The famous "Tomb Raider" temple where the jungle is literally eating the ruins.
Photos
What to know before you go
- King Jayavarman VII built this as a monastery and university, but today it’s the ultimate battleground between human ambition and Mother Nature. Unlike other sites that have been cleared, the conservators here have kept much of the overgrowth, which is exactly why it looks so hauntingly beautiful.
- The main highlight is the "Tomb Raider Tree"—the giant, iconic root system that cascades over the stone walls like a waterfall of wood. Wander off the main boardwalks, find a quiet corner away from the selfie-sticks, and just listen to the jungle sounds echoing through the stone hallways.
Culture, safety & access
Culture & etiquette
While it’s famous for movies, remember this was a sacred site. Keep your voice low, don't climb on the crumbling walls, and respect the barriers meant to keep the trees (and the temple) standing.
Safety & health
Keep to the designated paths. The temple is in a constant state of collapse, and there are areas cordoned off for a reason—don't be the person who gets hit by a falling rock for a "cool" photo.
Weather
It’s under a heavy canopy, so it stays cooler than other sites, but when it rains, the mossy paths become a genuine slip-and-fall hazard. Watch your step!
Dress Code
Shoulders and knees must be covered. Security is pretty strict here because of the heavy traffic.
Best Time to Visit
07:30 or 16:00 — getting here right when the gates open is the only way to avoid the crush of tour buses.
Accessibility
Difficult; while some parts have boardwalks, much of the site is made up of uneven sand, loose rocks, and roots that make it a no-go for wheelchairs.
Public Transport
Add it to your Angkor Thom tuk-tuk loop; your driver will know exactly where to drop you off (roughly ៛60k to ៛100k for a full-day loop).