Thailand Guide
The northeast: Isaan
Prasat Muang Tam
Opening time: Daily 6am–6pm; Tourist information centre daily 9am–4.30pm
Price: B100 or B150 including entrance to Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung
Address: 8km southeast of Phanom Rung
Down on the well-watered plains, the small but elegant temple complex of Prasat Muang Tam is sited behind a huge kilometre-long reservoir, which was probably constructed at the same time. Like Phanom Rung, Muang Tam was probably built in stages between the tenth and thirteenth centuries, and is based on the classic Khmer design of a central tower flanked by minor towers and encircled by a gallery and four entrance pavilions.
Once through the main, eastern entrance to the complex, it's a pretty scene, with the central gallery encircled by four L-shaped ponds lined with laterite brick steps designed to enable easy access for priests drawing sacred water, and possibly also for devotees to cleanse themselves before entering the central sanctuary. The rims are constructed from sandstone blocks emulating sacred water serpents. Though the main, central, tower has collapsed, leaving only its base, the four other towers are merely decapitated and some have carved lintels intact. The lintel above the doorway of the front right tower is particularly lively in its depiction of the popular scene showing Uma and her consort Shiva riding the bull Nandi.