Of all of the temples in the Angkor Wat complex, this one felt like it was most in its element. Most of the other temples have relatively large areas of jungle cleared around them. However, Ta Som feels very much surrounded by the jungle that literally swallowed all of these massive structures. Ta Som is another temple that's not as heavily visited but if you have time, don't skip this one.
We booked a small group tour which took us to some of the less visited temples north of Angkor Thom. This was one of the highlights.
Many people know it as a movie set, but it is one of the best temples to visit because it is relatively unrestored. Some buildings have been shored up to prevent collapse, but it has not been rebuilt.
While much of the jungle has been cleared away, there are still beautiful examples of trees enveloping the structures.
Build at the end of the 12th century and only partially restored, it adds to the atmosphere of this smaller temple overgrown by vegetation and with beautiful sculptures and textures. Although Ta Phrom is more popular due to being the movie location of 'Tomb Raider', Ta Som is for those who wish to have a less crowded experience. As you can see from my photos this is a photographers dream and it's everything you imagined in your inner eye when visiting the ancient ruins of Angkor.
It's a small temple. Make sure to walk till the end where you see a massive tree taking over a gate. Worth a visit to see it.
The main reason to go here is the great example of a strangler fig tree (Ta Promh has more and is more famous, but Ta Sam has no crowded and this one is better than any at Ta Promh, so do both). It is on the grand circuit. It literally takes less than 15 minutes to go in and walk through to see the incredible tree around the doorway. And you will most likely have the place to yourself. Don’t just drive by, stop and get out and see it.
