








Year Built
10th-13th century CE
Period
Medieval Period
Architectural Style
Khmer Baphuon to Angkor Wat Style Hindu Temple Architecture
Built By
Khmer Empire (Suryavarman I, Suryavarman II)
Material Used
Pink Sandstone, Laterite, Brick, Stucco, Bronze
Heritage Status
UNESCO Tentative List, National Historical Park
Phanom Rung Historical Park, situated atop an extinct volcano 383 meters above sea level in Buri Ram Province, represents the most complete and architecturally sophisticated Khmer Hindu temple complex in Thailand, dedicated to Shiva as Bhadreshvara. The temple complex, constructed between the 10th and 13th centuries CE, spans approximately 60 hectares and features a meticulously planned east-west axis aligned precisely to capture the sunrise through all fifteen doorways during the equinoxes—a phenomenon that draws thousands of visitors annually. The main prasat (sanctuary tower) rises 27 meters, constructed from pink sandstone and laterite, accessed via a 160-meter-long processional walkway flanked by naga balustrades and punctuated by four cruciform gopuras. The complex includes three libraries, two ponds, and numerous subsidiary shrines, all demonstrating the evolution from Baphuon to Angkor Wat architectural styles. The temple’s lintels and pediments showcase exceptional bas-relief work depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Shiva’s cosmic dance, and various Hindu deities, with the famous Narai Bantomsin lintel considered among the finest examples of Khmer art. Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of continuous use from the 10th century through the 15th century, with restoration work conducted by the Fine Arts Department of Thailand from 1971 to 1988, culminating in the site’s designation as a historical park in 1988. The temple remains an active site of worship during annual festivals, particularly during the Phanom Rung Festival in April, when traditional Brahmin ceremonies are performed. ([1][2])
Phanom Rung was constructed in multiple phases beginning in the 10th century CE, with the earliest structures attributed to the reign of Suryavarman I (1002-1050 CE). The main prasat and most elaborate decorations date to the 12th century, likely during the reign of Suryavarman II (1113-1150 CE), the same period as Angkor Wat. The temple served as a regional administrative and religious center for the Khmer Empire’s control over the Mun River valley. Inscriptions found at the site indicate continuous use through the 15th century, with evidence of Theravada Buddhist modifications in later periods. The temple was abandoned by the 16th century and fell into ruin. French archaeologist Étienne Aymonier documented the site in 1907, followed by systematic surveys by the Fine Arts Department beginning in 1935. Major restoration work was conducted from 1971 to 1988, involving the anastylosis technique—dismantling and reconstructing structures using original materials. The site was designated a historical park in 1988 and opened to the public. ([1][2])
Étienne Aymonier, Fine Arts Department of Thailand, UNESCO




Excavations revealed multiple construction phases, foundation systems, and evidence of ritual deposits including bronze objects and ceramics. The site yielded important inscriptions in Sanskrit and Khmer providing historical context.
Major restoration 1971-1988 using anastylosis (dismantling and reconstruction); structural stabilization; lintel and pediment conservation; drainage system improvements; visitor facilities added. ([1][2])
Fine Arts Department of Thailand
Construction began with site preparation on the volcanic cone, involving extensive terracing and leveling to create the temple platform. The foundation system utilized laterite blocks laid in courses, with deeper foundations for the main prasat reaching bedrock. Sandstone blocks were quarried from nearby sources and transported using elephants and log rollers, then precisely cut using iron chisels and wooden mallets. The corbelled vaulting technique characteristic of Khmer architecture was employed for interior chambers, with each course slightly overhanging the one below until meeting at the apex. Mortar was minimal, relying instead on precise stone fitting and gravity. The pink sandstone used for decorative elements was carved on-site after placement, allowing for intricate bas-relief work. The naga balustrades were carved from single blocks of sandstone, requiring exceptional skill to achieve the serpentine forms. The temple’s alignment was achieved through astronomical observation, with the east-west axis precisely oriented to capture equinoctial sunrise. ([1][2])
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The structural system employs load-bearing masonry walls constructed from laterite blocks, with sandstone used for decorative and load-critical elements. The main prasat utilizes corbelled vaulting, where each horizontal course of stone projects slightly beyond the one below, creating a false arch that distributes loads through compression. The foundation system consists of stepped laterite platforms that distribute loads across the volcanic cone’s surface, with deeper foundations for the central tower reaching stable bedrock. The naga balustrades function as both decorative and structural elements, providing lateral stability to the walkway. The cruciform gopuras employ post-and-lintel construction with massive sandstone lintels spanning doorways. The library structures utilize barrel vaulting techniques adapted from corbelled construction. Drainage systems integrated into the platform design channel rainwater away from foundations, preventing erosion. The temple’s alignment required precise surveying techniques, likely using gnomon shadows and astronomical observations to achieve the equinoctial alignment. ([1][2])
14.532500, 102.940300
{"notes":"Steep climb to temple complex; wear comfortable shoes; respect sacred areas.","restrooms":"Available at visitor center.","wheelchair_accessible":"Limited; steep pathways and steps throughout complex."}
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Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) for best lighting and fewer crowds; April during Phanom Rung Festival for equinox sunrise phenomenon; dry season (November-March) for comfortable weather.
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Respect sacred areas; no climbing on structures; follow designated pathways; maintain quiet in temple areas.
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2025-11-09T08:48:50.849649+00:00
2025-11-09T13:42:35.467+00:00
Medieval Period
Buri Ram
Khmer Baphuon to Angkor Wat Style Hindu Temple Architecture
UNESCO Site
Phanom Rung Historical Park Buri Ram is a historic Temple located in Buri Ram, Thailand. This Khmer Baphuon to Angkor Wat Style Hindu Temple Architecture architectural masterpiece was built during the Medieval Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of Thailand. Phanom Rung Historical Park, situated atop an extinct volcano 383 meters above sea level in Buri Ram Province, represents the most complete and architecturally sophisticated Khmer Hindu temple complex...
| ฿Entry Fee | Thai nationals: 30 THB; Foreigners: 150 THB; Children under 15: Free. |
| 🕐Opening Hours | Dawn to Dusk (6 AM - 6 PM) |
| 📅Best Time to Visit | October to March (Winter) |
| ⏱️Duration | 2-3 hours |
| ♿Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| 📸Photography | Allowed (No flash) |
Check opening hours and entry fees for Phanom Rung Historical Park Buri Ram. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
Phanom Rung Historical Park Buri Ram is located in Phanom Rung Sub-district, Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Buri Ram Province, Thailand, Buri Ram. The nearest major city is Phanom Rung Sub-district. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 14.5325, 102.9403.
Entry fee: Thai nationals: 30 THB; Foreigners: 150 THB; Children under 15: Free.. Follow dress code for religious sites. Photography is allowed. Maintain silence and respect the heritage.
Allocate 2-3 hours to fully explore Phanom Rung Historical Park Buri Ram. Key areas to visit include the main sanctum, pillared halls, and intricate carvings. Consider hiring a local guide for detailed insights.
Construction of Phanom Rung Historical Park Buri Ram by Khmer Empire (Suryavarman I, Suryavarman II)
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under UNESCO Tentative List, National Historical Park
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation