Phanom Rung (Full name Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung, Thai: ปราสาท หิน เขาพนม รุ้ง, Pronunciation: bpraasàad hǐn kǎo pánom rúng; IPA: [praːsàːt hǐn kʰǎw pʰánom rúŋ]) is a history park on an extinct volcano in the province Buri Ram in the NortheastThailand. It includes the ruins of a Khmer Hindu temple district from the 10th to 13th centuries AD.
Seven kilometers away is with Prasat Mueang Tam (Thai: ปราสาท เมือง ต่ำ; bpraasàad müang dtàm) another important Khmer temple complex.
background
Early inscriptions from the 7th or 8th century suggest that an early temple from the Chenla period stood here.
The Prasat Hin Khao Phnom Rung is probably one of the most impressive architectural monuments of the Khmer in Thailand. The area was a principality of the Mahidharapura dynasty, largely independent of Angkor, between the early 9th century and the 13th century.
The temple complex, located at a height of 381 meters, once symbolized Shiva's abode on the holy mountain Krailasa (Kailash) and was built between the early 10th century and the late 12th century by the Khmer rulers of the time. During the reign of King Suryavarman II in particular, significant extensions were carried out here. As with other temples on mountaintops (for example Prasat Preah Vihear and Phnom Chisor) the architecture has also been adapted to the natural conditions here. A long flight of stairs leads up to the main district. The actual temple is reached by a 160 meter long elevated footpath, which is flanked by columns and leads to the Naga Bridge. The bridge symbolizes the transition from the profane to the sacred world. Another staircase leads to an area with four basins, past which one reaches the actual temple via a second bridge.
This temple with the temple city was via a road that now leads through the jungle Angkor-Wat in today Cambodia and the Prasat Hin Phimai (in Thailand) connected.
Incidentally, a reduced copy of the sanctuary can be found in the Ancient City (Mueang Boran) in Samut Prakan can be visited near Bangkok.
From 1971 to 1988 Thailand's “Fine Arts Department” restored the facility.
On May 21, 1988, the "Phanom Rung Historical Park" (Thai: อุทยาน ประวัติศาสตร์ พนม รุ้ง) opened by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. In 2005, the temple district was handed over to UNESCO for consideration for future world heritage.
getting there
Of Bangkoks northern bus station Mo Chit is offered by the state-owned transport company The Transport Co. Ltd (Bo.Kho.So.) twice a day Long-distance busconnections directly after Phanom Rung. The journey takes six hours and costs 206 or 265 baht, depending on the car class.
In addition, buses stop every hour on the Bangkok – Nakhon Ratchasima – Surin – Ubon Ratchathani route 1 Ban Tako, a small town, 12 kilometers northeast of Phanom Rung, on the national road 24. There you can drive about every half hour Songthaeos (converted vans with benches on the loading area) change to Phanom Rung or take a motorcycle taxi (300 baht there and back).
Many travelers take the district town located 25 kilometers northeast of the temple Nang Rong as a starting point for your visit. The long-distance buses on the Bangkok – Nakhon Ratchasima – Surin – Ubon Ratchathani route also stop there every hour. From Nang Rong Songthaeos drive every half hour for 25 Baht to Phanom Rung. The journey takes about half an hour. Alternatively, you can book a group tour to Prasat Phanom Rung and Mueang Tam for 1100 Baht.
The closest railway station is in the provincial capital located 65 kilometers to the north Buri Ram. From Airport Buri Ram is 95 km from Phanom Rung, which due to the lack of public transport connections is best accomplished with a rental car.
The next border crossing from / to Cambodia is 100 kilometers east at Cape Choeng/Samraong.
Fees / permits
A visit to the Phanom Rung Historical Park costs 100 baht entry, combined tickets for Phanom Rung and Prasat Muang Tam are available for 150 baht.
