Two Major Historical Sites in Buri Ram Attract Thai and Foreign Visitors (10/3/2016) A number of Thai and foreign tourists have visited the northeastern province of Buri Ram for two beautiful Hindu sanctuaries Prasat Phanom Rung and Prasat Muang Tam. Located 412 kilometers from Bangkok by car and 376 kilometers by train, Buri Ram is listed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) among the provinces that tourists should not miss. It borders Cambodia to the southeast and is notable for age-old civilization, especially monuments and artifacts in the Khmer style. The most famous attraction that has made a name for Buri Ram is the hilltop Hindu shrine of Phanom Rung, which is referred to as Prasat Phanom Rung. Buri Ram province is joining hands with TAT in organizing the \"Phanom Rung Festival 2016. The event, the 25th of its kind, will take place at the Phanom Rung Historical Park in Chaloem Phra Kiat district from 1 to 3 April 2016. It will feature cultural shows and a colorful light and sound presentation. Phanom Rung is recognized as the most beautiful sandstone temple in Thailand. The Khmer word \"Phanom means \"hill and the words \"Phanom Rung were derived from the ancient Khmer language, meaning \"large mountain. This Hindu sanctuary, evidence of an old civilization, is located on the top of Khao Phanom Rung, an inactive volcano. It was left unattended and in ruins for many centuries until 1935, when the Fine Arts Department registered it and declared it a national protected archeological site. A major renovation using modern techniques began in 1971 and was completed in 1988. The restoration effort took 17 years to restore the sanctuary to a state as close as possible to its original. Prasat Phanom Rung is believed to have been constructed between the 10th and 13th centuries as a shrine of worship for the god Shiva. The day that attracts the highest number of visitors is the day when the suns rays pass through the 15 portals of the sanctuary at the same instant, creating a visually stunning effect. This phenomenon is rare and amazing, and it testifies to the superb skills of the temple builders. As for Prasat Muang Tam, or Muang Tam Sanctuary, it is a complex of old monuments located in Prakhon Chai district, about 18 kilometers from Prasat Phanom Rung. The Fine Arts Department registered Muang Tam Sanctuary as a national historical site in March 1935. This Hindu sanctuary comprises five towers, built of brick on a single laterite base. It is believed to have been constructed in the last quarter of the 9th century. The sanctuary was open to visitors in 1997 after a major renovation. Both Prasat Phanom Rung and Prasat Muang Tam are major attractions in Buri Ram, which is recognized as the city of sandstone castles in the Khmer style. 29/09/2021 Page 1 กรมประชาสัมพันธ์.