Candidate of the week: Phanom Rung Historical Park
http://www.bangkokpost.com/9destinations
http://www.bangkokpost.com/161008_Horizons/161008_Horizons20.jpg
One of the most beautiful Khmer-style sacred stone sanctuaries within our borders, Phanom Rung was constructed of pink sandstone and when the sunlight bathes it in the early morning and again late in the afternoon the whole structure exudes a warm, inviting glow.
It was built in stages between the 10th and 13th centuries to honour Shiva, one of the triumvirate of supreme deities in Hinduism. The architecture bears many similarities to that of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, but everything is built on a much smaller scale.
From the principal entrance at the front, three naga bridges lead into the temple complex. Its main hall houses a stone lingam, symbol of Shiva “the destroyer”, considered the most powerful member of the trinity. The stone lintels over doorways into this hall are carved with images of other deities in the Hindu pantheon of gods, the most striking of which is one called the Narai Bantomsin which bears a representation of a reclining Vishnu.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/161008_Horizons/161008_Horizons19.jpg
Phanom Rung Historical Park is perched on a dormant volcano, 402 metres above sea level, and faces east. It is the only place in Thailand where you can view a solar event taking place by looking, in turn, through all 15 gates to the complex. The best time to see the sun rise there is around the beginning of April; for an amazing sunset experience, pay a visit in September or October - and hope that rain clouds don’t obscure the vista !
Artisans from the Department of Fine Arts began restoring the complex in 1971. The work took 17 years and it was not until 1988 that the sanctuary was reopened to the public.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/161008_Horizons/161008_Horizons21.jpg
If you make the trip to Phanom Rung and you have your own transport you might like to drive on a bit farther to see Prasat Muang Tam, a smaller stone sanctuary built in a similar architectural style. Its main hall is in ruins but the other buildings are still in good condition, though, and the site makes a great spot for a picnic !
Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com