Lost in Time: The Majestic Ruins of Phanom Rung, Thailand

Join me on an incredible journey to the **ancient Khmer ruins of Phanom Rung, one of Thailand's most stunning historical sites located in Buriram province. Explore the beautifully preserved Hindu temple complex set atop an extinct volcano, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Discover the rich Angkor-era architecture, intricate sandstone carvings, and the sanctuary dedicated to Shiva, which dates back to the 10th century.
Perfect for history enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and those who love off-the-beaten-path travel in Thailand. Don't miss out on the Phanom Rung Historical Park-a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the hidden gems of Thailand!
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[@andrew.l.5493]

Wow. First view. Beautiful ruins.

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks for the view. Yes, it’s definitely the best Khmer era Temple I have seen in Thailand. Cheers

[@gregoryfrancisjames5071]

If this was in UK, you'd pay £25 entry fee and £8.50 for a muffin and a cuppa. Nice one Karl.

[@karlsthailand]

That’s a great point Greg. Good to keep it all in perspective. Cheers

[@Samuel_J_Russell]

Yeah you know that, greed has ruined everything in the UK and even the simplest of tourist attractions are a rip off these days. This is one of the great things about living in Thailand, attractions like this will cost you less than a couple of quid and many of them are still free.

[@lemonfarmthailand]

I really enjoy going for an early morning walk here once or twice a month. Beautiful place. 🍋🍋

[@karlsthailand]

What a privilege to be able to do that. Thanks

[@Glyn69]

Fabulous contrnt Karl, the ruins look well worth a visit , the editing with the music was well suited .

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks, that was an intensely hot day and it really sapped our energy

[@kevincunningham9589]

Thanks Karl. I've been there twice now and find the design and accuracy of the stone work just amazing. Such a beautiful, historical site. Yes, so lucky to be able to walk around the grounds without security telling you off or blowing loud whistles at you.😊 , historical place.

[@karlsthailand]

That freedom to explore is something I really appreciate. Stonehenge and Angkor used to be like that too but not any longer. Cheers

[@paramedicinparadise9795]

I would swear I am at Angkor Wat, amazing similarities. Great vid 👍

[@karlsthailand]

It does indeed look very similar although it is not a much smaller scale. Cheers

[@STEADY599]

Excellent. Very good place to visit.

[@karlsthailand]

It really is Eddy. Great to hear from you. Cheers

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

You were lucky with the weather. Thanks for the nice pictures !!!

[@Treefinger1]

I don't know if 37°C can be called lucky

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

@@Treefinger1 ... I ment the humidity, it's rainy season

[@karlsthailand]

It was 41c by the time we left. Definitely intense and it totally drained us as we’d driven from Pattaya and gone up small mountain earlier the same day.

[@MarkDenson-ld8bf]

Quite Stunning thank you for sharing this with us

[@karlsthailand]

My pleasure Mark. Cheers

[@donaldcroom1483]

love this. in my limited travels, my 1st thought coming off the plane is, okay let's go check out some history.

[@nigelchnzl5355]

man that was hot day mate good work mate

[@karlsthailand]

It was intense wasn’t it Nigel. Great to have you along mate. I was impressed with your knowledge. Cheers

[@chrish8903]

Great stuff. Will have to venture out that way soon.

[@karlsthailand]

Well worth a look Chris if you’ve in the area.

[@jke360]

Another great video Karl Thank you definitely on my bucket list for my next trip to Thailand 🙏🏻

[@karlsthailand]

That bucket list must be getting very long now lol. Cheers

[@MarkSantaCruz]

Good work with the music Karl. I guess there wasn’t so much hiking to get there from the car. Nice interaction with the Thai people again.

[@karlsthailand]

Not much hiking at all Mark. Cheers

[@AG1977]

Very nice Karl,keep up the knowledge mate

[@karlsthailand]

Will do! Cheers

[@SurinLeiningen]

I enjoyed visiting that place very much. Prasat Muang Tam nearby is smaller but also a pleasant visit. I drive by that quite often from here in Surin.

