Pasat Ban Prang - 11th Century Khmer Tower

Prasat Ban Prang

Ban Prang, Khong, Nakhonratchasima

11th Century Khmer Prang (tower)

Above is the Fine Arts Department explanatory plaque. 

What follows is an attempt at a better English translation:

Ban Prang Archaeological Site, Ban Prang Nakhon Village, Village No. 14, Ban Prang Sub-district, Kong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, is a Khmer Hindu tower (prang) built in the 11th century AD, in the Baphuon style during the early Angkor period.  Originally there would have been three towers located on the same base, arranged north to south, with a U-shaped moat surrounding with a walkway to the archaeological site on the east and west sides. In around the 14th or 15th century AD (the Ayutthaya period) an additional brick structure was built on the on the east side adjacent to the base of the tower group. It is a Viharn (ordination hall) or Hor Phra (hall for Buddha images). It has a rectangular building plan with the walls and floors made of bricks. The columns and roof were wood shingled with clay tiles.  The King announced the registration of the Ban Prang Prang Archaeological Site in the Royal Gazette Volume 53, Part 34, dated 27 September 1954, and announced the boundaries of the Archaeological Site in the royal Gazette, Volume 100, Part 36, dated March 15, 1983.

Originally there would have been a tower on either side of the this nicely reconstructed one. The arched portico in front uses a Corbelled Arch. The Khmer never seem to have mastered the true arch. This structure is made entirely of sandstone. Most Khmer structures in Thailand use some laterite. The Fine Arts Department plaque erroneously mentions laterite (ศิลาแลง) being used here.

This stone would have been placed at the top of the tower. Perhaps it was left here so we can get a closer look.

I believe these are relatively modern Buddha images. The plaque says that this was built as a Hindu monument. However, many Khmer monuments built in this part of Thailand contain both Hindu and Buddhist elements.

The only real door is the one with the portico facing east.

This image of the Hindu god Ganesh is in a small, modern shrine adjacent to the prang.

Always a bummer when you have pieces left over after assembly. I guess these are what's left of the other two towers.

The holes in the stones were used to move them around. Wooden poles could be inserted into the holes to facilitate lifting and carrying.

Another stone that would have gone on top of one of the towers.

Nice view from across the moat.

Another nice view from across the moat.

There is a rather large rectangular pond or reservoir just north of the prang. You can see it just behind this interesting vehicle which seems to be some sort of mobile home as it has both roof and a hammock.

The reservoir probably dates from the same period as the prang. There is a recently built bamboo bridge which leads to some sort of resort on the other side.

I took a walk around the village which has a number of interesting older buildings and some lovely old wooden homes.

 I spoke to the owner of this place. She said it was her parents home and is about 100 years old. She's in the process of restoring it.

I visited the village wat (temple)

This interesting old bull cart was on display

I was surprised to see that the ubosot (ordination hall) was unlocked. I couldn't find the light or open the windows, so these shots were taken in a room lit only by a barely open door.

Quite beautiful inside.