Intentionally left partially unrestored, and covered by jungle
overgrowth, massive fig and cotton trees grow from the towers and
corridors offering a jungle atmosphere. Ta Phrom was originally
constructed as a Buddist monastery and was enormously wealthy in its
time, boasting of control over 3000 villages, thousands of support
staff and vast stores of jewels and gold. Of the monastic complex
style temples, Ta Phrom is a superior example and should be included in
almost any temple itinerary.
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TA PHROM East Gate |
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As advised by the
travel guide and friends... Ta Phrom was best visited at mid
afternoon, so that the trees can provide the shades and making its
presence felt. |
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We walked in the
thick forest. Not knowing what to expect. |
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The entrance to
the ruins |
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The entrance was
larger then it first seemed. |
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Doors and walls
were anciently crafted. |
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The minarets of
the temple was around 50~60ft tall... |
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Large cotton trees
surrounds the temple ground |
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Hmm... kinda
suitable for a
" next time... choose reputable plastic surgeon " advert.. ha
ha... |
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There's actually 2
gates to TA PHROM. We went in by the east gate. Its recommended u
ask the driver to pick u up at the west gate. That way u dont have
to double back. |
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Better known as
the temple where Angelina Jolie acted in TOMB RAIDER, Ta Phrom was
our 1st stop in Siem Reap. |
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We left the east
gate and proceeded into the thick forest following the cleared
path. |
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We saw a few kids
and trailed them. |
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The entrance
somewhat was serene yet majestic hiding in the forest. |
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I was all excited
and ready to see what lies ahead. |
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A group of
Japanese tourists was inside the compound. We eavesdropped on the
tourist guide. :D |
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Carvings were old
but intact. Heavy restoration had been done. |
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The huge stones
actually had colorful colors. |
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Trees were
actually growing into the temple structures
destroying them. On the other hand, this is what made the Ta
Phrom temple unique. The trees made the place hidden and
you get to experience how the place has aged over the years.
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The scenery was
something from a story book. The lost temple....... |
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Heavy restoration was
being carried out. We could only cut across thru the temple thru its
side wings.. |
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The detailing of the
temple was fascinating. The carved pillars. The different composite of
earth makes the stone walls colorful. |
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Lighting were dimmed,
yet sufficient to capture the moment and beauty within the temple. |
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We made sure we didnt
lean on any stone carvings..
wouldnt want to destroy such wonders |
Shadow and Lights |
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It has a skylight.
The walls had plenty of holes.
one of those things that we didnt find out why.... |
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The greenish
composition in the stone was probably due to composite minerals..
most likely copper(i think)...within the huge slabs.
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Some portions of the
temple were badly in need of help. |
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The place was great.
Other tourists were coming in. |
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you'll actually need a
lot of time to absorb in the details of the carvings. |
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Some carvings are
really spectacular... |
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The female statues
, I believe they are the Apsara-ses, commonly mentioned in
Cambodian culture. |
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The tree roots
were enourmous... |
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Careful where u
walk, block of stones everywhere. |
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the sun was
setting. Everyone was heading to leave the temple grounds. |
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Nice shot I must
say... ha ha ha... :D
Think the neutral colored outfit was a good choice. |
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Doors were made of
stones. Made u wonder if it was a mausoleum. |
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At times we wished
we had a tour guide to explain to us the stories behind the stone
reliefs. |
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Carvings on top of
one of the entrance. |
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The mossy
corridor, cant resist the photo oppurtunity. |
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UNDER
CONSTRUCTION. |
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