The history park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
mobility
Tourist Attractions
The temple complex rises about 190 meters above the surrounding plain. Coming from the parking lot, you have to climb several monumental stairs before you reach the temple via a long paved path and bridges lined with mythological naga lashes, past the sacred lake in the former volcanic crater. You enter it through the outer gallery, which probably once had wooden ceilings, but which have not been preserved. Next you walk through one of the mighty arches of the inner gallery to reach the inside of the temple complex, in the middle of which is the highest Prang raises. This one was over one Lingam (a phallus-shaped symbol of Shiva) erects and symbolizes the center of the universe. The walls are adorned with finely crafted frescoes.
Phanom Rung is known for the carefully executed stone carvings that show, for example, a war elephant trampling an enemy. This may be one of the oldest surviving works of art from the Angkor era. Most of the other depictions worship Shiva and asceticism, but also depict other gods and characters from the Ramayana epic. The eleven inscriptions on Phanom Rung are particularly interesting as they contain a depiction of the regional organization of Angkor.
Later, when Hinduism was superseded by Buddhism, a “footprint” of the Buddha was added under a smaller prang.
A visit to Prasat Phanom Rung can be easily combined with the nearby, also very interesting facility 1 Prasat Mueang Tam dating from around AD 1000.
Other sights in the immediate vicinity are the hermit quarters 2 Kuti Ruesi Nong Bua Rai (at the large water basin immediately below Phanom Rung) and 3 Kuti Ruesi Khok Mueang (900 meters northwest of Prasat Mueang Tam). The temple complex 4 Prasat Khao Plai Bat is another 2.6 km southeast of Prasat Mueang Tam. It is much worse preserved than Phanom Rung and Mueang Tam, but the visit is worthwhile because of the great views of Phanom Rung and the Dongrek mountain range on the border with Cambodia.
activities
- Miracle Phanom Rung. The Ascent of Khao Phanom Rung: At the beginning of April each year, the sun rises once in such a way that it shines precisely through the 15 doorways of Phanom Rung. To mark the occasion, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is organizing a monumental festival in which an incantation ritual for the gods is re-enacted, a light and sound presentation and cultural performances are performed.
shop
kitchen
accommodation
There are no accommodations at Khao Phanom Rung itself. Most travelers stay in the 25 km northeast of the district town of Nang Rong, where there are a number of guest houses:
- 1 P. California Inter Hostel, 59 / 9-11 Sangkhakritburana Road, T. Nang Rong, A. Nang Rong, Buri Ram 31110. Tel.: (0)44-622214, Mobile: (0)81-8083347, Email: [email protected]. Family accommodation. Bright, clean rooms. There are different room categories, the comfort of which ranges from fan and cold shower to AC, hot shower, small refrigerator, TV, cloakroom, seating area and WiFi. There is also a mixed dormitory room. Friendly and helpful host who speaks good English. Good home cooked meals. The property picks up guests staying at least 2 nights from the bus station at no extra charge; offers for 385 Baht p. P. offer a private half day tour to Prasat Phanom Rung and Mueang Tam with an English speaking driver. Motorbike rental (350 baht).Price: double room (venti / cold you) 300–600 baht.
- 2 Honey Inn Nang Rong, 8/1 Soi Sri Koon, Nang Rong, Buri Ram 31110. Tel.: (0)44-622825, Mobile: (0)81-2647144, (0)87-6505974, Email: [email protected]. Family accommodation in the home of a teacher couple. Somewhat remote from the center of Nang Rong. Room with fan or AC, double bed or two single beds; all with shower and western toilet. Home-cooked meals (60–130 baht). Motorbike rental (250-300 baht). Free pick-up from the bus station; WiFi incl., Laundry service.Price: Double 250-350 Baht.
- 3 The Park Nangrong Resort, 445/10 Praditpana Road, Nang Rong, Buri Ram 31110. Tel.: (0)44-633778, Mobile: (0)844-633778, Email: [email protected]. Three-star hotel with a beautiful garden, a little secluded on the west bank of the lake. All rooms with AC, hot shower, cable TV, telephone, refrigerator, WiFi.Price: Double 700–1200 Baht (may include special offers for early bookers).
security
Practical advice
trips
literature
- Smitthi Siribhadra: Palaces Of The Gods. River Books, Bangkok 1992, ISBN 0-500-97450-0 .
