It is located in Ban Tapek, Tambon Ta Pek, the park is one of the most beautiful and meaningful historical examples of Lop Buri art in Thailand. Prasat Hin Phanom Rung is located on top of an extinct volcano at 350 metres above sea level. The word “Phanom Rung” or “Vnam Rung” in the Khmer language means “a huge mountain.” This phrase appears in the Khmer inscription found at Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, also indicating the name of the castle’s builder, “Narendrathit,” a descendant of the Mahidharpur dynasty, who was a relative of King Suryavarman II, the builder of Angkor Wat. Prasat Hin Phanom Rung is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme god in Hinduism, as well as being a symbol of the centre of the universe. The castle on the top of the hill and Prasat Hin Phanom Rung itself represent Mount Krailash, the residence of Lord Shiva. The sanctuary was built and renovated several times between the 10th and 13th centuries. The archaeological sites within Phanom Rung Historical Park consist of; The Lower Stairway of Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, made of laterite and features three landings that lead to a cross-shaped platform. The Pavilion, which is a rectangular hall, diagonally across from the cross-shaped platform to the north. The area is presumed to be where kings and nobilities purified themselves before entering the castle. The Walkway leads down from the cross-shaped platform to the Naga Bridge with 70 sandstone pillars, topped with lotus buds known as Sao Nang Riang, on both sides. The Naga Bridge on the 1st floor connects the walkway with the entrance leading up to the sanctuary. It is made of sandstone in the shape of a cross. The bridge’s railing depicts a five-headed serpent facing out in all four directions. In the middle part of the bridge, there are designs of carved,eight-petaled blooming lotus flowers, possibly referring to the eight directions of the universe. The Naga Bridge symbolises the connection between earth and heaven. The Upper Stairway leads up to the c
