Prasat Muang Tam Khmer temple, Isan

Please login or register to share your visit !

Explo writer

1890 pts.

Off the path Explo

54 %

Off the path Explo rate

Score

2.7 / 5

Comments

Region famous spot
Article Quality

86 %
Article Quality rate
- Description
  
  Score
  
  4 / 5
  
  Comments
  
  Good information
- Plans & useful information
  
  Score
  
  2.5 / 5
  
  Comments
  
  Yes, but no plan...
- Pictures
  
  Score
  
  5 / 5
  
  Comments
  
  Yes!
- Precise localization on map
  
  Score
  
  5 / 5
  
  Comments
  
  Yes!
- 1 specific article for 1 specific spot
  
  Score
  
  5 / 5
  
  Comments
  
  Yes!
Explo Popularity

%

Close to Phanom Rung temple, this little temple is not so well located and famous, but however, it is worth making a stop there, because you might be the day only visitor of this lovely temple!

My experience, Explo description:

Muang Tham means "the lower city". This is not the original name of the sanctuary, but it derived from the fact that it is located lower than Phanum RUng sanctuary.

It was originally built under the command of the Khmer King Jayavarman V, due to the discovery of a linga (a symbolic image representing God Shiva) in the area of the main tower. Vishnu is also supposed to have been worshipped as a minor god as many Vishnu earthly incarnations are depicted on the temple Bas-reliefs.

As the temple was built from around the 11th century AD, it has declined since the 13th century. Only 50 years ago, people came back to settle around this sanctuary, which was abandoned.

Since, the temple has been restored, under the command of King Bhumibol’s daughter.

Do not miss to have a look at the temple carvings. They are very well preserved ! For instance, try to observe the Nagas statues close to the basins.

My personal recommendations:

Some people say it is probably better to see Muang Tam before Phanom Rung to avoid disappointment. I am not sure about it : the 2 temples are really different, and Muang Tam has exceptionnal carvings and a unique impression of loneliness.

How getting there:

Muang Tham is just 5km (SE) from Phanom Rung.

Take the highway n°24 between Nang Rong and Prakhon Chai. Drive about 13km (W), and turn right when you arrive in E San Khet (Rd n°2117). But actually, once you are there, you just need to follow the road signs : Phanom Rung and Muang Tham are very well indicated.

Access plan :
View Phanom Rung and Muang Tham in a larger map

A tip to eat:

No place to eat in the park.

A tip to sleep:

There is no major city located close to Muang Tham.

You can stay in Surin, in the sympathetic Pirom and Aree’s Guest house (see related article).

Useful information:

Open hours:

from 6.00am to 6.00pm.

Visit duration:

30mn.

Entry fees: