Recommended attractions in Buriram

Phanom Rung Historical Park Muang Tam and Prasaat Phoanom Rung are located in Buriram. Prasaat Phanom Rung is one of the most significant Khmer monuments in Thailand. It was built in the 10th-13th century A.D. Phanom Rung was a Hindu Saivite (Shiva) monastery. Sculptures also present images of Vishnu. A processional way leads through Naga bridges to the main sanctuary. Lintels, pediments depict the Hindu Gods Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu , 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. The setting of Phanom Rung is quite scenic, with views of the countryside all around. The site is probably the most visited Khmer monument in Thailand. adress: Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Buri Ram

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Visitor Tips

Located in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), this is one of the many dining options available to visitors and expats in the Isaan region of Thailand. When visiting restaurants in Korat, it is customary to order several dishes to share. Most restaurants in this area serve both Thai and international cuisine, and staff often speak some English.

Getting There

Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) is located approximately 250 km northeast of Bangkok. You can reach Korat by bus from Bangkok’s Mo Chit terminal (about 3.5 hours), by train from Hua Lamphong station, or by minivan from Chatuchak. Tuk-tuks and songthaews (shared trucks) are the most common local transport within the city.

About Isaan Cuisine

The Isaan region of northeastern Thailand has its own distinct culinary tradition, influenced by Lao and Khmer cultures. Signature dishes include som tam (spicy papaya salad), larb (spiced minced meat salad), sticky rice (khao niao), and grilled chicken (gai yang). Food in Isaan tends to be spicier and more sour than central Thai food, using ingredients like padaek (fermented fish sauce) and fresh herbs.

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History of Phanom Rung

Prasat Hin Phanom Rung (ปราสาทหินพนมรุ้ง) stands atop an extinct volcanic cone in Buriram province, at an elevation of about 402 metres. Built between the 10th and 13th centuries during the height of the Khmer Empire, it served as a Hindu sanctuary dedicated primarily to Shiva. The site grew over several reigns, with the most significant construction attributed to local Khmer rulers in the 11th–12th centuries. After the decline of the Khmer Empire, the complex was converted to Theravada Buddhist use, as was common across the region.

Architecture and Carvings

The complex is approached via a long processional walkway flanked by 67 sandstone naga balusters — symbolic serpents guarding the sacred precinct. Four bridges cross symbolic moats before leading to the main sanctuary. The principal tower (prang) rises elegantly from a cruciform base, its doorways aligned so that on certain dates around April 5th and September 5th, the rising or setting sun shines directly through all 15 doorways in perfect alignment — one of the most spectacular astronomical alignments in Thai archaeology.

The carvings at Phanom Rung are among the finest examples of Khmer artistry in Thailand. Lintels and pediments depict scenes from Hindu mythology: the god Shiva dancing the Tandava, the Ramayana epic, and the famous Vishnu Reclining on the Cosmic Ocean lintel — once stolen and displayed in the Art Institute of Chicago before being returned to Thailand in 1988 after a diplomatic dispute that lasted over a decade.

Muang Tam Temple Nearby

Just a few kilometres from Phanom Rung lies Prasat Muang Tam, a lower-elevation Khmer temple surrounded by four ornamental ponds (baray) filled with lotus flowers. Muang Tam is less visited than Phanom Rung and therefore more peaceful. The two sites are usually visited together in the same day — a combined ticket is available. Muang Tam is notable for its four corner ponds, its well-preserved gopuras (gateway towers), and the L-shaped galleries around the inner sanctuary.

Practical Information

Phanom Rung Historical Park is open daily from 06:00 to 18:00. Admission: 100 Baht for foreigners, 20 Baht for Thais. A combined ticket with Prasat Muang Tam costs 150 Baht for foreigners. The park is located in Chaloem Phra Kiat district, Buri Ram province. From Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), take Highway 224 south to Nang Rong (about 150 km), then follow signs to Phanom Rung. From Nang Rong bus station, songthaews run to the base of the hill.