Temples of Siem Reap -- Ta Prohm, Ta Nei, Ta Keo and Chau Say Tevoda
Ta Prohm (塔布茏寺)
Ta Prohm was the first temple we visited, and it was eye-opening. The moment we arrived at its western entrance, the gate with the face which sports the famous, indecipherable "Khmer smile" mesmerized us.
(Click on each image to see the high-resolution version)
Entrance to Ta Prohm
Entrance to Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm was built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries and is one of the most visited temples in Siem Reap. Part of it is fairly well preserved, but part of it has been neglected for centuries and is in ruins. The lure of Ta Prohm is in fact the massive silk-cotton or sprung trees, which give it an ancient and mythical atmosphere.
The gopura, or the entrance building, of Ta Prohm is fairly well preserved.
Compared with other temples, Ta Prohm does not have as many bas-reliefs or sculptures, but we managed to spot some.
Ta Nei (塔内寺)
Ta Nei is a smaller temple (built in the late 12th century) and mostly in ruins.
The carvings, or bas-reliefs, at Ta Nei are quite impressive.
A view of the tropical tree choked entrance of Ta Nei.
Ta Keo (茶胶寺)
Ta Keo is a grand temple-mountain or pyramid that dates back to the 11th century. It was under extensive restoration when we visited.
It was quite a climb to get to the top of the temple. As we climbed higher, the view became more expansive.
In one of the towers at the top of the temple, Hindu and Buddhist statues were in place for worshipping.
The temple towers were under restoration. Local artists display their works for sale.
Chau Say Tevoda (周薩神廟)
Right across the narrow Siem Reap River from Ta Keo is Chau Say Tevoda, a relatively small 12th century Hindu temple recently restored to its former glory.
As with most Hindu temples, Chau Say Tevoda has many intricate bas-reliefs and carvings. In fact, its carvings are among the best of the temples we visited.
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm
Gopura of Ta Prohm
Gopura of Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm
Ta Nei
Ta Nei
Ta Nei
Ta Nei
Ta Nei
Ta Nei
Ta Nei
Ta Nei
Ta Nei
Ta Nei
Ta Keo
Ta Keo
Ta Keo
Ta Keo
Statues at Ta Keo
Ta Keo
Ta Keo
Ta Keo
Chau Say Tevoda
Chau Say Tevoda
Chau Say Tevoda
Chau Say Tevoda
Chau Say Tevoda
Chau Say Tevoda
Chau Say Tevoda
Chau Say Tevoda
Chau Say Tevoda
Chau Say Tevoda
Chau Say Tevoda
Chau Say Tevoda
Chau Say Tevoda
Chau Say Tevoda
