The stone castle of Phanom Rung, a historical fragrance.

Phnom Rung Historical Park, also known as Phnom Rung Stone Castle, is one of the stone castles in the Rajamarg group. It is located in Moo 2 (Ban Don Nong Naen), Ta Pek Subdistrict, Chalerm Phra Kiat District, about 77 kilometers south of Buriram City. It consists of important ancient monuments, which are located on the top of an extinct volcano, about 200 meters above the plain (about 350 meters from mean sea level). The word Phnom Rung comes from the Khmer language word Vana Rung, which means big mountain.

The Phanom Rung stone castle is currently under consideration for World Heritage status, along with other stone castles in the Rajamarka group. Phanom Rung is one of the most famous Khmer stone castles in Thailand and is a major tourist attraction in Buriram province. It is also an important symbol of the province and is featured on the emblem of Buriram United Football Club.

Phnom Rung is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, built between the 15th and 17th centuries. In the 18th century, King Jayavarman VII converted to Mahayana Buddhism and the temple was transformed into a Mahayana Buddhist temple. The temple is built from pink sandstone and sits atop Phnom Rung hill, 1,320 feet above sea level. The name Phnom Rung means "big mountain." It is believed to have been built between the 15th and 18th centuries. Inscriptions suggest that King Rajendravarman III (1487-1511) built the temple as a dedication to Shiva. King Jayavarman V (1511-1544) donated land and slaves to the temple. In the 17th century, Nrendraditya, a lord of the Mahidharapura dynasty, built the temple and performed penance as a yogi at Phnom Rung.

The lintels of Narai sleeping in the ocean at Prasat Hin Phanom Rung are the most famous Thai antiquities. It is believed that they were stolen around 1960 during the Vietnam War and were displayed at the Art Institute of Chicago, United States of America. However, the Thai people, led by the government and Mom Chao Subhadradis Diskul, were able to return the lintel in time for the opening ceremony of Phanom Rung Historical Park in 1988.

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The Phanom Rung stone castle was built in accordance with Hinduism, specifically the Shaiva sect, which worships Shiva as the supreme deity. Therefore, Phanom Rung is considered to be a representation of Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva.

The architecture and layout of Prasat Phnom Rung are designed to be linear, emphasizing the central point, the main sanctuary facing east. To the right of the stairs leading to the religious site is a building called a "Phlappla." This building may be the one currently known as the "Phlappla Pleoeng Krung," which served as a resting place for the king to prepare himself before entering the sanctuary or performing ceremonies within the religious complex.

The Phenomenon of Sunrise Illuminating the 15 Gates

On April 3-5 and September 8-10 of each year, the rising sun shines through the 15 doorways, illuminating the magnificent blend of nature and ancient architecture. Villagers hike to witness this spectacle. Similarly, on March 6-8 and October 6-8 of each year, the setting sun shines through the 15 doorways.

Getting to Phanom Rung Historical Park

There are two routes to reach Phanom Rung Historical Park by private car from Buriram province:

• Take Highway 218 (Buriram-Nang Rong) for approximately 50 kilometers. Then turn left onto Highway 24 (Sikhio-Ubon Ratchathani) until you reach Takho Village, approximately 14 kilometers. Turn right onto Highway 2117 and pass Ban Ta Pek, Chalerm Phra Kiat District, for another 12 kilometers to reach Phanom Rung Historical Park.
• Take Highway 219 (Buriram-Prakon Chai) for approximately 44 kilometers until you reach Prakon Chai District. You will see a junction leading to Phanom Rung Historical Park. Continue for approximately 21 kilometers on Highway 2075 and turn right onto Highway 2117 to reach Phanom Rung Historical Park.

Getting to Phanom Rung Historical Park from Buriram Bus Terminal

If you are traveling by bus from Buriram Bus Terminal, take the Buriram-Chanthaburi bus route. Disembark at Takho Village. From there, you can take a songthaew (shared taxi) to Phanom Rung Historical Park. Alternatively, you can take a motorbike taxi.

The skilled tour guide in the red plaid shirt is Mr. Thed Kachen, a knowledgeable staff member at the Phanom Rung Historical Park. He is providing a presentation to a group of diplomats who are guests of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Mr. Thed has extensive experience in guiding VIP guests from various countries.