Even those who haven't visited Angkor might know this place. It was featured in the first Tomb Raider movie together with some other places in Angkor.
Angkor was the capital of the Khmer empire, which lasted until the 15th century. Since then the various temples slowly decay while nature takes back more and more of the area. It's a fascinating sight, especially in the Ta Prohm temple, where huge fig trees grow within the ruins.
Ta Prohm is one of the smaller temples near Siem Reap. Angkor Wat might be the most popular and also the largest. Thousands of tourists visit it each day before continuing on to the other temples.
The masses are clearly taking its toll on the area. It's just a crazy bustle, which already starts early in the morning. In the five days I spent in Siem Reap there were only a few occasions where I could enjoy the temples in solitude.
At Ta Prohm I usually waited already half an hour before they opened the gates to be able to get in before the masses. Being the first one in the compounds and hence the only person walking through the labyrinth was wonderful. For a few minutes Ta Prohm revealed its magic.
But the silence didn't hold and after taking the first few photos it became impossible to get a photo devoid of people. That was also the reason why I came there three times in order to get the photos I was after.
But despite the crowds I count Ta Prohm as a magic place and I hope that it withstands the rush of visitors a little longer.
And remember, as with all places you visit on your travels: take only photos, leave only footprints. We live in a crowded world and thus it's more important than ever to be thoughtful during our travels.
