Nature has a way of reclaiming what humans build, creating haunting yet beautiful
landscapes where ancient architecture meets wild vegetation. These forgotten
temples, scattered across the globe, offer glimpses into past civilizations while
showcasing nature’s persistent power.
From Asia’s depths to Central America’s jungles, these overgrown temples tell
stories of forgotten empires and abandoned faiths.
Ta Prohm Temple, Siem Reap, Cambodia
The massive silk-cotton trees and their serpentine roots have become one with the
temple’s stone walls, creating an otherworldly fusion of architecture and nature. Built-
in the 12th century as a Buddhist monastery and university, Ta Prohm was
intentionally left in its natural state by conservationists to demonstrate how most
Angkorian temples appeared when European explorers first discovered them.
The temple stretches over 2,000 feet and has iconic tree-wrapped corridors featured in
numerous films and photographs.
Beng Mealea, Angkor, Cambodia
Located 25 miles east of the main Angkor complex, this massive temple complex
largely collapsed in the jungle. Built in the 12th century as a Hindu temple, its basic
layout mirrors that of Angkor Wat, though nature has been allowed to run completely
wild here.
Massive stone blocks scattered like toy blocks tell the story of natural reclamation and likely historical looting.
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My Son Sanctuary, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
Hidden in a valley surrounded by mountains, this ancient Hindu temple complex
showcases the Champa civilization’s architectural sophistication. Built between the
4th and 14th centuries, many of the temples now wear thick green blankets of moss
and ferns.
Despite significant damage during the Vietnam War, the remaining structures demonstrate remarkable sculptural and decorative elements.
Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico
Rising from the mist-shrouded jungles of southern Mexico, this Maya city-state
features some of the finest architecture and sculptural art produced by this ancient
civilization. The Temple of Inscriptions stands 75 feet high and houses one of the longest hieroglyphic texts from the Maya world.
Thick tropical vegetation surrounds and sometimes overtakes the limestone structures.
Preah Khan, Siem Reap, Cambodia
This massive monastic complex, stretching nearly half a mile, served as a city and a
temple. Built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, the temple’s corridors and
courtyards are now home to towering trees whose roots spill over walls like frozen
waterfalls.
The site remains largely unrestored, offering visitors an authentic glimpse of the temple’s appearance when first rediscovered.
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Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Once the thriving capital of Sri Lankan civilization, these ruins include sophisticated
irrigation systems and stunning Buddha statues now partially hidden by encroaching
jungle. The ancient city stretches over 15 square miles and includes numerous
temples, palaces, and public buildings.
Many structures feature intricate stone carvings slowly embraced by creeping vines and roots.
Wat Phu, Champasak Province, Laos
This Khmer Hindu temple complex, dating back to the 5th century, cascades down a
hillside with views over the Mekong River. Its unique mountain-slope location creates
a dramatic setting where nature and architecture intertwine.
Ancient stone stairways lead through various complex levels, each more overgrown than the last.
Tikal, Guatemala
Rising above the rainforest canopy, Tikal’s massive pyramids reach over 150 feet.
This ancient Maya metropolis spans over 30 square miles and includes over 3,000
structures.
Massive ceiba trees and strangler figs embrace many buildings, while howler monkeys patrol the upper reaches of temples that pierce the jungle canopy.
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Banteay Chhmar, Cambodia
Located in Cambodia’s remote northwest, this massive temple complex remains one
of the least visited and most atmospheric Khmer monuments. Built in the late 12th
century, it features unique bas-reliefs of multi-armed Avalokiteshvara figures and
scenes from Khmer military victories.
The remote location has allowed nature to maintain its hold over much of the structure.
Candi Borobudur, Java, Indonesia
This massive Buddhist monument, built in the 8th and 9th centuries, was
rediscovered in 1814 after centuries of hiding under volcanic ash and jungle growth.
It is the world’s largest Buddhist temple, featuring over 500 Buddha statues and
2,500 relief panels.
Now meticulously restored and maintained as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its earlier abandoned state helped preserve many of its remarkable features from human interference.
Thaipusam Devasthanam, Batu Caves, Malaysia
Rising dramatically from the suburban landscape near Kuala Lumpur, this limestone
cave temple complex shows nature’s raw power meeting human devotion. While
regularly maintained for religious use, parts of the vast cave system and outer
temple structures showcase the persistent influence of tropical vegetation and
weather.
The dramatic 272-step entrance provides a striking example of how religious architecture can blend with natural formations.
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Phnom Chisor, Takeo Province, Cambodia
Perched atop a 460-foot hill, this 11th-century Hindu temple offers spectacular views
over the Cambodian countryside. The temple’s remote location and difficult access
have allowed nature to control the site significantly.
Massive trees grow from the temple platform, their roots slowly prying apart the ancient stones.
Ciudad Perdida, Colombia
Hidden deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, this ‘Lost City’
predates Machu Picchu by 650 years. The site features over 200 structures spread
across 80 acres of mountain terrain, connected by intricate stone staircases and
terraces.
Despite ongoing preservation efforts, thick jungle vegetation continuously threatens to reclaim the site.
Prasat Pram, Koh Ker, Cambodia
This five-tower temple complex sits in one of the more remote former capitals of the
Khmer Empire. The central tower has been dramatically split by the roots of a
massive tree, creating one of the most photogenic examples of nature reclaiming
human architecture.
The site’s isolation has preserved its wild character.
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Wat Phou Phao, Luang Prabang, Laos
Situated on a hillside overlooking the former royal capital, the surrounding forest has
rapidly reclaimed this relatively modern temple. Constructed in the early 20th
century, the temple demonstrates how quickly nature can overtake human structures in Southeast Asia’s tropical climate.
Brilliant orange-robed monks still occasionally visit the site despite its deteriorating condition.
Candi Sukuh, Java, Indonesia
Often called the ‘erotic temple’ due to its unusual sexually explicit carvings, this
remote mountain sanctuary remains partially enveloped by the surrounding forest.
Built in the 15th century during the decline of the Majapahit Empire, the temple’s
unique stepped pyramid design differs dramatically from other Javanese temples.
Baphuon Temple, Angkor Thom, Cambodia
This massive three-tiered temple mountain was once one of the most spectacular of
Angkor’s monuments before its partial collapse. Recently restored, sections still
show how the jungle had begun to consume the structure during centuries of
abandonment.
The temple’s western face features a massive reclining Buddha image created from repurposed stones.
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Wat Ek Phnom, Battambang, Cambodia
This 11th-century temple stands as a picturesque ruin surrounded by modern
Buddhist structures. Massive trees grow from the temple’s upper levels, their roots
cascading down the ancient walls like natural pillars.
The contrast between the crumbling sandstone and lush vegetation creates a particularly atmospheric setting.
Baksei Chamkrong, Angkor, Cambodia
Though small, this early 10th-century temple pyramid is one of the Angkor complex’s
most thoroughly overgrown structures. Massive strangler figs have essentially
swallowed the upper portions of the temple, their roots creating a natural cage
around the ancient stones.
Bayon Temple, Angkor Thom, Cambodia
Famous for its massive face towers, this state temple of Jayavarman VII
demonstrates nature’s persistent attempt to reclaim even the most monumental
structures. Despite regular maintenance, trees and vines grow from the temple’s
upper terraces, creating an endless battle between conservation and natural
processes.
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Ancient Temples’ Natural Revival
These remarkable sites demonstrate nature’s inevitable dominion over human
creation while simultaneously preserving these architectural treasures in their green
embrace.
Their partially ruined state often creates a more powerful impression than fully
restored monuments, reminding us of human ambition and nature’s patient
persistence.
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