Prasaat Phanom Rung and Muang Tam are located in Buriram. Prasaat Phanom Rung is one of the most significant Khmer monuments in Thailand. It was built in the 10th-13th century A.D. Phanom Rung was a Hindu Saivite (Shiva) monastery. Sculptures also present images of Vishnu. A processional way leads through Naga bridges to the main sanctuary. Lintels, pediments depict the Hindu Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, with also scenes of the Ramayana. The most famous lintel (Vishnu Anantasayin) depicts Vishnu reclining on the back of the Naga King Ananta. This lintel disappeared for many years outside the country, but was recently returned. The setting of Phanom Rung is quite scenic, with views of the countryside all around. The site is probably the most visited Khmer monument in Thailand. If you want it quieter, be sure to arrive before 10 A.M. Muang Tam ('low city') is located nearby, and is worth a visit all by itself. Around its main structure, five 'brick' towers and ponds with lotus flowers are present. There is not much supervision and school children seem to use the area as a playing ground.
这里的柬埔寨小孩跟其他地方的孩子也许不一样。他们从小就得去语言学校学习国际语言﹐好让他们以后能够出来讨生活。他们的微笑﹐是出自自然反应﹐还是生活的困苦而挤出来的无奈笑容﹐我们不得而知。不晓得我能否这么说﹐微笑﹐可能是他们赖以生计的有力工具之一。如果去过吴哥旅游的朋友﹐也许都有相同的感受。记得我曾在塔普伦寺里﹐经过一棵巨树﹐不断在寻找摄影点的我突然看到巨树的树干穿了一个大窟窿﹐伸出一个对着你微笑的脸。我本能地抓起相机﹐捕捉了这个有趣的画面﹔但不消两秒﹐小孩突然脸色一变﹐说了一句话:“Sir, one dollar.”