Things to do in Phanom Rung
Attractions and distractions
Attractions and distractions
One of the most famous Angkor period temples in Thailand, Prasat Phanom Rung crowns an extinct volcano in the remote southern reaches of Buriram province. It was never completely ruined, overtaken by jungle or defaced by battles, and consequently it remained in relatively good condition before a Thai Fine Arts Department makeover began in 1944 and restored it to the near-pristine state seen ... Read more about Prasat Phanom Rung .
The Angkor-period temple of Muang Tam in Buriram province is closely associated with nearby Phanom Rung. Prasat Muang Tam lies four or five kilometres as the crow flies on the plain beneath the extinct volcano on which Phanom Rung is sited. And while the latter was certainly the most prestigious religious site and pilgrimage destination of the area during that period, the former is considered to ... Read more about Prasat Muang Tam .
Small and obscure Khmer ruins are scattered throughout the lower Isaan region, with several sites accessible from the Nang Rong area. Many of these are little more than a pile of rocks in a remote field or forest. Most travellers are satisfied to see only Phanom Rung and Muang Tam, but history buffs who want to gain a better understanding of the Angkor Empire’s finer points may want to spend a ... Read more about Minor Khmer ruins .
Taking a page out of the ancient locals’ playbook, Wat Khao Angkhan is a modern Buddhist temple built atop an extinct volcano that affords you views over the vast forest and paddies down below. The wat displays elements of Dvaravati, Khmer, Chinese, Sri Lankan and Thai temple artistry. The site is thought to have served as a religious sanctuary during the Dvaravati period in the eighth and ... Read more about Wat Khao Angkhan .
Sent every Monday, our newsletter is full of travel advice, news & special deals. Read past issues.