Prasat Phanom Rung

Prasat Phanom Rung Khmer temple, the largest and best-restored Khmer monument in Thailand was built over an extinct volcano, 402 metres above the paddy fields and was dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva. The volcano was a substitute for Mount Kailash in India - "God's heavenly abode". Unlike Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the temple's high location means that it wasn't overrun by jungle or destroyed in battles; so has remained in remarkably good condition. This was even before the Thai Fine Arts Department restored it to near pristine condition when they commenced restorative work in 1944. Also unlike Angkor Wat, there are no roots twisted around crumbling masonry, with the staircases and ancient edifices in their original condition. You approach the temple over a mountain by way of a spectacular stone stairway. As you climb the stairway, first appears the temple spire, then gradually the rest of the temple comes magically into view. You then descend to the ceremonial walkway, to the right of which is the Royal Pavilion used by the King and his entourage to prepare for the ceremonies. At the end of the walkway is the first Naga bridge and the steps leading to the temple. Climb the steps and you come to the second level where five-headed naga snakes guard the path past the lotus ponds. Next follows the second Naga Bridge leading to the Gopura (entrance) and the outer gallery. Inside the outer gallery is the third Naga Bridge leading to the temple itself. There are several other buildings in the temple complex, some of which are older than the main temple. The complex faces east and four times a year the sun shines through all 15 sanctuary doorways. Thais celebrate the Phanom Rung Festival around the period of the April alignment, with ancient Brahmin ceremonies and modern sound-and-light shows. The temple is very well preserved and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Entry: 150B (Including Prasat Muang Tam) Getting Here: See the info section