Prasat Sikhoraphum

Prasat Sikhoraphum, Surin Province, Thailand
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prasat_Sikhoraphum_-_Sikhoraphum_edit1.jpg
JJ Harrison


Prasat Sikhoraphum is an ancient Khmer ruins in Thailand. It is located in the town of Sikhoraphum, in the eponymous district in Surin Province, in Northeastern Thailand. The name Sikhoraphum comes from the Sanskrit word shikhara, meaning tower sanctuary. It is located between the towns of Surin and Sisaket.

Prasat Sikhoraphum was built by the great Khmer ruler Suryavarman II, famed for constructing Angkor Wat. In design, it is similar to Prasat Kravan. It comprises five brick stupas, or prasats, which were built of sandstone and laterite. As in the usual Khmer design, each prasat has an actual door and three false doors. On the lintels of the doorways are intricate bas-relief carvings. The one showing Dances of Shiva is among the most beautiful Khmer lintel design to be found in Thailand or Cambodia.

Tree within the archaeological park of Prasat Sikhoraphum
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prasat_Sikhoraphum-001.jpg
Ddalbiez

Getting there

Prasat Sikhoraphum is off the tourist trail, and few tourists come here, though it is such an exquisite ruins. There is an entrance fee of 50 baht which is collected if the attendant is around. The archaeological park is open daily from 8:00 am in the morning until 5:00 pm in the evening. To get here, take a train to Surin town, then hire a tuk tuk to take you to Sikhoraphum. You may have to ask around, as many people do not know this place. It will be useful to print out and show photos of it when asking directions.



One of the towers of Prasat Sikhoraphum with false door
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prasat_Sikhoraphum_Detail_2_-_Sikhoraphum.jpg
JJ Harrison


An apsara, or Khmer nymph, embellished on the wall of Prasat Sikhoraphum
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prasat_Sikhoraphum-005.jpg
Ddalbiez


A multi-headed naga, or Khmer serpent, at Prasat Sikhoraphum
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prasat_Sikhoraphum-007.jpg
Ddalbiez


The intricate lintel design of Prasat Sikhoraphum depicting Hindu deities Brahma (left) and Ganesha (centre)
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prasat_Sikhoraphum-006.jpg
Ddalbiez

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