Located deep in the jungle, the temple of Ta Nei is located some 200 meters to the west of the East Baray.
Often overlooked by visitors, these overgrown, crumbling ruins retain the charm of yesteryear temple discovery and can only be accessed on foot or bicycle along a sandy/muddy forest path to the east of Ta Keo. A great place to escape the crowds and enjoy the atmosphere of nature and history.
Located deep in the jungle, the temple of Ta Nei can be found in Angkor Archaeological Park, some 200 meters to the west of the East Baray. Often overlooked by visitors, these overgrown, crumbling ruins retain the charm of yesteryear temple discovery and can only be accessed on foot or bicycle along a sandy/muddy forest path.
Ta Nei shares a number of characteristics with other single-level temples built during the reign of Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century, but appears to have been expanded at one time from its original design and has only undergone partial restoration in modern times. Consequently, the temple still belongs more to the forest, than to the men who built or restored it; silk-cotton trees are growing over several towers and sections of enclosure wall, and insects, birds, frogs, and likely snakes, are seemingly everywhere.
Ta Nei is surrounded by forest, which provides visitors with plenty of shade, and there is an open-air structure with picnic tables that is occasionally staffed by park employees and others studying both weather and wildlife; it’s a nice place for a picnic, and scrambling around the isolated ruins is a truly magical experience.
While it might not be the largest or most striking temple in Angkor Archeological Park, Ta Nei is conveniently located on the Grand Circuit road, near the southeast corner of Takeo. This is a good place to visit for those who need to escape from the crowds for a few minutes.
Orientation
The parking area for Ta Nei is located beside the bathrooms north of Ta Phrom’s western gate and east of Ta Keo; little do most visitors know, there is one of the most charming temples of Angkor a short walk away. After walking to Ta Nei, you can return via Ta Keo; if you are traveling by tuk-tuk and have a compass or are good at directions, ask your driver to meet you on the west side of Ta Keo.
Walking north, the road weaves through the forest, which is buzzing with insects and chirping with birds and frogs. While walking, stay to your right, as there are two turnoffs along the way, the first of which leads to Ta Keo. Those appreciative of nature will enjoy the walk, which takes about 15-20 minutes though mostly shady forest, making it a bearable walk even in the middle of the day. A bicycle will naturally get you there much faster,
The path terminates at the west side of the temple. While it is possible to walk through the temple from the western gopura, walk around to the east of the temple, towards which it is oriented, stopping at the shady, open-air structure for a picnic or a chat with any friendly staff that may be just sitting around listening to birds.
Walking back through the interior of the temple from east to west is an unforgettable experience. Watch your footing and perhaps don’t lean to hard on any of the crumbling towers; otherwise, enjoy your Tomb Raider experience!
(Returning by the same path, the last turnoff to your right leads to the eastern causeway of Ta Keo)