Ta Som, Siem Reap

Buddhist Temple near Siem Reap

Ta Som Temple
Ta Som Temple
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ussfa344

Ta Som is a compact 12th-13th century temple in Angkor Archaeological Park, just east of the Jayatataka Baray and about 17 km northeast of Siem Reap. Built under the Buddhist king Jayavarman VII, it shares the same Bayon-period feel as nearby sites like Preah Khan, Banteay Kdei, and Ta Prohm, but on a smaller, easier-to-cover footprint.

I like Ta Som for a calm, straightforward visit: the walk from the western outer gate to the eastern outer gate is only about 200 metres, yet there's plenty to pause over. Look for the gopura faces, detailed devata and apsara carvings, well-preserved Dvarapala figures, and several pediments that have been placed on the ground where you can study them up close. The eastern gate's “jungle” framing is a highlight if you're carrying a camera.

History and Significance of the Ta Som

Jayavarman VII and the Bayon period

Ta Som is confidently attributed to King Jayavarman VII (reigned 1181-1218 AD) and is generally dated to the late 12th to early 13th century. Although no foundation stele has been found, the architecture and decoration align closely with the Bayon period and the king's wider building program.

In style and layout, Ta Som sits in the same family as temples such as Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, and Preah Khan. Visitors will notice familiar elements from this era, including face towers on the gates and dense surface carving on lintels and pediments.

Setting within Angkor’s landscape

Ta Som lies on an east-west axis with the Jayatataka Baray, Neak Pean, and Preah Khan. Scholars have suggested these sites may have been linked through Angkor's hydraulic landscape, which helps explain why the temple's position feels so intentional within the wider Grand Circuit.

Modern clearance and restoration

Restoration and clearance work took place in the 1930s under Henri Marchal. Today, the temple retains a slightly “lost” atmosphere, with areas of collapse and reconstruction that also make certain details-like reassembled pediments-unusually easy to examine at ground level.

Things to See and Do in the Ta Som

I’d start (or at least spend time) at the eastern gate, even though most visitors enter from the west today. The approach over the terrace and moat leads to a gopura with four smiling faces, and the entrance is famously framed by tree roots growing through the structure-one of the best photo moments in this part of Angkor. As you move inward, keep an eye on the devata bas-reliefs and pediments, including scenes with figures in prayer and Lokesvara.

Inside the smaller central enclosure, I like slowing down around the two library buildings and the central shrine to spot fine carving: foliated scrolls, roundels, and apsaras that stand out for their detail. Don’t miss the fallen pediments that have been reassembled outside the north and south gopura-seeing them at close range is different from squinting up at a lintel. If you have time, I’d also walk the galleried passages (where intact) before exiting at the western gopura with its matching face towers.

How to Get to the Ta Som

The nearest major airport is Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI), with onward travel into Siem Reap before continuing to Angkor Archaeological Park. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Siem Reap on Booking.com.

Siem Reap does not have a central passenger rail service that functions like a typical intercity train hub, so most travelers arrive by air or road rather than by train. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

By car or tuk-tuk from Siem Reap, Ta Som is around 30 minutes away (about 17 km) and is commonly visited as part of the Angkor Grand Circuit, with a short stop possible near the entrances.

Is the Ta Som Worth Visiting?

Ta Som is worth a short stop if you want a quieter temple with strong Bayon-period character-especially the smiling-face gates, the eastern “jungle-framed” entrance, and the chance to see pediments displayed on the ground. It's best for travelers building a Grand Circuit day who enjoy carving details and photography without committing to a long walk. It's less essential if you're already prioritizing the biggest headline temples in a tight one-day plan, or if you're not interested in smaller sites where the main payoff is atmosphere and close-up details rather than vast interiors.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (2,272)

Ta Som in Angkor Archaeological Park is a peaceful, easy-to-explore ruin known for its intricate wall carvings and a gate once overgrown by a fig tree; visitors note shaded spots for relief from heat, recommend a guide app for background information, and mention that while some iconic trees have been removed, the temple's quiet atmosphere and evocative details make it a memorable stop on an Angkor visit.

Martin
4 weeks ago
"A must see on the Angkor Wat experience. Really nice carvings and designs in the walls. Easy to walk around and explore as well. A few shaded areasfrom the trees and walls for a hot day as well. Get the smart guide app for free information and history about the area as well...."
FyingKiwi
4 months ago
"One of the smaller temples in the Angkor area, Ta Som Temple is very much worth a visit. During its restoration, there have been attempts to balancevegetation growth and preservation of the ruins, making it picturesque...."
Julia Kaczmarczyk
2 weeks ago
"Beautiful, unfortunately the beautiful tree seen in some pictures has been cut down."
Go57434110110
11 months ago
"Ta Som Temple is a quieter, lesser-known treasure in the Angkor Archaeological Park, but it’s absolutely worth visiting! Unlike the crowded AngkorWat or Bayon, this temple offers a more peaceful and intimate experience. What I Loved:n✔ Serene Atmosphere – With fewer tourists, you can explore at your own pace and take in the beautiful ruins without the crowds.n✔ Iconical Fig Tree Roots – The famous strangler fig tree engulfing the eastern gate is breathtaking—a perfect photo spot!n✔ Compact Yet Stunning – Smaller than other temples, but the intricate carvings and moss-covered stones give it a mystical, lost-world feel...."
Seng Pheng
6 months ago
"The Khmer temple of Ta Som, located at Angkor Archaeological Park, was built at the end of the twelfth century during the reign of the powerfulBuddhist King Jayavarman VII. This temple is around 3 km from Neak Pean Temple. There's a quiet place for you to visit and inform of the entrance gate is the West Baray Baray of Neak Pean temple, it's a beautiful view and fresh. You can review my photos below the description. Thank and enjoy your Temple trip. The ticket is required for Foreign Visitor...."
Cambodia Private Taxi
5 months ago
"Peaceful morning at Kro Van Temple with Khen 🇰🇭nExploring this hidden gem from the 10th century—beautiful brick carvings of Vishnu and Lakshmi stillshining through time. So quiet, so full of history. Thanks to Khen for guiding us with stories and insights that made it all come alive!..."

