​        One of the wonderful phenomena created by the designers of this ancient site, the temple of Prasat Phanom Rung, is the sunrise and sunset phenomenon, when the sun shines through all 15 portals of the building. It is located in Phanom Rung Historical Park, Buriram Province, and the first phenomenon will occur as the sun sets through the doors on 5-7 March 2023. 

​        Only two times a year, on 3-5 April and 8-10 September, can we see the sun rise through all 15 openings in a row at Prasat Phanom Rung, and only two times in the fall, on 5-7 March and 5-7 October, does the sun set through the portals.

​        Since the sun event at the 15 portals of Prasat Phanom Rung is weather-dependent, those who visit may want to bring some good fortune with them. There is no way to witness the phenomenon if the sky is overcast, rainy, or otherwise unfavorable.

​        Approximately 200 meters above sea level, on top of an extinct volcano, is where you'll find Prasat Hin Phanom Rung. “Big mountain” is the literal translation of the Khmer phrase “phanom rung.” Built between the 15th and 18th centuries of the Buddhist era (543 years ahead of the Western calendar), Prasat Hin Phanom Rung is a famous stone castle in the Khmer architectural style.

​        Once upon a time, it served as a Hindu temple. One of the first things we notice when we get to Prasat Hin Phanom Rung is the long, sandstone-and-laterite stairway that leads up the mountain from its base. To the east of the main castle is a row of buildings. The lintels depict scenes from the Ramayana and other stories about Hindu deities.