TH · Buriram · 14.53°N 102.94°E

phanom rung historical park

Khmer temple on an old volcano where the sun lines up through 15 doorways.

Best time
November to February is cooler and dry. A few days a year, around March–April and September–October, the sun rises or sets through all 15 doorways, and the place gets crowded.
How long
Half a day, or 1 day with Muang Tam
Getting there
Fly from KL to Bangkok (about 2 hours), then about 1 hour on a domestic flight to Buriram and about 1.5–2 hours by car to the temple. Driving from Bangkok takes about 5 hours.
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TH · Buriramphanom rung historical park14.53°N 102.94°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Khmer temple on an old volcano where the sun lines up through 15 doorways.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingPhanom Rung Historical ParkTH, Buriram
KLphanom rung historical park
≈ 1,274 km from KL, as the crow flies
This is a photo of a monument in Thailand identified by the ID

Photo: Philip Nalangan · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Prasat Phanom Rung sits on the rim of an extinct volcano in Buriram, about 400 metres up, with wide views over the Isaan plains. A long processional walkway and naga bridges lead up to the sandstone sanctuary, built between the 10th and 13th centuries. It's one of the best-restored Khmer temples in Thailand.

Makan

  1. Isaan foodSom tam, grilled chicken and sticky rice from the local stalls.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. The processional walkwayA long avenue lined with stone posts that leads to the naga bridges and the steps up.Map ↗
  2. The central sanctuaryLook for the lintel of the reclining Vishnu, returned to Thailand from a US museum in 1988.Map ↗
  3. Prasat Muang TamA lower, flatter Khmer temple about 8 km away, with ponds inside its walls.Map ↗
  4. Buriram townHome to a big football stadium and a motor racing circuit, if anyone in the group cares.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Check the dates for the sun alignment if you want to see it, and arrive early to get a spot.
  • Bring a hat and water. The walk up to the sanctuary is mostly in full sun.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.