Khmer temple of Prasat Hin Phanom Rung Historical Park, Buriram Province.

Phanom Rung Stone Castle or Prasat Phnom Rong in Khmer, is a Khmer temple complex set on the rim of an extinct volcano at 1,320 feet (400 m) above sea level, in Buriram province in the Isan region of Thailand.

Though a lot smaller than Angkor Wat, Phanom Rung is as architecturally rich
It was built in sandstone and laterite in the 10th to 13th centuries.
It was a Hindu shrine dedicated to Shiva, and symbolises Mount Kailash, his heavenly dwelling.
Thailand’s Department of Fine Arts spent 17 years restoring the complex to its original state from 1971 until 1988.
On 21 May 1988, the park was officially opened by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

In 2005, the temple was submitted to UNESCO for consideration as a future World Heritage Site.
Buriram is around 380km from Bangkok and can be reached by rail, bus or road.
To visit Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, it’s best to stay in the nearby town of Nang Rong (นางรอง) where there is a range of accommodation.

About five miles (8Km) from the mountain top ruins of Prasat Phanom Rung are the ruins of another Khmer temple: those of Prasat Muang Tam. Also located in the Buriram area, in the Prakhon Chai district these are also worth a stop.