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- prang
**Click on the photo to blow it up to full-size**
Perhaps we should start with an explanation of what a prasat is and isn’t. Prasats are unique to the Isaan region of Thailand and Cambodia. In fact, Isaan used to belong to the vast Khmer empire of Cambodia, which arguably reached it’s height of prosperity and influence in the 11th and 12th centuries. It is believed that most of the prasats were built during this era. Prasats are temple-like sanctuaries that were connected by a “roadway” from the Isaan region stretching to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. They served as sanctuaries for weary travelers traveling along the vast roadway. Sometimes people, even Thai may mistakenly refer to the prasats (translated into English) as “castles” or “palaces” but the prasats were not used as royal residences. The inner structure of the prasats generally contain some Hindu images, reflecting Isaan’s pre-Buddhism era, though Buddhist images were later added. The prasats are often adorned with statues leading up to the main complex.
Perhaps the two most famous of the prasats, at least from a traveller’s perspective are prasat hin phimai (in Phimai) and prasat hin phanom rung (near Buriram). I have blogged a separate entry for each of these locations in this blog, so you can search through the blog entries to find more details specifically about those locations, including contact information (if available), pricing, and hours of operation.
**The attached photo is of what is known as a “prang” – a corn cob shaped tower where the sanctuaries most prestigious religious imagery was kept.
