At its historical peak, the Khmer Empire extended over much of modern Thailand reaching far into the country’s Northern and Western regions. Khmer ruins can be found all around Thailand, but the most famous sites are in the provinces that border modern Cambodia. Buriram Province has two of the best ruins, and if you are traveling in Southern Issan these are a must-visit. The most beautiful and best-known of these is Prasat Hin Phanom Rung (ปราสาทหินพนมรุ้ง).
In this guide we’ll cover everything you need to know to visit including the history, entrance fees, how to get there, the best tour option if you don’t have your own transport, highlights of the historical park, how to combine a visit here with the nearby Prasat Muang Tam (ปราสาทเมืองต่ำ) ruins, and information about the yearly festival held here with the Stonehenge-Esque sunrise alignment.
Phanom Rung History
Prasat Phanom Rung was built by the Khmer Empire between the 10th and 13th Centuries. As is typical of Khmer architecture, the buildings have a foundation of laterite, while the upper portions and carvings are sandstone. It is this stone construction that gives the name “Prasat Hin” which means “stone castle” in Thai. Phanom Rung was built during the early part of the Khmer Empire when it was a Hindu society before later converting to Buddhism. The entirety of Phanom Rung is built as a shrine to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple sits at an elevation of 402 meters on an extinct volcano which symbolizes Mount Kailash, the heavenly dwelling of Shiva.
