A Visit to Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm, February 6, 2024

On the morning of February 6th we traveled to Angkor Thom, another temple in the Angkor archaeological complex, for a brief visit. Like Angkor Wat, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We strolled the site with our guide Rhet before leaving for Ta Prohm.

The first photo, taken by JoAnn, is of the bridge across the moat leading into the temple.

Here’s a picture of JoAnn taking a picture of the temple entrance.

The moat and surrounding area was picturesque. We even managed to get a shot of the two of us.

As we walked through the north gate, we noticed that the carvings on the temple tower face in all four compass directions.

Our visit here was relatively brief. I did manage to snap a number of photos as we made our way. Take a look at the carvings and sculptures as you follow along.

Restoration in progress.

Then we were on to Ta Prohm. On our way we passed the Terrace of the Elephants which served as a platform for King Jayavarman VII to view his victorious army as it returned from battle (I have no idea with whom they were at war). What remains today is mostly the foundation platforms of the complex. The Terrace of the Elephants derives its name from the carvings.

Ta Prohm, built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, was a filming location for the Angelina Jolie movie, Tomb Raider. It is an entrancing place where giant trees have overgrown much of the site and has basically been left as found. Entering the complex was as if you stepped onto the set of an Indiana Jones movie. Take your time, don’t rush or you may trip on the root of an silk-cotton tree. Now, join me as we step back in time.

Have you looked at the sculptures and carvings?

JoAnn and me.

Our program director, Ut from Vietnam, persuaded JoAnn to allow him to take this picture. She was anxious about what she might find when stepping into the tree trunk.