Ta Som Temple: Giant Fig Trees & The Famous Overgrown Gate

Enter through the eastern gopura to see the massive sacred fig tree swallowing the gate whole—it is the only reason people come here. It is a smaller, quieter version of Ta Prohm but without the massive crowds. Spend 30 minutes max wandering the central towers. Visit in the late afternoon for soft light through the ruins. Skip the souvenir push at the entrance and head straight for the iconic tree-root photo at the back.