Phanom Rung Temple (Phanom Rung Historical Park) is one of the most impressive tourist attractions in North-east Thailand (Issan), and the best example of Khmer architecture in Thailand. Phanom Rung (see photos below) dates back to the 10th century A.D, the temple was dedicated to the Hindu deity “Shiva”. The style of Phanom Rung is very comparable to that of Angkor Wat, and in it’s own way it is no less impressive. Phanom Rung sits on the rim of an extinct volcano 400 metres above sea level, in a dominant but otherwise desolate location.
When you take in to account the sheer size of the site, the impressive paths and flights of steps and the stonework, you have to marvel at the achievement. This temple was built to last, it was not built from small manufactured bricks, but mainly crafted from stone. Time did take it’s toll though, and extensive restoration work was done in the 1970’s and 80’s, the most obvious signs of this are the many carved stones of Shiva and related Hindu deities which have been pieced together.