[@karlsthailand]

We had intended going there but it was a long day for us having driven from Pattaya early and going up and down a small mountain before we got there. The heat sealed it for us. Cheers

[@mrballding1936]

Thanks for sharing, Karl 🙏

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks for watching. Cheers

[@quinnerefc]

Great stuff Karl!

[@karlsthailand]

Thank you

[@Samuel_J_Russell]

It's my favourite Khmer temple in Thailand too. The nearby Prasat Muang Tam is almost as beautiful - it's probably bigger than Phanom Rung but it isn't as well preserved. Phanom Rung has the more spectacular setting because it's at the top of a hill and has magnificent steps leading up to it but Prasat Muang Tam is certainly worth a look. The next time I go to Phanom Rung I'm going to go early and watch the sunrise.

[@karlsthailand]

We just don’t have the energy to do the other one Sam. We’d driven from Pattaya early that morning and visited Wat Khao Chom Thong on the way. It would have been nice though. One of ‘our’ videos will be up at 1pm tomorrow btw. Cheers

[@vegas_vince1238]

haha! Here is Vegas it has been over 41 Celsius every day for the last 3 months! (no humidity though, but still brutal) I love these temples and I can't wait to see them for myself! Thank you Karl.

[@karlsthailand]

The humidity here definitely makes a difference but over 40C is very hot anywhere! Cheers

[@christophergale9438]

Hi Karl,what a fantastic place just my cup of tea have to put on my places to visit list. My wife went there with her work last year and said it’s stunning, loved the old photos you not aged 🤔555.

[@karlsthailand]

Cheers Chris. IMO it’s the pick of all the Khmer era ruins in Thailand. Cheers

[@CJINPARADISE]

Very nice. You always go nice places. Cheers Karl

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks CJ. I do try to find the hidden gems of which Thailand is blessed.

[@JBWanders73]

Nice one mate... I love it there... it looked so hot!

[@karlsthailand]

It was sapping Jimmy, especially after having left Pattaya at 4am and having explored a small mountain on the way. I noticed that Nigel had answered your question about why the stones had holes in them. Cheers

[@JBWanders73]

@@karlsthailand Ibet is ws mate. I know why the stones had holes in them, it's well documented kARL; I wanted people to comment..... they didn't haha

[@bazzatheblue]

I went there 18 years ago with my brothers in laws who lived around Buri Ram,quite a place.The Khmers empire had quite a reach into what is now Thailand.

[@karlsthailand]

Yes, it’s amazing how many relics from the era remain and how far they enter into present day Thailand. Cheers

[@mariettathornton5924]

What a beautiful place! It sure looks similar to the temples in Siem Reap…Angkor Wat and such! Thanks for posting this video 😊

[@karlsthailand]

Yes, you are right. They do tend to look very similar although it’s on a much smaller scale than Angkor.

[@94vrcommodore]

I went there with my Thai GF at the start of this year. Very beautiful Khmer temple

[@karlsthailand]

It really is the pick of the bunch from the Khmer era ruins in Thailand isn’t it? Cheers

[@94vrcommodore]

@@karlsthailand it sure is. The beauty of this place is, it isn’t overly run with tourists. Just locals

[@andrewhyland9212]

Something very beautiful and calming being in and around the Khmer temples. The architecture is stunning for the age of the workmanship. Will look this one up, it makes the one in Phimai look sad, possibly as the town is pretty much built within the temple grounds.

[@ลดทองแม้น-น5ภ]

ครับผม

[@ลดทองแม้น-น5ภ]

ครับพ่อ

[@ลือชัยซื่อตรง]

ปราสาทินพิมายสร้างมาก่อน ปราสาทหินพนมรุ้งและนครวัด จึงดูเก่าแก่กว่า

[@karlsthailand]

จริงหรือครับ ผมไม่ได้รู้เลย

[@farangtravels3956]

It's a great place to visit, thanks 👍

[@karlsthailand]

My pleasure. It really is! Cheers

[@farangdownunder4724]

Looks great Karl very interesting. At first I thought, similar to Phi Mai but the grounds are much bigger and more partially complete ruins. By the look of the numbers of monks It looks like there is an active Buddhist Wat too? Kob Khorn Khup 🙏🙏🙏

[@karlsthailand]

It’s well worth a visit FDU. I’m not so sure about it being a functional Temple but there have been plenty of monks around on both of my visits there. Cheers

[@SirNova2o9]

Beautiful Khmer temple. I'm proud to be the descendant. Yes, the land you walk on is the land my ancestors used to walk on. You can find Khmer temples all over Thailand. Enjoy.

