Prasat Phanom Wan (Phanom Wan Stone Castle)

History & Significance

Prasat Phanom Wan was originally constructed using bricks around the 15th Buddhist century. Later, during the 18th to 19th Buddhist centuries, stone structures were erected over the original brick foundations. Ancient inscriptions discovered at the site refer to it as 'Devasrama', signifying its initial purpose as a Hindu shrine before it was converted into a Buddhist site. It is listed as the fifth largest stone sanctuary in Thailand. The Fine Arts Department excavated and restored the complex between 1989 and 1999, using the anastylosis method to rebuild the main sanctuary.

Highlights & What to See

The complex features several significant architectural elements:

• Main Prang (Prang Prathan): The central sanctuary features a connecting corridor measuring 25.50 meters long and 10.20 meters wide. Its northern porch houses an Ayutthaya-style standing Buddha image in the attitude of forbidding fear.
• Prang Noi: Located to the southwest of the main prang, this structure is built from red sandstone and houses a large red sandstone Buddha footprint.
• Cloister & Gopura: A sandstone and laterite gallery surrounds the main courtyard, measuring 54 meters wide by 63.30 meters long. Elevated stone entrance pavilions (Gopuras) are positioned on all four sides.
• Noen Oraphim: Situated nearly 300 meters east of the sanctuary, this mound contains traces of a moat and laterite foundations. It is hypothesized to have served as a special royal bathing pavilion or guest residence for rulers, including King Jayavarman VII or his royal envoys.
• Sa Phleng Baray: A large ancient reservoir located to the east, measuring 275 meters wide by 475 meters long.

Visitor Information

Prasat Phanom Wan is open daily from 07:30 to 17:30. Admission fees are 10 THB for Thai citizens and 80 THB for foreign visitors. Parking facilities are available on-site.

How to Get There

The attraction is located at Wat Phanom Wan, Ban Ma Kha, Tambon Ban Pho, along the Korat-Khon Kaen Road in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.