Prasaat Phanom Rung and Muang Tam are located in Buriram.
Prasaat Phanom Rung is one of the most significant Khmer monuments in Thailand. It was built in the 10th-13th century A.D. Phanom Rung was a Hindu Saivite (Shiva) monastery. Sculptures also present images of Vishnu. A processional way leads through Naga bridges to the main sanctuary. Lintels, pediments depict the Hindu Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, with also scenes of the Ramayana. The most famous lintel (Vishnu Anantasayin) depicts Vishnu reclining on the back of the Naga King Ananta. This lintel disappeared for many years outside the country, but was recently returned.
The setting of Phanom Rung is quite scenic, with views of the countryside all around. The site is probably the most visited Khmer monument in Thailand. If you want it quieter, be sure to arrive before 10 A.M.
Muang Tam ('low city') is located nearby, and is worth a visit all by itself. Around its main structure, five 'brick' towers and ponds with lotus flowers are present. There is not much supervision and school children seem to use the area as a playing ground.
(some more info below the images)
More Khmer heritage : Visit Prasaat Phimai
To enlarge and see slide show click any picture.
1. Road to Phanom Rung
2. Main prang at Phanom Rung
3. Naga head
4. Door guardian (Dvarapala).
5. View through a door.
6. Vishnu Anantasayin lintel (see below).
10. Road down from Phanom Rung
11. Muang Tam
12. Inside Muang Tam, girls playing
13. Muang Tam, towers
14. Lintel at Muang Tam
15. View through a door
16. Pond at Muang Tam
There is no major city located close to Phanom Rung. If you travel by yourself, you can reach the monument from Khorat, Buriram. Khorat is a reasonable location for daytrips to both Phanom Rung (with Muang Tam), and Phimai (on another day).
We visited Phanom Rung from Phimai, where at least one guesthouse (Phimai Old Guesthouse) organizes daytrips by car at 1500 baht/car. Travelling the last few kilometers to Phanom Rung from the main road, and between Phanom Rung and Muang Tam, we advise you find car transport. You can pillion ride a motorcycle, but this is not for the fainthearted, since the road is somewhat hazardous (there are many curves, ascents and descents)
Recommended hotel in Khorat : SriPattana Hotel, close to nr.1 Bus Terminal, about 550 baht, cheap internet access in the lobby.
