Phanom Rung is an ancient temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Located on the rim of an extinct volcano at a height of 402 meters, the temple is a unique place in Thailand. The Khmer architectural wonder was constructed between 10th and 13th century AD and was restored to its original form after a strenuous effort of 17 years (1971 to 1988) by the Department of Fine Arts. The sandstone and laterite structure has a stupendous 160-meter-long processional walkway bordered by seventy sandstone posts with lotus bud tops. The florid temple architecture with detailed stone carvings, the entrance embellished with various icons from Hindu mythology, and the stone sculpture of a five-headed snake will surely enthrall you. The Phra Narai Lintel, which depicts a reclining Hindu god Vishnu, decorates the eastern entrance and attracts attention due to the controversies associated with it.