[@karlsthailand]

I’ve been to quite a few but this is my favourite. It was my second visit, my first was in 2009

[@oom_moo_o0o]

You must be grateful to us Cambodians for letting you walk on our Cambodian land. Remember this. If we didn't allow it, you wouldn't have the right.

[@supernanny82]

great karl xx

[@minburibkk]

Good little video, Karl.

[@karlsthailand]

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you

[@rickmccann4016]

I just got back from Siem Reap and wish I had your camera. That definitely mixes right in.

[@karlsthailand]

Well it’s nowhere near on the same scale as Angkor Wat and my main camera for this video was just an iPhone 14 Pro with a gimbal. They’re great in good light. Cheers

[@thethailandtravellers]

We went there in 2017😊it's a beautiful spot and we will visit it again in the future👍

[@karlsthailand]

Yes, IMO it’s the pick of the Khmer era ruins n Thailand. Cheers

[@ChasingDreamsInThailand]

Another bucket list place from Karl’s Thailand. Well done sir. 👏🏻👏🏻

[@Mona-ew8fp]

I thought the same…….

[@karlsthailand]

My pleasure. Thank you

[@karlsthailand]

Cheers

[@Brakehill]

I was in Surin a few weeks ago and was going to visit, didn't get the chance in the end, but will definitely have a peek next year 👍

[@karlsthailand]

Well worth the drive from Surin if you add in another destination or two to make the drive worthwhile. Cheers

[@pauly44loveyou]

Hi mate good video, I live in Buriram and this is my favourite temple to go to if I need to reset my brain, cheers mate 👍🏻🫡

[@karlsthailand]

My pleasure Paul. Cheers

[@pauly44loveyou]

@@karlsthailand great channel by the way all positive, not the usual negative format on Thailand 🙄

[@karlsthailand]

@pauly44loveyou Thanks so much Paul. I try to be positive

[@tonfather9731]

So beautiful Thailand 👍👍👍😊

[@karlsthailand]

So many stunning places on n Thailand. Cheers

[@Chaichana_metalrock]

Have a good trip sir🙏🏻🫶🏻💕🇹🇭

[@karlsthailand]

ขอบคุณครับ

[@richardwiediger7298]

How are accommodations near this wat? Kind of a mini Angkor wat, great video!😊

[@karlsthailand]

There are bound to be Richard. I really like the cheap resorts that abound outside of the cities all over Thailand. I’m sure you could find one nearby. Cheers

[@angkorkhmerempire6079]

Love the fact that you acknowledged that it is Khmer ruins. Great VDO!

[@karlsthailand]

I did although I have been ‘corrected’ by some people in these comments lol. Cheers

[@ลือชัยซื่อตรง]

Welcome to Thailand.

[@karlsthailand]

ขอบคุณครับ

[@PaulCousins-ko3jd]

Those ruins look fascinating sir, you both deserve a cold one 🍺🍻❤

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks very much. I tell you the heat was intense that day

[@misterkwai]

Not far from Phanom Rung there's also Prasat Muang Tam, smaller but worth a visit too. :)

[@minburibkk]

yeah that is worth a visit. I went there with JBWanders. Check it out.

[@sergefranchois1701]

In Europe, when you walk in these ancient forts, you immediately feel the difference..they are always cool even when hot outside. Never visited one of these Khmer temples.. are they also naturally cool inside? 41C is borderline excruciating

[@karlsthailand]

Yes, that’s something I have noticed. The are very hot outside as the sunlight bounces off the rock but very cool once you get inside. Cheers

[@maxhyper2863]

This temple was built by the prince, the grandson of the king who built Angkor Wat. The ancient quarry is about 30 kilometers away. Near the temple is Prasat Muang Tam, which is older and also beautiful.

