Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
one of the vehicles from Nang Rong; or just taking a motorcycle taxi (300B return) direct
to Phanom Rung.
P California Inter Hostel's standard one-day tour (2736B, for four people) is a good
choice because as well as Phanom Rung, Muang Tam and Wat Khao Angkhan, you'll get
to visit a silk-weaving village.
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Around Phanom Rung
Prasat Muang Tam
Prasat Muang Tam (admission 100B; 6am-6pm) is an ideal bolt-on to any visit to Phanom Rung,
8km to the northwest. Dating back to the late 10th century or early 11th century and
sponsored by King Jayavarman V, 'Lower City' is Isan's third most interesting Khmer
temple complex (after Phanom Rung and Phimai) in terms of size, atmosphere and quality
of restoration work. Also, making it worth a visit are the many superb carvings still in
situ, including one lintel depicting Shiva and his consort Uma riding the sacred bull,
Nandi.
The complex, built as a shrine to Shiva, has an unusual layout. Most significantly, the
five prang are grouped three in front and two in back rather than the typical quincunx
cross shape. The principal prang , likely representing Mt Kailasa, Shiva's home, could not
be rebuilt. Four lotus-filled L-shaped ponds, representing the oceans, ring the prang and
are themselves surrounded by whimsical five-headed naga . Muang Tam is the only Kh-
mer temple with this particular arrangement.
Begin your visit across the road in the small information centre ( 6am-6pm) , next to
Barai Muang Tam (a 510m-by-1090m reservoir dug by the Khmer), which has good displays
about the site. The village has a homestay ( 08 9070 8889; per person with 3 meals 500B) program,
but for independent travellers the private Tanyaporn Guesthouse (
08 7431 3741; r 350-500B;
) , southwest of the ruins, is an easier option.
Motorcycle-taxi drivers will add Muang Tam onto a trip to Phanom Rung for another
150B.
 
 
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