Prasat Ta Muean

Prasat Ta Muean Review

Nestled amid thick vegetation beside the Cambodian border, 75 km (47 mi) from the far south of Surin, is a series of three prasats collectively known as Prasat Ta Muean. All lie on an ancient road stretching from Phimai to Angkor. The first prasat you see is Prasat Ta Muean, built in the Jayavarman VII period of the late 12th century and believed to be one of 17 rest stops made for pilgrims traveling the route. The second, smaller, site, Prasat Ta Muean Tot, acted as an ancient hospital and was also constructed in the 12th century. But these are only teasers for what lies farther on, directly beside the Cambodian border: Prasat Ta Muean Thom.

Thom means big, and Prasat Ta Muean Thom is indeed the largest of the three sites. It was constructed in the 11th century, making it the oldest of the sites as well. The contrasting textures and colors of the pink sandstone towers and the rugged gray laterite of the viharns set against the backdrop of the forest are something to behold.

The prasat's survival over the ages is made particularly poignant by the existence of unexploded grenades and land mines in the vicinity, left over from more troubled times. Some have even reported the distant crack of gunfire, and the area is kept a close eye on by the Thai army, whose checkpoints you'll pass on your approach to the area. For these reasons, don't wander off into the forest, and admire the structures at Prasat Ta Muean Thom from cleared paths only.

Prasat Ta Muean is on a newly surfaced road, but it's still a bit isolated and is often a difficult place to get to via public transportation (at any rate, it can be a slow trip). Therefore, it's best to drive or take a tour provided by Saren Travel.