Phanom Rung Historical Park and Muang Tam are two Khmer temple complexes that are well worth a visit. They’re situated in Buriram province in Thailand’s northeast, also know as Isaan. Phanom Rung has been beautifully restored and sits atop an extinct volcano. Muang Tam lies on the plains around 8 km away. Most people visit in the morning when it’s a little cooler, but if you prefer a less crowded atmosphere then pay a visit in the afternoon. It doesn’t get too crowded though.
Phanom Rung Historical Park
Phanom Rung is one of Thailand’s most amazing Khmer sites. Built over 1,000 years ago as a Hindu temple, it later became a site for Buddhist worship. It is one of the most important ancient Khmer monuments in Thailand.
The monuments on Phanom Rung were built between the 10th and 13th centuries. The name Phanom Rung comes from the Khmer Vnam Rung, meaning vast mountain.
Phanom Rung has been completely restored and is a real pleasure to walk around.
Phanom Rung is on one of the direct lines from Angkor Wat in Cambodia to the north of Thailand. These lines pass Phnom Dangrek Mountain, the Prasat Tamuan group in Surin, Phnom Rung and Muang Tam in Buriram, and Phimai in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat). Here are a few more images from our visit.
At the base of the temple there are some shops selling souvenirs, t-shirts and other merchandise.
Phanom Rung Historical Park Details
Opening Hours: 06:00-18:00 every day
Entrance Fee: Foreigners – 100 baht or 150 baht for both sites; Thais – 20 baht or 30 baht for both sites
Prasat Muang Tam
Prasat Muang Tam is a Hindu religious monument that was constructed around 1,000 years ago for the Hindu god Shiva. It’s located around 8 km from Prasat Phnom Rung.
The architecture of Muang Tam is in the ancient Khmer style. Evidence shows that this site was abandoned around 700 years ago, with people returning around 100 years ago.
Muang Tam Details
Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00 every day
Entrance Fee: Foreigners – 100 baht or 150 baht for both sites; Thais – 20 baht or 30 baht for both sites
How To Get to Phanom Rung Historical Park and Muang Tam
If you’re traveling from Bangkok, you can get a bus or train to Buriram. See Bangkok To Surin by VIP Bus, as you can also get one of these buses to Buriram. See Bangkok To Surin By Train – this train also stops in Buriram. From Buriram you need to take a bus from the bus terminal heading towards Chanthaburi and get off at Ban Tako. Then take a songthaew (small open back bus/van) or motorcycle taxi from there to Phanom Rung. You’ll need to ask locally about getting from there to Muang Tam and back again. I think it would be quite difficult, and maybe impossible to get to see both in a day using public transport.
If you’re traveling by car, which is by far the easiest option, you need to first follow the Buriram to Nang Rong road (highway 218) for around 50 km. Then turn left onto highway 24 and proceed for another 14 km to Ban Tako. Then turn into Ban Ta Pek and drive for another 12 km to Phanom Rung. To get to Muang Tam, you’ll then need to take the road to Prakhon Chai for around 8 km. See Google Map Buriram to Phanom Rung to Muang Tam.
Hotels In Buriram
You’ll probably need to spend at least one night in Buriram, so check out the great Buriram hotel deals at Agoda. Here are three great hotels to get you started.
Amari Buriram United
Click here to book a room at Amari Buriram United.
Best Western Royal Hotel
Click here to book a room at Best Western Royal Hotel, Buriram.
Thada Chateau Hotel
Click here to book a room at Thada Chateau Hotel, Buriram.
