The Phanom Rung Festival, also known as the Traditional Ascend of Phanom Rung Hill, is an extravagant annual event held at Phanom Rung, one of Thailand’s finest ancient Khmer temples, built atop an extinct volcano between the 10th and 13th centuries.
The festival coincides with the solstice, during which you can witness a breathtaking sunrise perfectly aligned through Phanom Rung's 15 doorways, a stunning display of the Khmer people's masterful craftsmanship.
Alongside this rare natural phenomenon, you can enjoy a wide variety of street food stalls, mesmerizing Apsara dance performances, and one of my personal highlights: the spectacular light and sound shows that bring the history of Phanom Rung to life.
I drove to Buriram in April specifically to attend this event, and let me tell you, it was absolutely worth it. The Phanom Rung Festival is truly a sight to behold and really goes to show just how rich the history is in an often overlooked region of Isaan (northeastern Thailand).
If you're thinking about experiencing it for yourself, keep reading. I’ve put together everything you need to plan the perfect trip. Without further ado, here’s your complete travel guide to the Phanom Rung Festival:
- What is Phanom Rung Festival all about?
- When Is the Phanom Rung Festival?
- Phanom Rung Opening Hours and Entrance Fee?
- What to Expect at Phanom Rung Festival?
- Any Other Things to Do near Phanom Rung?
- Where to Stay in near Phanom Rung?
- How to Get to Phanom Rung?
- Further Reading for Northeastern Thailand
What is Phanom Rung Festival all about?
The Phanom Rung Festival is an annual cultural celebration held at Phanom Rung Historical Park in Buriram Province, northeastern Thailand, just about a 4 to 5-hour drive from Bangkok. This festival honors the region's Khmer heritage and showcases not just the architectural brilliance of the ancient temple complex but also the skills of the locals living in the province.
The festival's origins trace back to local traditions where communities gathered to honor the temple's sanctity and seek blessings. Over time, this evolved into a more organized celebration, especially after the temple's restoration in the late 20th century.
The Thai government's efforts to preserve and promote the site led to the formal establishment of the festival, aligning it with the solar event where the sun's rays pass through all 15 doorways of the temple, a phenomenon that occurs four times a year and is believed to bring good fortune.
The festival is typically organized over three days, often coinciding with the weekend, during which you can witness the natural phenomenon. You can also expect a variety of performances throughout the event, including Apsara dances, parades, street food markets, and more.
When Is the Phanom Rung Festival?
The Phanom Rung Festival is an annual celebration that coincides with the solstice, offering visitors the rare opportunity to witness the sunrise align perfectly through all 15 doorways of the ancient Khmer temple. This phenomenon occurs during specific periods in April and September.
The exact dates for the festival vary from year to year as it is based on the summer solstice, but it is typically held in April during one of the weekends. For example, in 2025, the event was held on April 4, 5, and 6, coinciding with the weekend.
Keep in mind that the first day of the event, which often coincides with Friday, is considered a practice day. While you'll still see the event, the performers won't be dressed in full attire. The real shows usually take place on Saturdays and Sundays, so if you want to experience the event in its full glory, make sure you come on the right day.
I went both days: the first day for location scouting, and the second day I dedicated to taking photos and videos of the event 😁, which is something I often do since I have plenty of time on my hands, haha.
Phanom Rung Opening Hours and Entrance Fee?
Normally, Phanom Rung is open daily from 7 AM to 6 PM, with an entrance fee of 100 THB per person. However, during the Phanom Rung Festival, the opening hours are extended to match the event schedule, typically from 5:30 AM to around 8 or 9 PM, and entry is free throughout the three-day festival.
For those planning to visit this year, you can stay updated on announcements through these portals: TAT Newsroom, The Colors of Thailand, or the Phanom Rung Facebook Page.
What to Expect at Phanom Rung Festival?
Watching the Sunrise through 15 Portals
One of the highlights of visiting the Phanom Rung Festival is witnessing the sunrise phenomenon, where the rising sun aligns perfectly through all 15 doorways of the temple. This rare event attracts crowds of people, both locals and travelers, from across the country.
Since I had to wake up early to get there before sunrise, I decided to stay overnight in Nang Rong, the closest city to Phanom Rung. I woke up around 5 AM and started driving to Phanom Rung at about 5:20 AM. I arrived around 5:45 AM, and parking was already becoming hard to find.
If you don't want to waste time climbing, I highly recommend driving as close to the temple as possible and finding a parking spot so you can simply walk to the temple without having to scale the stairs. Here's the location of the parking lot I recommend.
- P.California Inter Hostel (Budget)
- Socool Grand Hotel (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Phanomrungpuri Hotel Buriram (High-End)
I arrived at the western gate of the temple, where you can watch the sunrise, around 6 AM, and it was already packed with people, so much so that I couldn’t even see the doorway. Taking photos from there was nearly impossible, with way too many people and no way to squeeze through. Some looked like they had been camping there for hours, one even brought a small ladder! 😂
But I still managed to get some shots. Here's how: There are 15 portals at the temple, and since the sunrise happens gradually, you’ll be able to witness it through each portal as it progresses. After the sunrise appeared through the first portal, I quickly ran to the second portal before anyone else arrived and snapped a photo.