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks for the extra information. We were going to visit the other site but we’d had a very long day and the heat had sapped all our energy. Cheers

[@reoun1654]

True right about Angkor Wat I was there 20 years ago then went back a few times as I lived in Vietnam and the introduction of MASS tourism turnt me off it forever .....great there though mate heat looked a wee tough though🤙🤙🤙

[@karlsthailand]

Yes, there’s no turning back with Angkor, I couldn’t believe how relatively inaccessible it was the last time I went there. Cheers

[@ianfitton272]

I live in Sisaket Province. Where are you going there?Bottle temple?I've been many times to the temple in Buriram. Lots of steps😆

[@karlsthailand]

It’s a beautiful place to live. My subscriber s are used to steps lol. You will see where I went we’re heading in my next video 😉. Cheers

[@ianfitton272]

@@karlsthailand OK mate.Cheers🤗

[@themiddlejourney6286]

Hi mate is it a good idea to have some vaccination before visiting thailand? Some people say Hep A , typhoid etc. Have you got any suggestions. Much appreciated for your time. Great vid

[@karlsthailand]

I would just consult your doctor or search online for the current requirements. I don’t think you’re particularly at risk unless you are going to hang out in some REALLY out of the way places. Precautions against biting mosquitoes in the evening are often worthwhile out of cities. Enjoy your trip, cheers

[@themiddlejourney6286]

@karlsthailand thanks mate 👍 appreciate you giving me the time

[@TonyHedges]

Have you been to Phi Mai near Nakhon Ratchasima? Extensive Khmer Ruins there. Big enough for an entrance fee and when I went, farang price!

[@karlsthailand]

Yes Tony but not since 1991. Actually I have stayed in Phi Mai a few times in the recent past but have always been breaking up long journeys (including this recent trip with Nigel) and have never made a return because I’m in a hurry. I’ll try to change that, cheers

[@ลดทองแม้น-น5ภ]

ต้องเจอ

[@karlsthailand]

น่าเที่ยวมากครับ ขอบคุณ

[@RealSpaceHobo]

9:04 Was that BRYAN Flowers?....🙂

[@karlsthailand]

Yes, well spotted, early 2009.

[@RealSpaceHobo]

@@karlsthailand Hardly changed a whisker....🙂

[@dakalasujan509]

It was Khom Architecture including Angkor Wat, not Khmer.

[@karlsthailand]

Yes, another person pointed that out too. Thanks

[@SirNova2o9]

@@karlsthailand Is Khmer. That person had racist view. Stop with your nationalist view!

[@sirisakpansiri233]

There are only 4 times/year to see sunrise/sunset through 15 ancient doors of Phanom Rung historical park. The last phenomenon this year will be sunset around 5-7 OCT 2024 5:55 pm (depends on weather condition). Entrance fee for tourist is 100 THB/person. Note: Khmer (Khom in Thai) was an ancient nation, not today Cambodian. We have never used "Khmer Art" to defind such type of creations but "Khom Art" is the correct word.

[@SirNova2o9]

Bro, stop with the hate. It's Khmer. Stop embarrassing your nation.

[@sirisakpansiri233]

@@SirNova2o9 How do you feel? If your neighboring country has almost completely copied tradition & cultures from your country and accuse you of being their civilization thief? Khmer copied all Thai famous stuff like "Pad Thai", "Mango Sticky Rice", "Thai Tradition Dress" "Songkran Festival" "Muay Thai" are not exception.

[@SirNova2o9]

@@sirisakpansiri233 Mango and rice? That's not exclusively a Thai thing. Many cultures enjoy fruit with rice. It's perplexing when a country that rebelled against its ruler accuses another of imitation, isn't it?

[@sirisakpansiri233]

@@SirNova2o9 A bit surprise that you don't know Thai "Mango Sticky Rice". Well, it means the rest of them are true. Don't try to sell counterfeit products at genuine prices to customer.

