Ta Prohm
was built in the late 12th century by Jayavarman VII as a shrine to
his mother and is another must for anyone coming to Siem Reap. As a
monastery there were nearly three thousand priests here including
eighteen high priests. Ta Prohm is unforgettable due to the massive
trees that were left here intentionally by the archeologists working on
the site. While clearing back the forest it was decided to leave them
in place to serve as a reminder of how the original discovers found
it and other temples. Many of the trees have grown around and through
the remains, and soar high above the temple. This temple, along with
those of the Bayon and Angkor Thom form the core of any visit to Siem
Reap.
