Jewel in the jungle [... that belongs to Cambodia!]

Surin boasts an ancient Hindu Khmer shrine which attracts very few visitors

19/08/2010
Karnjana Karnjanatawe
Bangkok Post

While strained relations between Phnom Penh and Bangkok have temporarily halted public access to Preah Vihear (aka Phra Viharn), another jewel of Khmer civilisation located close to the Thai-Cambodian border is still welcoming tourists from all nations.

The ornately carved north gate to Prasat Ta Muen Thom, the largest structure in the temple complex.

About an hour's drive south of Surin town, in Phanom Dong Rak district, is another sanctuary dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. Commissioned by King Jayavarman VII (reigned 1181 to circa 1220), the prolific temple builder whose credits include the elegant Angkor Thom, Ta Muen Thom is the largest structure by far in the Prasat Ta Muen complex.
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