[@karlsthailand]

Several people have pointed that out to me in the comments, thanks. Yes it would have been great from a photographic perspective to see it at one of those 4 times of year. Cheers

[@biketrip4376]

ฉันเห็นคุณชอบการเดินขึ้นภูเขาสูง ฉันอยากแนะนำ อุทยานฯแห่งชาติ ภูสอยดาว จ.อุตรดิตถ์ ที่นี่คนจะนิยมไปในฤดูฝน เพราะจะมีทุ่งดอกไม้บานในช่วงนี้ มันสวยงามมาก คุณจะไม่ผิดหวัง แต่ฉันขอเตือนคุณก่อนนะว่า มันยากกว่า ภูกระดึง 2 เท่า 🏕💚

[@karlsthailand]

คาร์ลอยากไปมานานแล้วครับแต่ยังไม่มีโอกาส ขอบคุณมากครับ

[@gregoryfrancisjames5071]

Stonehenge eat yer heart out. 😊

[@karlsthailand]

😂

[@malin5468]

I love Khmer temples. Thanks for sharing.

[@karlsthailand]

My pleasure Malin. Thank you

[@samm35393]

Yes this is one of many Cambodia khmer ancient temples in Thailand or Siam Laos Vietnam where Cambodia khmer empire were there back then all the way to Burma border what is now Myanmar too truly splendidly and wondrously humans creations heavenly on earth for God to protect humanity here as beautifully as heavenly

[@karlsthailand]

Yes, there are many such locations in Thailand and some are in very good condition. Cheers

[@saptaiyut-sty4211]

@@karlsthailand มันไม่ใช่ของพวกเขมรนะครับ ชาวสยามอยู่ในแผ่นดินนี้นับหมื่นๆปี และเป็นชนชั้นที่ถ่ายทอดศิลปะต่างๆให้กับพวกเขมรต่ำ มาแต่โบราณแล้ว เขมรเพิ่งถูกแยกตัวออกไปจากการที่ฝรั่งเศษเข้ามาเท่านั้นเอง แต่ก่อนเขมรก็เป็นชนชาติสยามมากอนครับ พวกเขมรก็คือส่วนหนึ่งของสยามครับ

[@saptaiyut-sty4211]

@@karlsthailand คนอีสานใต้ที่คุณเห็นในพื้นที่ก็คือเขมรของจริงเป็นชนชั้นปรกครองของพวกเขมรต่ำครับ ในสมัยโบราณครับ

[@AndrewpeterkilleyAndrewKilley]

I leave near this and I find it a great place for a day out. Also, it's good to see the temple hasn't been tagged by wanna-be Banky's.

[@karlsthailand]

What a great place to live near to. Yes, I hate to think that people would be that malicious. Cheers

[@thestewozshow7042]

I went in 2003, I remember hearing about some Americans taking (stealing) a feature stone. So some band maybe Carabao wrote a song, singing "you can keep your Michael Jackson just give us our stone back" now I've searched like mad but nothing. Maybe you or anyone else has any idea what the hell I'm on about.

[@karlsthailand]

No. I remember that incident being in the news well. My understanding was that it was ‘stolen’ and then placed in an American museum. The negotiations for its return went on for years. Cheers

[@Tiaimo]

It was stolen around 1960 during Vietnam war and then show up in Chicago Museum. Carabao was planning to release their new album to promote campaign for returning this craft stone. Then it had been return to Thailand through negotiation in 1988 - Caraboa decided to release 1 day prior of returning. I guess you means this carabao song. kzbin.info/www/bejne/laHZeH2ipJhrmqM th.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%87_(%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B1%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%87)

[@thestewozshow7042]

@@karlsthailand but whats the bloody song 55

[@karlsthailand]

@@thestewozshow7042 ทับหลัง Tap Lang (The Lintel)

[@thestewozshow7042]

@@karlsthailand oh the relief just 21 years 55

[@Tiaimo]

สวัสดีครับพี่คาร์ล สนุกเสมอกับคลิปพาเที่ยวตามที่ต่างๆในไทย

[@karlsthailand]

คาร์ลดีใจมากฯครับ ขอบคุณ

[@karlsthailand]

คาร์ลดีใจมากฯครับ ขอบคุณ

[@ugyr368]

It's not Khmer but Khom temple was built before Angkor wat

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks for the correction

[@SirNova2o9]

Please stop embarrassing yourself and your nation. Phnom Rung built by the great KHmer.