Phanom Rung Historical Park: Largest Khmer Temple Complex In Thailand

Phanom Rung: a little bit of history

The full name of the wondrous temple is Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, which translates roughly into the stone castle of Phanom Rung. It was built and extended between the 10th and 13th centuries AD, with much of the construction carried out during the rule of King Suryavarman II. King Suryavarman II reigned over the Khmer Empire between 1113 and 1150, during the empire’s golden age, and was the leader responsible for the stunning Angkor Wat in what is now modern-day Cambodia.

Phanom Rung was originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, the transcendent destroyer deity. Located on top of an extinct volcano, Phanom Rung represented Mount Kailasa, the mythological mountain home of Shiva.

Later years saw Phanom Rung being changed into a Buddhist place of worship, with several alterations and additions. Having eventually fallen into disrepair and decay, the site was restored during the 1970s and 1980s to showcase its former glory, reopening to the public again in 1988. Today’s visitors can enjoy exploring the largest and most well-preserved Khmer temple in all of Thailand.

Journey through the past as you explore the large site

A sweeping and wide set of steps leads up the mountain to its crowning temple jewel. A large courtyard sits in front of the main pagoda, and you can explore a number of well-restored buildings and shrines. Walk across bridges with stone nagas (multi-headed serpents) slithering down the sides, symbolising the bridge between the heavens and earth. Visit the pavilion of Phlab Phla / White Elephant House, and see the fancy former changing areas of past royalty. Stroll along the royal walkway, and admire the grand sandstone posts with lovely lotus buds on the top.

The main tower is flanked by two smaller rectangular buildings, believed to have been used to house sacred Buddhist texts. The main tower has four porches that face north, south, east, and west, and the smaller sandstone pagoda has a grand altar. Stroll through the long, narrow rooms over the inner gallery and wander through the various sanctuaries around the complex.

Whilst there are many splendid views available from all around the site, head to the rear for some of the most beautiful views down over the surrounding rice fields and farmland.

Admire the many decorative details and statues

Many surfaces of the temple’s buildings are adorned with intricate carvings that tell stories from Hindu mythology. Carefully pieced back together during restoration efforts, you’ll see depictions of the various incantations of the Hindu god, as well as images of flowers and scenes from times gone by. Learn more about the beliefs of people from the past through the fascinating visual stories.

There are statues dedicated to both Hindu deities and the Lord Buddha. Buddha images in various poses sit alongside sacred Hindu statues, such as cows and the phallic-like lingam. You may also spot small towers of balancing stones, added by faithful devotees during their visits to the complex.