Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm is the most atmospheric and hauntingly beautiful of the Angkor temples, a sprawling twelfth-century monastery deliberately left much as it was found, in the embrace of the jungle. Here the colossal roots of ancient strangler fig and silk-cotton trees pour over and through the crumbling stone galleries, prising apart and yet holding together the ruins in a mesmerising fusion of nature and architecture, famous the world over from the film Tomb Raider.

What you actually see

• The tree roots - the colossal fig roots engulfing the stone galleries.
• The famous corners - the much-photographed root-draped doorways.
• The crumbling galleries - the atmospheric ruined courtyards.
• The jungle setting - the temple in the grip of the forest.

When to go

November to February, the cool dry season, for the most comfortable weather; go early morning to enjoy the atmospheric ruins before the tour crowds arrive, as the famous photo spots get very busy.

Honest expectations

Its very fame makes it extremely crowded, with queues at the famous root-draped photo spots, so go at opening for the atmosphere. Walkways and props now support the most fragile areas, so it is more managed than truly wild. It is best as part of a multi-temple day, and a modest dress code applies.

Nearby

Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom are within the complex; Siem Reap is the base.