Nang Rong Things to Do

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There were five towers constructed on laterite bases forming two rows. The main tower was the largest and in the middle of the four minor towers. It represented Mount Meru, the centre of the universe. Unfortunately it collapsed due to the great weight of the structure. It was the same style as the smaller towers and had an antechamber. It contained a Shiva linga, a phallic symbol of Shiva's creative power. Above the entrances of the smaller towers are lintels which are wonderfully carved.

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The courtyard is situated between the outer wall and the gallery. There are four large L-shaped ponds which follow the shape of the outer wall. Each pond has a 5-headed serpent (naga) which forms a rail around the ponds.

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The outer wall and archways are made of rectangular laterite blocks topped with finials. Doors were situated in the middle of each outer wall and were made from carved sandstone. There are eight lotus petals engraved on the floors of the doorways which represent the plan of the universe, purity and good luck.

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Situated around 7km to the south of Phnom Rung, the Angkorian site of Muang Tam is a very worthwhile spot to visit and explore - especially given its proximity to the far grander Phnom Rung.

Built under the command of the Khmer Jayavarman V in the late 10th and early 11th centuries, Muang Tam is not nearly as spectacular as Phnom Rung, but that's not to say it isn't worth visiting.

The primary deity was Shiva, although Vishnu was also worshipped there. Like most Khmer temples, Muang Tum is orientated towards the east. It has a flat concentric plan, with a central sanctuary and two libraries surrounded successively by an inner enclosure, ponds, and an outer enclosure. The ponds between the enclosures are an unusual feature of the temple, as is the central sanctuary, which is not elevated and has its towers arranged in rows of three and two rather than in a quincunx. All the towers except the central one have been restored.

Open: 7am-6pm. Admission: 30 baht.

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To the southwest of the principal tower is a minor sanctuary or Prang Noi. Inside there is a sandstone altar for holding a sacred image. Its pediment in the east depicts Krishna lifting a mountain among floral motifs.

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Two Bannalais lie to the southeast and northeast of the principal tower. The buildings are rectangular and have only one entrance. They were built in the last period, around the 13th century, and used as a library for holy scriptures.

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The principal tower was constructed from pink sandstone and has a square plan. Double porches were built in the north, south and west. To the east is a rectangular room called the Mandapa (or antechamber) which is connected to the tower by an annex. It is believed that the tower was built by Narendraditya in the 12th century. Inside the inner sanctum, is assumed to have enshrined the linga - a phallic symbol of Shiva. The entrances have various lintels and icons depicting Hindu religious stories, e.g. the dancing Shiva and the five Yogi's.

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The inner galleries were built as the wall around the principal tower. The galleries are long, narrow rectangular rooms divided into cells. The inner galleries have arched gateways on all four sides. The outer walls of the galleries were carved as false windows. The pediment over the doorway of the eastern gallery was carved with the sculpture of a hermit who is assumed to be an avatar of Shiva as the healer.