In a bend of the Kwai Noi, surrounded by lawns and old trees, stand the red laterite towers of a city that once marked the western edge of a mighty empire. Prasat Muang Sing, the “City of the Lions”, is one of the most important Khmer sites in Thailand – and wonderfully peaceful to explore.

History

The fortified town guarded the western frontier of the Khmer empire and served as a trading post on the river. Its temples date mainly from the late 12th and 13th centuries, the era of King Jayavarman VII, and are built in the Bayon style, like the temples of Angkor Thom in Cambodia. The rectangular city, roughly 880 by 1,400 metres, was enclosed by laterite walls and moats. The site has been a historical park since 1987.

What you will experience

The main sanctuary, facing east like most Khmer temples, stands at the centre of the compound and symbolises the centre of the universe. Sculptures of the eight-armed Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara and the goddess Prajnaparamita were found here. Paths lead past walls, gates and smaller shrines, and finds from the area show that people settled here long before the Khmer arrived.

Good to know

• Shade is limited: a hat, sunscreen and water are recommended.
• The walk through the park is easy and level.

On these cruises

You visit Prasat Muang Sing on the following RV River Kwai cruises:

• 7D/6N River Kwai Heritage Cruise – Day 2 (Tuesday)
• 4D/3N River Kwai Cruise (upstream) – Day 2 (Tuesday)
• 4D/3N River Kwai Cruise (downstream) – Day 3 (Saturday)

Compare all River Kwai cruises

Also along the way

Death Railway train ride & Wang Pho Viaduct · Ban Kao National Museum · Hellfire Pass