Located opposite the mighty temple of Angkor Wat, many visitors to Angkor Archaeological Park overlook this gently crumbling tower in their haste to see one of the great wonders of the world. However, the single sandstone tower of Ta Phrom Kel is worth a closer look.
Believed to be the temple or chapel belonging to of the more than 100 hospitals constructed by Jayavarman VII, the northern pediment of Ta Phrom Kel features a number of Buddhist engravings which have been well preserved despite the ravages of time and temple looters.
After passing between a number of sculpted stones, visitors reach the temple’s prasat by crossing the remains of a miniature sandstone gopura. This is the lowest section of three tiers that comprises the temple, each of which is lavishly decorated with detailed engravings.
Much of the decoration here is in the same style as the famous Bayon. However, unlike the Bayon, not many people can bear to tear themselves away from Angkor Wat long enough to pay close attention to this unassuming structure. This means that visitors to Ta Phrom Kel will be able to explore at their leisure, taking the time to take photographs before heading to the impressive temple just three hundred meters away.
Need to Know
- What is it? A chapel belonging to a hospital built by Jayavarman VII.
- Opening hours: 06:00 to 19:00, daily.
- Entrance fees: visitors pay US$20 for a one-day pass to Angkor Archeological Park.
- Where: Siem Reap district in the historic Angkor Archeological Park.
- How to get there: the chapel is a 20-minute moto-taxi or tuk-tuk from Siem Reap, where an airport offers flights to Phnom Penh (25 minutes).