Northeastern Thailand - Thailand - page 854

Other Khmer Ruins
For those with an insatiable appetite for Khmer ruins, the area around Phanom Rung of-
fers a smorgasbord of lesser-known sites that, taken together, create a picture of the cru-
cial role this region once played in the Khmer empire. Most people find these places of
only minor interest, but driving through this rice-growing region offers an unvarnished
look at village life and will surely make for an enlightening trip. All of the following sites,
restored to some degree by the Fine Arts Department, are free of charge and open during
daylight hours.
Kuti Reusi Nong Bua Rai sits right below Phanom Rung, and the similar but more atmo-
spheric Kuti Reusi Khok Meuang is just northwest of Prasat Muang Tam.
Little of Prasat Khao Plaibat is left standing. But the adventure of finding it, along with
cool views of both Phanom Rung and the Dangrek Mountains on the Cambodian border,
makes it worth seeking out. The seldom-used trail starts at Wat Khao Plaibat, 3km from
Prasat Muang Tam. Pass the gate next to the giant Buddha image, veer right at the gù·đì
(monks' quarters) and slip through the barbed-wire fence. From here take the path to the
right, and then a quick left up the hill and follow the strips of orange cloth tied to trees.
The walk up the hill should take less than 30 minutes if you don't get lost along the way,
though it's likely you will. If you ask a monk he might lead you there.
Prasat Khok Ngio , 3km before Pakham, has a small museum with old pots and Buddha im-
ages unearthed around the temple.
Prasat Thong (aka Khok Prasat) near the market in Ban Kruat town, has recently been re-
stored with new brick walls and is now worth a stop if you're passing through.
The sandstone used to build these ancient structures came from the widely scattered Lan
Hin Dtat Ban Kruat (Ban Kruat Quarry), which is best seen at Wat Lan Hin Dtat, southwest of
Ban Kruat town. One cutting site is near the parking lot: take the trail to the right after the
Buddha statue and look to your left as you walk up the steps.
Also near Ban Kruat are Tao Nai Chian and the larger Tao Sawai , two kilns that supplied
pottery to much of the Khmer empire between the 9th and 13th centuries. Today they're
little more than piles of dirt and brick with roofs over them.
You can easily add Surin Province's Prasat Ta Meuan ( Click here ) to your trip around
this region. It's 55km from Phanom Rung.