Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung

by: Debbie Salcedo

Built on top of an extinct volcano, the restored temple of Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung is the most impressive of all Angkor monuments in Thailand. Dating back to the 10th and 13th centuries, the complex faces east towards the original Angkor capital. It was first built as a Hindu monument and features and features sculpture relating to the worship of Vishnu and Shiva. Later, the Thais converted it into a Buddhist temple.
 

One on the most remarkable design aspects of Phanom Rung is the promenade leading to the main gate. The main avenue is sealed with laterite and sandstone blocks and flanked by sandstone pillars with lotus bud tops. The avenue ends at the first and largest of three naga (serpent) bridges. These naga bridges are the only three that have survived in Thailand. The central prasat (tower) has a gallery on each of its four sides and the entrance to each gallery is itself a smaller version of the main tower. The galleries have curvilinear roofs and windows with false balustrades. Once inside the temple walls, have a look at each of the galleries and the gopura (entrance pavilion), paying particular attention to the lintels over the porticoes. The craftsmanship at Phanom Rung represents the pinnacle of Khmer artistic achievement, on a par with the reliefs at Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

The Sanctuary Phanomrung, by Dr. Sorajet Woragamvijya is an informative booklet for sale near the entrance to the complex. Several English-speaking guides also offer their services at the complex. Fees are negotiable. Downhill a bit from the main sanctuary is a visitors center that houses a scale model of the area as well as some artifacts found at the site.