Ta Som Temple

Cambodia - Angkor temples overview

Ta Som Temple is a small and charming Buddhist temple built by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century in a classical

  • Bayon style. In spite of its semi ruinous state Ta Som has a captivating beauty like very few of the Angkor temples, due to its remote location and the merge of nature with the temple. A large ficus tree has grown out of the east gate causing considerable structural damage but creating a picturesque sight that has become one of the Ta Som Temple Highlights, together with the beautiful Devatas adorning it walls and the quiteness of the area.

    Ta Som Temple tour notes

    Ta Som is located 16.7 km from Siem Reap (26 minutes by car and over and hour and a half by bike). To travel from the city center ake Sivatha Road and continue until you reach the Angkor Wat Moat. Turn right, and continue past Srah Srang, turning right along the north edge of the reservoir, until you reach Pre Rup as the road turns North. Ta Som is 4 km North along this road. You can visit Ta Som Temple at any time of day although an early morning visit will reduce the number of visitors to the temple. An expert local tour guide from Siem Reap will ensure you get the very best from your visit and the journey between Siem Reap and the site.

    Itinerary planning

    • Ta Som Temple Cambodia - Angkor Wat, Preah Khan, Neak Pan, Ta Som. A full day out from Siem Reap.
    • Ta Som Temple Cambodia - Preah Khan, Neak Pan, Ta Som. A full or half day

     

    QUICKLINKS

    • Ta Som temple. Travel around 18km from Siem Reap, Cambodia

    Ta Som Temple

    Ta Som Temple history summary

    Built by King Jayavarman VII at the end of the 12th century, Ta Som has the distinctive features of most of the "Bayon Style" temples: the four faces watching over the 4 cardinal directions. King Jayavarman VII dedicated the temple to his father, King Dharanindravarman II, who ruled the Khmer empire from AD1150 to 1160. World Monuments Fund began conservation work at Ta Som in 1998, and a group of Khmer conservators, architects and arqueologists have been working on the stabilisation and presentation of the complex, making the four entrances to the temple accesible for the public.

    ABOUTAsia Head Guide says

    "Escape the Ta Phrom crowds and contemplate the passing of time in this peaceful spot. Enter the Temple from the West Gopura and visit the inner courtyard with the beautiful Devata carvings. Continue east throught the East Gopura II to the East Gopura III, where the roots of a massive tree will welcome you."

     

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    Ta Som temple - Angkor temples guides by ABOUTAsia.