Today was one for the memory books ancient stones, creeping jungle vines, and cinematic déjà vu. We explored two of Angkor’s most fascinating sites: the atmospheric Nokor Thom and the iconic Ta Prohm, where the jungle has taken hold in the most dramatic way.
And yes… there may have been a dinosaur sighting too.
First Stop: Nokor Thom – Quiet, Moody, Magical
We started our day at Nokor Thom far less visited than the big names but absolutely full of character.
Where places like Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm buzz with camera clicks and crowds, Nokor Thom was silent, shaded, and peaceful.
Worn down paths and mossy carvings, low light filtering through stone corridors it felt like we’d stumbled into a forgotten world.
Georgia called it “the sneaky temple,” thanks to the way the sunlight slipped through cracks and lit up hidden corners.
Dotty was warming up to the day in a grumpy way, hot, tired, and protesting about walking, so we carried her!
There is something special about having a place like this almost to yourself no rush, no tour groups, just time to soak it in and imagine the stories the walls could tell and I bet they have a lot
Then to Ta Prohm, Where Nature and History Collide
If you’ve seen Tomb Raider (the Angelina Jolie one), you’ve already had a taste of Ta Prohm.
It’s the jungle temple the one where massive tree roots smother ancient stone, like nature slowly pulling it all back into the earth.
Walking through it feels like you’ve stepped onto a film set… only it’s real, and older than you can imagine.
Georgia was blown away by the way the trees wrapped themselves around buildings like they were giving them a slow, crushing hug.
Dotty just ran from one vine to the next, like she was on a treasure hunt.
It’s wild. It’s crumbling. It’s powerful. It was beautiful adventuring the site was magical!
The Ta Prohm “Stegosaurus”
Tucked into a quiet section of the temple is one of Angkor’s weirdest mysteries: a stone carving that looks exactly like a stegosaurus complete with those bony plates down its back.
People argue about it constantly, is it proof of ancient knowledge? Just a stylised rhino? A time-travelling carver?
We don’t know. But standing there looking at it? You definitely pause and go, “Hang on… what?” It 100% looks like a dinosaur and it would have taken days to carve out, so it was done to design! Odd to say the least!
Whether it’s a dinosaur or not, it’s yet another reason Ta Prohm stays with you long after you leave.
Quick Tips from Today
🏯 Nokor Thom
Go early it’s peaceful and you might have it all to yourself. Wear good shoes and take your time. Bring water there’s not much nearby.
🎬 Ta Prohm
Gets busy fast, so try early morning or later in the day. Watch for the “stegosaurus” carving near the outer wall of the central area. Be ready for roots, uneven stone, and wild photo opportunities.
Thoughts
Today we started in silence, ended in the jungle, and in between… we might’ve seen a dinosaur carved into 12th-century temple stone.
Cambodia continues to surprise us. Every stone, every statue, every crooked corridor seems to hold something unexpected whether it’s peace, wonder, or a little movie magic.
We’re loving every minute!
