Why the
Phanom Rung Historical Park
is special

This ancient temple complex is acclaimed for its stone carvings, especially those on its lintels. The complex sits eminently on the summit of a gently sloped, modest-height extinct volcano overlooking a sea of rice paddies.

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Phanom Rung
Historical Park
tips & insights

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Construction history in brief

Phanom Rung was built in stages between the 10th to 13th centuries. After lying in ruins for centuries, the major structures were restored to their current condition the late 20th century.

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Architectural style

It's Khmer, a style made famous by Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

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Dedication

The temple is dedicated to Shiva, the supreme Hindu god. The 23-meter or 75-foot high main tower (see photo) embodies Mount Kailasa, Shiva's celestial home.

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Famous lintels

Phanom Rung's doorway cross beams are celebrated for their intricate bas relief sculptures of Hindu gods. These lintels are intricately carved and of high artistic merit.

One of them became the talk of the art world several decades ago when it was stolen, exported, recognized, and returned home for reinstallation.

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Best time of day

Avoid the year-round hot midday sun by coming in the early morning. And, because the temple faces east, the morning solar rays will paint the temple's front with warm colors, the type photographers crave.

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Wonders of Thailand - Home page

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Site map

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Tourism Authority of Thailand

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Photo by Benh Lieu Song - CC-BY-SA-3.0

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