Prasat Sdok Kok Thom is a remarkable Khmer temple located in Thailand, showcasing stunning architecture and rich cultural history, attracting visitors with its unique design and serene surroundings.
Nestled in Thailand, Prasat Sdok Kok Thom is an exquisite example of Khmer architecture, dating back to the 11th century. Renowned for its intricate carvings and distinct sandstone structure, this temple complex reflects the skill and artistry of ancient builders. Surrounded by lush greenery, it provides an enchanting atmosphere for exploration and reflection. Visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating history that surrounds this sacred site, as it was once a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. The layout features ornate lintels and exquisite decorative motifs that capture the essence of the Khmer Empire. Exploring Prasat Sdok Kok Thom is an unforgettable journey into Thailand’s cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The site continues to attract tourists and locals, preserving the legacy of the Khmer civilization for generations to come.
ปราสาทสด๊กก๊อกธม (โคกสูง, ไทย) - รีวิว - ThailandAgoda.com
Prasat Sdok Kok Thom is perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking Thailand
This temple is far less known than Phanomrung and thus far less touristic; furthermore no entry fee charged.Prasat Sdok is a good example of the standard Khmer Hindou design from the 11th century. It has been extensivley renovated by Japanese sponsors and is thus in a very good shape.
A small but historically significant site. Older than Angkor Wat and once the home of a very important stele that is dated back to 1053 AD and details 2 1/2 centuries of the Khmer Empire including accounts of 12 Khmer Kings who ruled during that time.Unfortunately, the site, like so many other ancient Khmer sites, fell into disrepair over the centuries after the fall of the Khmer empire. Nature and pillaging also took a toll and at one point the area was part of a Cambodian refugee camp.The site was eventually restored and while most of the site looks pretty good, there are parts where it’s sad to look at, as it appears they just piled blocks in any which way they could and it’s obvious a lot of them don’t belong where they were placed.Again though, most people won’t notice the small details and overall, it is a nice site. I plan on going back again (with a new camera) and try to get some better shots.
There is no doubt that the restoration of Khmer period temples and monuments is a hugely expensive and complex jigsaw puzzle, requiring much thought and sympathy when trying to work out which blocks of fallen masonry belong where.In Cambodia at Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom have seen restorations done with patience and creativity, that recapture much of the original edifice.Unfortunately, the restoration of Prasat Sdok Kok Thom, a 10-11th Century Khmer temple in the Khok Sung district of Thailand’s Sa Kaeo Province, seems to be a case of anything will do.Walls and edifices have been rebuilt with some blocks of masonry with bas relief clearly not belonging where they have been put. Other blocks have been placed in sideways, where they should have been place in upright to match the bas relief patterns of the surrounding blocks.If you look closely at some of the photographs I am attaching to this review you will see for yourself what I am talking about.At the moment, work is underway to construct a large building at the entrance to the temple, which no doubt will also be used as a ticketing office when they will start collecting money from tourists wishing to visit. Perhaps they should put some of that money towards a more sympathetic restoration.
It took us more than 4 hrs (from Muang Chonburi via 314, 359 & 33 then turn left into 348) to get there but proved to be more than worthwhile. The stone relics w/some Khmer letters wedged on the surface thereof was especially of interest to me, in terms of telling the fact that the area used to belong to prathet=nation Cambodia until some centuries ago – a must for U to take a photo to impress your FB/SNS friends! Khao Lhaam เข้าหลาม@วัฒนานคร junction, which are a bit different from those selling at Nong Mhong market Chonburi and honeydew/Japanese melons featured at various stalls along 33 (Aranyaprathet – Satgaeo) would be a good souvenir home. PS. This prasat together w/others nearby are now free of charge, in contrast to other Thai national historical sites which in recent years have come to charge you up to THB 200, whether you are resident (even w/your Thai spouse accompanied) or non-resident.
We came back from our visit at Sdok kok thom Khmer stone castle with a really surprising pleasure. It has a good size and impressively restored castle, which we found second only Phomrung in Burirum and Pimai in Nakornratchsima. It is well preserved and you will not be disappointed.
This ancient temple ruin off the beaten path teleports one directly into an Indiana Jones movie, I almost expected to stumble upon a trap door leading to terrible hazards and incredible treasures. It’s like Angkor Wat, but obviously much smaller. But the upside? There are hardly any tourists, we spent 2 hours at this place and the better part of the time, we had the place to ourselves (was on a weekday though, don’t know how busy weekends are). We had a local guide with us who explained a few features to us, which was super interesting, but had we not, we’d still enjoy the tranquil time travel into ancient times.
On a quest to visit all eleven of Thailand’s historical parks, we visited Prasat Sdok Kok Thom over Songkran holiday. The park is smaller than most of the country’s other historical parks, but well-maintained and interesting. Some of the restorations may leave visitors questioning, but overall it is very attractive. Even on Songkran weekend, there were very few visitors and the place was pleasantly quiet. Not sure if it is always free entry or not, but we were not charged (perhaps because we arrived late afternoon). In addition to the temple itself, there is a very well-done exhibition hall and information center. The only negative about the park is that there are almost no signs or information in English.
One of the Angkorian temple complexes in Thailand I enjoyed most. It has a much better museum compared to Muang Tam and Phanom Rung (which apparently was closed for 3(!)months. The site itself was more than quiet. Visiting at 1 p.m. I was the tenth visitor and I had the complex almost fully to myself. I really liked this smaller complex and I’m very curious to would have seen it in its full splendour centuries ago.
One of my long-term “projects” is visiting Pre-Angkor & Angkor-era ruins. The Angkor Highway is interesting because it clearly demonstrates how far the Khmer Empire expanded under the rule of King Jayavarman VII. I “found” this site by accident while searching Google Maps in preparation for a 14-day self-driving road trip that included a stretch along the Cambodian border. The ancient temple is another fine example of King Jayavarman’s accomplishments, but what I enjoyed most about my visit was the museum.The museum is a semi-airconditioned oasis from the heat with fantastic bi-lingual displays. There is an emphasis on Thailand’s part of the former Khmer Empire that I found particularly interesting. Another wonderful thing about this site is that it is free. So, I decided to revisit the next day to spend time in the museum. Armed with my laptop and Google Maps I studied and photographed every display to try and uncover the ancient sites I have missed. Eleven years of Angkor exploration and I am still not finished.