About this Stone
Built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by King Jayavarman VII, this temple was originally dedicated to his mother and served as a Buddhist monastery and university. What makes it truly extraordinary is that it has been left largely unrestored, with giant roots of ancient silk-cotton and strangler fig trees weaving through its stone structures, creating a mesmerizing, otherworldly atmosphere. This intentional decision to preserve the interplay between artificial and natural forces gives the temple an almost magical quality—as if nature is slowly reclaiming what humans built centuries ago. The site gained global recognition after appearing in the 2001 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, cementing its status as a symbol of mystery and adventure. Within the sprawling Angkor Archaeological Park, it stands as one of the most atmospheric and haunting temples, offering visitors a glimpse into both ancient Khmer civilization and the eternal dance between stone and jungle.
📷 Photos
🗺️ Location
13.4348006, 103.8898425 Open in Google Maps ↗