Author: jmaurizi

Ta Prohm – Temple vs. Jungle

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This is probably my favorite of all the Angkor temples. Ta Prohm is also referred to as Temple of the Jungle. Much has been untouched by Archeologist other than to clear paths through the ruins. Ta Prohm was built in the late 12 century. It is a fairly large complex of towers and corridors linking courtyards and temples.

This temple can become very overrun with tourist all day. Its unique sights make it very popular. It is difficult to take a photo without someone standing in your shot. There are a number of trails and walkways weaving throughout Ta Prohm. with a little patience and walking you can definitely get some beautiful photos.

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I enjoyed Ta Prohm so much, I returned on my last day in the ruins. I made sure this was my first stop at 7am. I had the entire place to myself. The silence and sun rising through the over grown trees was amazing. The moss covered stone of the temple took on an illuminating green color. I highly recommend going to Ta Prohm very early in the morning. It was a very special time.

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Ta Prohm is known as the temple of the jungle for good reason. More than any other temple in Angkor, the jungle is battle to reclaim its domain. Many of the structures at Ta Prohm have amazing growth of trees and vegetation sprouting through rocks or growing over doors and windows. Walls are being wrapped by jungle trees like nothing I have ever seen.

The view is surreal. The best time to see this is in the early morning hours. With no one around, it can send chills down you spine in a good way. I felt like I never wanted to leave.

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There is so much of this over growth, you have to take time and wander around. Much of the experience is taken away when viewing this with many people.

You have to go early morning for the full experience.

Author: jmaurizi

Ta Pech – South Entrance

The south entrance or “South Gate” is probably the least visited of all the gates to Angkor Wat. As with the other gates, you can access Ta Pech from the interior section of Angkor Wat or from the outer wall trail. I came upon it while hiking the outer wall trail. It is in relatively good shape. There is some alter items inside, more so than I have seen at other areas around Angkor Wat. It seems the Monks perform rituals and prayer sessions here because it is away from the main tourist area at the temple.

Author: jmaurizi

Ta Loek – North Entrance

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA The north entrance of Angkor Wat is rarely visited. It can be accessed from the interior courtyard of Angor Wat or along the outer wall trail. The “North Gate” is in relatively good condition. My first time at the wall I arrived just as a thunderstorm hit. There was a Buddhist Monk performing a ceremony with three younger monks and several Khmer children and women were watching. This is a credit to how seldom this entrance is visited.

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Once the rain started, the ceremony stopped and we all took shelter in the entrance building. It was interesting to see how well the water stayed out of such an old building. But in time the found its way in creating a small pond in the middle of the floor.

It is definitely worth the effort to walk out to the entrance!

Author: jmaurizi

Ta Kou – East Entrance

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Ta Kou, or East Gate is a nice side trip from the main complex. It does see more traffic than the North and South entrances but still very quiet. The only people I’ve come across here are those that are lost. This entrance is bigger than the North and South entrances. While you can walk through all three entrances, the Ta Kou is the only one that has a dirt road through a break in the perimeter wall. Of the three lesser entrances, this one is my favorite.

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You can access Ta Kou from the Angkor Wat main complex by a wide dirt road. You can also access along the outer wall trail. In addition, this entrance also has access from a land bridge that crosses over the moat. It is possible to parka a car or tuk tuk on the far side of the moat and walk across the land bridge.

Author: jmaurizi

Sunrise from beyond the Moat

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA While most people rush to get through the west gate to a small pond the is infamous for great photos of Angkor Wat, there are options here if you are running late. There is a wall on the outside of the moat which surrounds Angkor Wat. About 50 meters before the west causeway entrance is a good place to watch the sunrise. Some people are here but far less than what is beyond the west gate.