Angelina Jolie Was Here First

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Angkor Wat may be the most known of the temples, but there are dozens of others within the complex in Siem Reap worth exploring. Following our sunrise and post-breakfast visits to the main attraction, our Semester at Sea group went to what is likely the second most famous of the local sites: Ta Prohm.

Angkor temples, Siem Reap, Cambodia, Semester at SeaLook familiar?

Angkor temples, Siem Reap, Cambodia, Semester at SeaWell, if you’ve seen Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, it should as this was the filming location for much of the movie. Ta Prohm also is (allegedly) the most written-about temple, inspiring hundreds of writers to wax poetic about its beauty.

Angkor temples, Siem Reap, Cambodia, Semester at SeaWhile Angelina Jolie may have put Ta Prohm on the map among Americans—after the movie came out, the number of U.S. tourists in Cambodia rose from minimal to 20% of all annual visitors—it isn’t just popular for its place on the silver screen, but rather the jungle (more specifically, silk cotton trees) that grows up through it. (Side note: The amount of Americans will only increase, too, when the new international airport in Siem Reap opens in a few years with several direct flights from the States.)

Angkor temples, Siem Reap, Cambodia, Semester at SeaI will admit: It is pretty cool, especially when you think that this temple has been around since the 12th century and little has changed (other than, I imagine, the trees have gotten taller).

Angkor temples, Siem Reap, Cambodia, Semester at Sea(Though that said, the government has started some restoration work in 2010 on Ta Prohm, including clearing out much of the shrubbery and potentially rebuilding the temple from scratch.)

Angkor temples, Siem Reap, Cambodia, Semester at SeaThe only problem is that Ta Prohm was even more packed than Angkor Wat, so taking photos without hordes of tourists in your shot proves pretty difficult—you’ve got to be quick on the draw.

Angkor temples, Siem Reap, Cambodia, Semester at SeaWe milled about for an hour—one of the best things about Ta Prohm is that it’s well shaded, thanks to all that foliage—then, it was onward to the next temple!

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While we were off enjoying Cambodia’s ancient sites, many of our ship friends were lounging on the white sand beaches of Southeast Asia. It was tempting to join them, but we chose culture over fun in the sun as we knew we had a vacation rental in Costa Rica (just five days from now!) waiting for us down the line.

COMMENTS
  • November 29, 2011

    I love how much texture there is in the foliage and the architecture. It looks like the buildings and the trees grew up together!

  • November 29, 2011

    This place is kind of cool and creepy. I like how the earth and trees are taking over.

  • November 30, 2011

    Still haven’t seen the movie but went to the temple. Great place to visit. We went in the hot season, tho, so there was very little greenery. Glad to hear they’re opening an international airport in Kampuchia.

    • November 30, 2011
      Kristin

      I haven’t seen the movie either, but I’m thinking I might need to remedy that as soon as I get back to the US!

      • November 30, 2011
        Rachael

        You’re not missing much. Angelina kicks ass in a skimpy out fit, then has sexy time with a guy who betrays her (I believe, I saw this in middle school so it’s been awhile), then kills him and others in the temple while saying impressive quips, to avenge her dead father.

        • December 1, 2011
          Kristin

          Duly noted. Sounds like just about every other Angelina movie I’ve ever seen (minus the temple bit) =)

  • November 30, 2011

    Gorgeous. Swoon.

    xox

  • November 30, 2011

    I visited these ruins (and many others) in 2008. I was actually there to write a magazine article about the revival of traditional Khmer silk making. Coincidentally, I was reliving this trip this week when I republished the article on my blog! http://www.roamingtales.com/2011/11/29/reviving-cambodian-silk/

    • November 30, 2011
      Kristin

      Funny, I think you sent me your pitch letter from that trip to look over! I’ll have to check out your photos again when I have bandwidth to do so =)

  • December 1, 2011

    You did a good job keeping the touristas out of your photos – beautiful!

    • December 1, 2011
      Kristin

      Thanks, Ang! Props to Scott for that, as I was being lazy under a tree trying to ward off the stifling heat =)

  • December 1, 2011

    I think my favorite thing about it is the trees. They add to the creepy/interesting factor.

    • December 1, 2011
      Kristin

      I feel like they’re concealing a whole lotta creepy, slithery snakes!

  • December 3, 2011

    Ahhh I’m having major wanderlust with these posts! I need to get to that side of the world NOW!!!

    • December 3, 2011
      Kristin

      I am shocked that you of all people have not been there! There’s an international airport opening in Siem Reap in the next couple years; when that happens, you and Lucas should catch the first direct flight from the US there =)

  • December 3, 2011

    Nice photos! I remember that place. Do you have to sport those badges everywhere you go? I bet you won’t miss that 🙂

    • December 3, 2011
      Kristin

      Haha, no, those are the Angkor Wat passes you have to wear to get into any of the temples! SAS doesn’t make us wear any such badge =)

  • December 5, 2011

    I am so looking forward to visiting Cambodia and checking out Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm. I love the roots of the trees and how lush everything looks against such history.

  • December 5, 2011

    I love Angkor Wat, one of the few places in the world that is so popular yet not overrated one bit.

  • December 5, 2011

    Oh man, I tried to avoid watching Tomb Raider with a passion. Shaun even put up the poster in our college apartment. UGH. Looks lovely though!

  • December 7, 2011

    This is one of my favourite temples that I visited on my tour. You captured it beautifully with these photos.

  • December 11, 2011

    Amazing. And I LOVE the title haha

  • December 19, 2011

    You got some great angles on these photos.

  • February 11, 2013

    I should really see this movie before heading to Cambodia! Beautiful photos.

  • October 27, 2014

    Yes, I certainly recognize that first photo!

    those are great shots. You really need to be quick if you want a clear shot. But good job for taking them!

    Now I want to go there!

  • December 11, 2014

    we were supposed to make an extended visit to Cambodia in January but had to rearrange as we might be emigrating. I would love to go – i got gifted a travel guide for Cambodia when i was around 10 and I have been slightly obsessed ever since!

  • February 9, 2015
    Ada

    Beautiful pictures! I finally made it to Angkor Wat in 2012 (I’ve wanted to see it since I saw a photo as a little girl – yes I was one of those kids who wanted to be an archaeologist). Though Ta Prohm was beautiful it was crazy crowded and I actually found Preah Khan to be prettier (and quieter) but the whole complex is ethereally beautiful.

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