Phanom Rung Historical Park

Phanom Rung Historical Park

          Phanom Rung Historical Park Located in the Ta Pek district. Contains important archaeological sites is Prasat Phanom Rung Located on the top of the volcano extinguished., about 200 meters high ("Phanom Rung" in Khmer, meaning "big mountain").
          The temple was erected as a Hindu monument to Shiva between the 10th and 13th centuries, the bulk of it during the reign of King Suriyavarman II (r AD 1113–50), who ruled during the apex of Angkor architecture. The complex faces east and four times a year the sun shines through all 15 sanctuary doorways. The correct solar alignment happens during sunrise from 3 to 5 April and 8 to 10 September and sunset from 5 to 7 March and 5 to 7 October (some years are one day earlier). The park extends its hours during these events and locals celebrate the Phanom Rung Festival around the April alignment.
          This is a vast site boasting temples, towers, Buddha images - all with a distinct Khmer architectural influence. The site also includes a Hindu Saivite (Shiva) monastery and sculptures of Vishnu. A 400-meter walkway leads up to the site's main sanctuary and passes a number of different ruins. Many of these ruins contain images depicting Hindu Gods, Brahma and scenes from the Ramayana. Set against a scenic countryside backdrop, the site has massive impact.
          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.
          Phanom Rung was extensively restored by the Thai Fine Arts Department during the 1970’s and 1980’s. The site has been submitted to UNESCO’s tentative list for consideration as a future World Heritage Site.
          There are informational signs all over the site in both Thai and English explaining about the function of the structures as well as the beliefs of the ancient Khmer people.
          The complex on top of Phanom Rung hill is set in a scenic environment with views of the rural area in all directions. On the car park you will find food and drink stalls as well as a number of souvenir shops.
          Every year at April 13th the Phanom Rung festival is held when a very special phenomenon occurs. The rays of the sun shine through all of the 15 portals of the temple, creating a mystical environment.
          On this day a number of traditional ceremonies is performed including a procession to honour the Gods, and traditional dance performances. On this day when opening hours are extended, there will also be a sound and light shows as well as fireworks.

How to get to Phanom Rung

Air

The closest airport is 30 kilometres north of Buriram town and over 100 kilometres north of Phanom Rung, serviced by a once-daily flight with Nok Air. Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) is around 130 kilometres northwest of Phanom Rung and has more daily flights. 

Train

Buriram town is on the Northeastern line, with close to a dozen trains passing through each day on their ways between Ubon Ratchathani and Bangkok. After arriving in Buriram, you can take a songthaew or tuk tuk over to the bus station and then hop in a minibus to Nang Rong.

Bus

Nang Rong’s bus station is centrally located, just south of Highway 24 off Si Phu Charoen Road. Fares include:

Bangkok (Morchit) : First-class buses with toilets depart at 10:00, 13:00, 15:00 and 22:00, cost around 300 baht and take five to six hours. Second-class buses depart at 09:20, 11:30, 19:20, 20:40, 22:00 and 23:20, and cost around 200 baht. 

Buriram : Minibuses run hourly between Buriram and Nang Rong, costing 38 baht and taking around an hour. 

Khorat : Minibuses depart every half-hour from 08:00 to 20:00, cost 60 baht and take around two hours. Transfers to Phimai and loads of other destinations in Northeast, Central and Northern Thailand are available in Khorat. 

Contact details

Address : situated at Ban Ta Pek, Tambon Ta Pek, Amphoe Chaloem Phrakiat.

Telephone : +66 4463 1746.

Opening hours : Daily 6am-6pm

Contact :   0 4463 1746 or 044 - 782 715

Admission : 100 baht per person. 150 baht for a 30-day package at Phanom Rung Historical Park and Mueang Tam Stone Sanctury (Prasat Mueang Tam).