Ta Som
តាសោម
A small temple on the Grand Circuit whose eastern gate is entirely wrapped by a huge fig tree, a classic photo spot for the 'tree-swallowed temple.'
Ta Som is a compact Buddhist temple built by Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century in memory of his father. The tops of its four gateways carry four-faced carvings similar to those of the Bayon.
The most famous is the east gate. A huge fig tree grows from its top, and thick aerial roots cascade down like a waterfall, enveloping the whole gate in a spectacle of a 'tree swallowing a stone gate.' The photo effect rivals Ta Prohm, but with far fewer visitors. Inside, the walls still bear well-preserved relief carvings of goddesses.
Allow 30–40 minutes. The temple lies east of Neak Pean and is a standard stop on the Grand Circuit. It requires an Angkor Pass (US$37 for 1 day, US$62 for 3 days, US$72 for 7 days).
Opening hours
07:30–17:30