Ta Som is another of my favorites. Lots of big trees growing over ruins. This site was largely untouched until about the 50's.
- Causeway Balustrade
There were a few of these in the Angkor region, including at this entrance to Ta Som. It may be difficult to make out, but each 'post' of the Balustrade is actually a man holding the balustrade on one knee with his arms wrapped around it. The last man is holding up the head of the Naga, whose body forms the rail of the balustrade. To give some scale, the Naga head probably stands at about 9 feet tall. - Banyon Tree
Once again, the same tree. - Banyon Tree
The same tree as the prior pics but from the other side. - Roof Collapse and Tree
This is the same tree as in the next three pictures. The vantage point is from inside the Gopura, looking up through the collapsed section of the roof of the gallery between the tree and the Gopura. - Banyan Tree
This is precisely how I imagined the Ents destroying Isengard when I read 'The Two Towers,' except what has taken the Banyan tree decades to do, the Ents did in seconds; growing in amongst the stone blocks of the structure, then ripping them apart.........I'm a nerd. - Banyan Tree
- Library
One of the 'Libraries' of Ta Som. This is a bit of a misnomer, though. These structures are common amongst Angkorian temples, however, their specific purpose isn't known with 100% certainty. Ironically, it's generally agreed that they were probably NOT used for literary or document storage. - Gallery
The inside of one of the galleries. Visible beyond the doorway is a pedastal for a Linga; one of many at this temple, though, most of the Linga have been removed. - Balustrade Man
A closer view of one of the more intact men holding the balustrade rail.