Situated around 7km to the south of Phanom Rung, the Angkorian site of Muang Tam is a very worthwhile spot to visit and explore. Built under the command of the Khmer Jayavarman V, Muang Tam is not nearly as spectacular as Phanom Rung, but that's not to say it isn't worth visiting.

With its solid laterite walls that run all the way around the complex (with a lake within), Muang Tam feels far more fortress-like than Phanom Rung and as with Phanom Rung, there are some excellent examples of stone carvings, especially naga heads and bridges throughout the site.

One of the advantages here is that the monument is far less-visited than Phanom Rung, so you've got a far better chance of having the place to yourself -- particularly in the early morning. If you do plan to visit, it is probably better to see Muang Tam before Phanom Rung to avoid disappointment.

Lastly the monument is pretty exposed -- don't forget a hat!