Practical Tips on Visiting the Ta Som

  • Best time to visit: Go earlier in the day for a cooler, calmer walk and to take your time with carvings and the tree-rooted gate.
  • How long to spend: Plan 30 minutes to 1 hour; the full east-west walk is short, but details reward slow looking.
  • Accessibility: The layout is straightforward and relatively compact, but expect uneven stone, steps, and areas affected by collapse.
  • Facilities: Drink stalls and toilets are near the western entrance; entry is included with the Angkor Pass, and the site is open 7:30am-5:30pm.

Where to Stay Close to the Ta Som

Base yourself in central Siem Reap around the Wat Bo Road/Old Market area for the easiest access to Angkor Archaeological Park day trips and evening dining options.

These hotels in central Siem Reap make practical bases for visiting Ta Som and the wider Angkor park. Angkor Village Hotel works well for a quieter Wat Bo base that still keeps you close to town services, with straightforward tuk-tuk access to the Angkor park entrances. Viroth's Hotel works well for good for walkability to riverside paths, cafes, and the Old Market area while remaining convenient for early starts to the Grand Circuit. Jaya House River Park Hotel works well for suited to travellers who want calmer surroundings and easy transport to Angkor sites without being in the busiest nightlife streets.

FAQs for Visiting the Ta Som

Getting There

Ta Som is in Angkor Archaeological Park, just east of the Jayatataka Baray, roughly 17 km northeast of Siem Reap.
It’s not a practical walk from central Siem Reap; most visitors go by tuk-tuk or car as part of an Angkor day route.
Siem Reap isn’t typically approached via a central passenger train station, so the usual plan is road transport from your hotel to the Angkor park entrances and onward to Ta Som.
There are short stopping areas near the entrances used by drivers and tuk-tuks; driving can be convenient if you’re doing multiple Grand Circuit temples in one outing.

Tickets & Entry

Ta Som is inside Angkor Archaeological Park, and access is covered by the Angkor Pass.
Your Angkor Pass covers entry to Ta Som and other temples within the park on the valid day(s).
Ta Som itself doesn’t require a separate advance booking; you just need a valid Angkor Pass.
Ta Som is open 7:30am to 5:30pm; the provided hours are the key planning detail to rely on.
Stick to open passageways and respect any blocked-off or unstable areas, especially where galleries have collapsed or stones are uneven.

Visiting Experience

About 30 minutes is enough for the main gates and central enclosure if you keep moving.
It can be optional on a one-day schedule; prioritize your top temples first and add Ta Som only if you’re already doing the Grand Circuit.
It pairs naturally with other Grand Circuit stops, and it also aligns closely with the Jayatataka Baray area and nearby temples such as Neak Pean and Preah Khan.
The temple is compact, but uneven stone and exposed walkways can be slippery, so it’s generally more comfortable in fair weather.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

It’s usually visited as part of Angkor touring routes rather than a city walking tour, since it’s inside the archaeological park.
A quick independent stop works well because the layout is simple, but a guide can add context on the Bayon-period features and iconography.
Keep it simple: enter at the west gate, traverse to the eastern gate for photos, return through the central enclosure details, then continue by road to another Grand Circuit temple nearby.

Photography

Yes-especially the smiling-face gopura and the eastern entrance framed by tree roots, plus close-up carving details.
Earlier in the day is often more comfortable and gives you time to work angles at the gates without rushing.
Photography is generally straightforward, but avoid stepping into unstable areas or climbing on structures to get a shot.
The eastern gopura, with its four faces and the tree roots framing the doorway, is the classic composition.

Accessibility & Facilities

It’s relatively short end-to-end, but uneven surfaces, steps, and rubble can make it challenging without assistance.
Yes-there are toilets and drink stalls near the western entrance.
There are shaded areas around the temple and near the entrances where you can pause briefly.
Kids can enjoy the short walk and the gate faces, but strollers may struggle on uneven stone and steps.

Food & Breaks Nearby

For a full café-style break, most people head back toward Siem Reap; near the temple itself, you’ll mainly find simple drink stalls by the western entrance.
Ta Som is within the park’s temple circuit rather than a market area, so it’s usually paired with other Angkor stops and then a meal back in Siem Reap.

Safety & Timing

Ta Som closes at 5:30pm, so plan to visit during opening hours rather than treating it as an evening stop.
Early is typically better for cooler temperatures and a calmer feel while you explore the gates, carvings, and central enclosure.

The Ta Som appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Siem Reap!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Address: Ta Som, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap: 13 km

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