls and a moat. The main entrance, or gopura, is adorned with four faces, a hallmark of the Bayon style, and is particularly famous for the massive strangler fig tree that has grown over the eastern gopura, creating a picturesque and iconic scene. Ta Som's architectural design features a cruciform central sanctuary with porches at each arm, surrounded by four corner pavilions. Two small libraries are located on either side of the eastern entrance path, adding to the temple's symmetrical beauty. The temple's carvings are notable for their depiction of the Mahayana Buddhist savior Avalokiteshvara, known as Lokeshvara in Khmer culture, and the exquisite apsara (celestial dancer) carvings. Despite its relatively small size, Ta Som offers a serene and intimate experience for visitors. The temple was left largely unrestored for many years, allowing nature to intertwine with its structures. In 1998, the World Monuments Fund included Ta Som in their restoration program, stabilizing the structure and improving visitor access. Today, Ta Som remains a popular site for those exploring the Angkor complex, offering a glimpse into the religious and architectural achievements of the Khmer Empire. Its tranquil atmosphere and the enchanting sight of the tree-covered gopura make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and photographers alike. Source: Copilot

During our exploration of Siem Reap’s ancient temples, Ta Som stood out as a beautifully intimate and atmospheric stop. Tucked away from the larger crowds, this charming, smaller temple exudes an enchanting, almost ethereal quality that makes it a perfect place to immerse oneself in history and nature. Upon entering, the magnificent strangler fig tree at the temple’s east gate steals the show. Its vast roots wrap around the ancient stones, creating an iconic fusion of architecture and nature. This visual spectacle, reminiscent of Ta Prohm yet distinct in its charm, made for captivating photographs. The relative solitude here also allowed us to take in the subtle details without interruption — the detailed carvings of deities, the intricate patterns adorning the doorways, and the quiet harmony between the temple and its jungle surroundings. Exploring the inner sanctuaries and passageways, we could feel the deep tranquility that sets Ta Som apart. The temple may be compact compared to Angkor Wat or Bayon, but its preserved beauty and serene ambiance make it just as memorable. For anyone visiting Angkor, Ta Som is an absolute must-visit, offering a peaceful escape and a timeless glimpse into Khmer heritage.

Relatively smaller temple in the complex. Another marvel of once great Hindu Civilization and eventual Buddhist dominance, taken over by Nature. What's left now is mostly ruins, not much of a restoration done here, but still the temple is awesome to visit. May take less than 30 minutes to visit. Sincere thanks to APSARA the organization that is maintaining all the heritage sites in Angkor area.