Phanom Rung Historical Park, also known as Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, is a stunning testament to the grandeur of Khmer architecture. Nestled on an extinct volcano, the park boasts intricate stone carvings and remarkable temples that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Khmer Empire. Visitors are captivated by the meticulous details that adorn each structure, showcasing the incredible skill of the artisans. The park is surrounded by lush landscapes, enhancing its breathtaking beauty and serenity. As the sun rises, the temple complex transforms into a magical sight, making it a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts. The serene atmosphere invites exploration and reflection, allowing visitors to connect with history. Phanom Rung is a celebration of ancient engineering and artistry, drawing travelers from across the globe. This historical park not only serves as a reminder of the past but also as a vibrant cultural hub, offering insights into Thailand’s rich history. A visit to Phanom Rung Historical Park is a journey into the heart of Khmer civilization that should not be missed.
Phanom Rung Historical Park, or Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, is one of Thailand’s most celebrated historical sites, renowned for its remarkable Khmer architectural structures. Located in Buriram Province, this stunning park is perched atop an extinct volcano, providing visitors with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The complex is primarily dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and features a series of beautifully constructed sandstone temples, each adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures that reflect the sophistication of Khmer artistry.
The park was originally constructed in the 10th century and served as an important pilgrimage site. As you traverse the grounds, you’ll encounter the impressive central tower, which symbolizes Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. This spiritual significance adds layers of meaning to the site, making it not just a feast for the eyes but also a place for contemplation and reverence.
Each structure tells its own story, showcasing elaborate lintels, stunning bas-reliefs, and ancient inscriptions that provide insight into the region’s history and the religious practices of the time. The meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail highlight the skills of the artisans who dedicated their lives to creating these masterpieces. The highlight of the park is during the annual festival, when the sun shines perfectly through the gateways of the temple, illuminating the intricate carvings as a symbol of spiritual enlightenment.
Phanom Rung Historical Park is more than just an archaeological site; it is a cultural treasure that offers an immersive experience into the creativity, spirituality, and engineering prowess of the Khmer civilization. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking to appreciate the beauty of ancient architecture, Phanom Rung is a must-visit destination that captures the essence of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. Your journey through this enchanting park will undoubtedly leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the history it represents.
อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์พนมรุ้ง (ปราสาทหินพนมรุ้ง) (เฉลิมพระเกียรติ, ไทย) - รีวิว - ThailandAgoda.com
Phanom Rung Historical Park (Prasat Hin Phanom Rung) is perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking Village No. 7 Ta Pek, 31110, Thailand
Awesome historical site within 1 .5 hours drive of Buriram City, Thailand. Ruins date back to around 11th Century. The park is quite large and all signs describing interesting features re in Thai and English.There is a small entrance fee. The grounds are maintained meticulously.
A very impressive UNESCO historical site. This 900 year old ruin is on top of a 400m high volcano. It is situated about 20km south of route 24, the last 5km are steep and winding. The ruins are very interesting especially the enormous stairway up to the temple at the top.
Such a shame I have to pay nearly 8 TIMES MORE THAN THAI PEOPLE! 8 TIMES! This is disgusting. #twopriceThailand
Wow – no need to go to Angkor Wat after this. This thousand year-old Khmer temple has been well restored by Thai, French and New Zealand archeologists over the past century. The temple and surrounding green park continues to be very well maintained. There is one easy way in; the other, a magnificent stone staircase giving not only lots of merit but superb views and exercise as well. The descriptions of items of intererst are in English and Thai and very clear. The one big disappointment is the dual pricing – 20 Baht for Thais; 100 Baht for foreigners – this is plain wrong! However it’ll cost you $37 dollars for a day visit to Angkor.
This is Khao Phanom Rung National Park. I came here for the first time, the weather here is very good. I walked up the high stairs and went through the 13 doors at the top to see the atmosphere below. The nature there is very beautiful. I want everyone to try to come and visit. a lot
Some reviewers liken Phanom Rung to Angkor Wat and, while the style of the ruins is similar, Phanom Rung is certainly no Angkhor Wat. Nonetheless, it is still very impressive and well worth visiting, and well worth the 100 baht fee for foreigners (20 baht for Thais). There are two options for accessing the temple: Gate 1, from which you climb up the mountain to the level of the temple from the east; and Gate 3, which allows you to drive up to the top of the mountain. The east access is more impressive, but definitely a lot more work to climb. The small mountain itself is a long-dormant volcano (yes; there are volcanoes in Thailand!). The Hindu-Khmer temple itself comprises ruins of construction that was completed from the 10th to the 13th centuries. The temple has several beautiful lintels, the most famous being the Phra Narai Lintel, above the east portal, which was returned to Thailand from a museum in the United States in 1988, after the temple had been restored by the Thai Department of Fine Arts.
Wow, this should be a must stop on the way. This is an impressive site and well preserved. The Historical Park is very well organized and enternce fee is cheap compare to the size and preservation. I wasn’t to crowded despite being a national holiday.
This place was a little more crowded than Phimai and Muang Tam. Quite beautiful but there were many unsteady steps. Not suitable for very young children and those with walking disabilities.
Wonderful example of Khmer royalty from 1000 A.D. Beware of bats inside the temple. Take the long way and walk up the stairs to the temple!
Over a period of 30 years this was my 3rd visit of Khao Phanom Rung historical park. We arrived by car and took a combo ticket for Khao Phanom Rung and Prasat Hin Mueng Tum, 150 Baht per foreigner and 50 Baht parking fee. We took Gate 3 which allowed us to drive up to the top of the mountain, there from the parking place is easy access to the temple. There is another parking lot at gate 1 from where one climbs up the mountain to the level of the temple from the east. I recommend the upper parking lot for those who are not used to climb up narrow steps. Phanom Rung is a Hindu-Khmer temple comprising ruins of construction that was completed from the 10th to the 13th centuries. The temple has several beautiful lintels, the most famous being the Phra Narai Lintel, above the east portal, which was returned to Thailand from a museum in the United States in 1988, after the temple had been restored by the Thai Department of Fine Arts.The view from up top is splendid. We started from the top level and climbed down to the start of the steps, with a brief visit to the Phanom Rung museum, not much to see there. The climbing up is a wonderful experience as finally the top of the main building slowly comes into sight. There were quite a number of local and foreign tourists but the area is so large that no crowd developed anywhere. Disturbing were the pigeons, the Fine Arts department should get rid of them as they soil the dark spots and in the long run definitely will ruin part of the structures.