Ta Som Temple – The Serene Monastery of the Jungle

Ta Som is a small yet enchanting temple located in the northeastern corner of the Angkor Archaeological Park. Built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, it was dedicated to his father, making it not only a sacred site but also one of personal devotion.

Though more modest in scale compared to the grand monuments of Angkor, Ta Som captivates visitors with its atmosphere of quiet mystery. 

Often likened to the larger Ta Prohm, it is best known for its iconic eastern gopura (gateway), where a massive strangler fig tree has dramatically enveloped the structure. 

Its roots cascade down the walls in one of Angkor’s most photogenic and evocative scenes, embodying the profound interplay of human achievement and nature’s reclaiming power.

History & Architecture

Constructed during the reign of Jayavarman VII (1181–1218 CE), Ta Som reflects the Bayon style of architecture, marked by towers adorned with serene face carvings. The temple consists of a central sanctuary surrounded by laterite and sandstone enclosures, connected by causeways and gopuras.

While much of the temple remains partially collapsed and unrestored, its layout still reflects the harmonious proportions typical of Jayavarman’s religious monuments. The iconic eastern gate, embraced by tree roots, has become the temple’s defining image, symbolizing the delicate balance of permanence and impermanence.

The Temple’s Symbolism

Faces of Compassion: The Bayon-style towers bear smiling faces, widely believed to represent either the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara or the deified king himself, embodying compassion and spiritual guardianship.

Nature’s Embrace: The strangler fig engulfing the eastern gopura symbolizes the passage of time and the inseparable relationship between civilization and the natural world.

Dynastic Devotion: By dedicating the temple to his father, Jayavarman VII embedded filial piety within a sacred monument, blending personal reverence with spiritual devotion.