photo credit: Sharon Ang –
Ta Som is a small but enchanting temple located within the vast Angkor Archaeological Park in Cambodia. Built in the late 12th century under the reign of King Jayavarman VII, Ta Som was dedicated to his father and features the iconic Bayon-style face towers seen in larger temples like Angkor Thom.
This temple is situated on the eastern side of the park, near Neak Pean and Preah Khan, and is embraced by jungle and fig trees. Its intimate scale and overgrown ruins make it a favorite for travelers seeking quiet reflection and atmospheric photography away from the crowds.
Perhaps the most striking feature of Ta Som is the eastern gopura (entrance gate), crowned by a serene face of Avalokiteshvara and partially swallowed by the roots of a sacred fig tree — a sight reminiscent of the famous Ta Prohm temple but in a more peaceful setting. The fusion of nature and architecture here is both haunting and beautiful.
Visitors to Ta Som often include it in a tuk-tuk tour of Angkor’s eastern temples. The site is best explored in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light filters through the trees and the moss-covered stones glow in warm tones.
While small compared to Angkor Wat, Ta Som offers a deeply moving and photogenic experience. It’s a reminder of the spiritual and artistic heights of the Khmer Empire — and the quiet resilience of its legacy, still standing among roots and ruins.