As more people gathered at the second portal, I ran further into the temple and snapped photos at other portals as the sunrise continued. It took quite a bit of effort, but the photos turned out much better than the first portal, where there were a ton of people in the frame. So, if you want to get good photos of the sunrise, be prepared to run to the next portal before anyone else!
After the sunrise, a morning ceremony is held to officially begin the festival. Not much happens during this time or throughout the day until late afternoon, so I recommend spending the rest of your day exploring other tourist attractions in Buriram.
Local Food Stalls and Markets
Around 3 PM, you can start making your way back to the temple for the evening event, and you might still have a chance to find a parking spot that’s not ridiculously far. Any later than that, and you’ll likely be driving in circles for hours looking for a place to park.
Trust me, I got there around 5 PM and ended up parking at a military outpost about a 20-minute walk from the temple. 😅 Imagine trying to find your way back after the event at night, with barely any lights around!
Once you reach the temple, you'll find rows of street food stalls from all over Thailand, offering a wide variety of local and regional flavors, everything from savory snacks to sweet treats and refreshing drinks. It’s the perfect time to grab a bite and enjoy the lively atmosphere before the evening event, which usually begins around 5 PM with a colorful parade.
A Colorful Parade by Villages Across Buriram
Around 5 PM, you will witness a large parade that introduces each district of Buriram Province, with people from those districts dressed in their traditional attire, which often feature different patterns and colors. They also showcase sculptures of their village mascot animals as they parade along the stone walkway to Phanom Rung.
I really like this part of the event as it showcases the diversity of artistry and culture, even among districts in the same province. It really is quite a sight to behold.
Towards the end of the parade, you’ll witness a final procession featuring Queen Phupinthar Lakshmi Dev arriving at Phanom Rung with grace. She is depicted in a traditional Thai Apsara costume and is carried on a throne by villagers as they ascend the mountain.
The role of the queen is often given to a local Thai celebrity, which excites the crowd, many locals gather along the walkway, cheering and snapping photos. It was a lot of fun!
Traditional Apsara Dance Performances
Once the queen arrives at the top of Phanom Rung, the event continues with a traditional Apsara dance performance, featuring hundreds of performers stretching from the beginning of the walkway all the way to the top of the temple.
You really have to see it to believe it. There are so many performers, dressed in full traditional attire, all dancing so elegantly and perfectly that it creates a wave of energy, with the crowd reacting to the traditional music playing in the background. I’ve never seen anything quite like it!
During this dance, I recommend trying to scale up the temple to get a view of the entire performance from above. It’s truly a sight to behold. The performance lasts several minutes, so you'll have plenty of time to go up and down the temple to capture some great photos.
Incredible Light And Sound Shows
After the Apsara dance, you'll have about 5 minutes to take photos with the performers before the main highlight begins around 6 PM. This is the incredible light and sound show that brings the history of Phanom Rung to life, featuring performers from local schools who deliver synchronized and well-choreographed traditional dances while dressed in full traditional attire.
The traditional costumes are so meticulously designed, especially the massive headdresses, that it’s impossible not to stare in wonder and admiration. Everything was amazing, from the music choices to the costumes to the performers' entertainment skills.
This part of the festival is definitely my favorite of all, and I had a great time taking photos of the show. If you want to see a mesmerizing performance that showcases not only the rich culture of this part of Thailand but also the skillfulness of the local performers, you’re going to love it. The show doesn’t last very long, so be sure not to miss it while you're here.
Photo Opportunities with the Performers
After the show, you will have a chance to take photos with all the performers, which is often the case in Thailand. I attended another impressive historical festival at Phimai Temple a few years back, and it was the same.
Find your favorite performers and take photos with them as a souvenir of your trip to Phanom Rung. The photo session often takes around 10 minutes after the show before they all disperse and the festival comes to an end.
When I was there, the show was over by around 7:30 PM, so if you were to arrive around 3 - 4 PM, you can expect to spend at least 3 - 4 hours at Phanom Rung for the festival, not including the sunrise, which will add another 2 hours.
It’s definitely worth the time spent, though, as you can see in the photos I took here. If you're looking for an awesome and fun festival to attend while visiting Phanom Rung, be sure to align your visit with the Phanom Rung Festival. And don't forget to explore other tourist attractions in Buriram! You can find more things to do below or check out our Buriram travel guide here.
Any Other Things to Do near Phanom Rung?
1. Check Out the Volcano View at Wat Khao Angkhan
Not many people know this, but Buriram is home to several extinct volcanoes. Phanom Rung is built on top of one, while another famous temple, Wat Khao Angkhan, sits atop another.
This temple and the volcano on which it is built are a bit different, as you can still see signs of the volcano, such as the caldera filled with water near the temple, while at Phanom Rung, it feels more like a normal hill than a volcano.
One of my favorite features of this temple is its red-colored exterior, which I believe was intentionally designed this way. The word "Angkhan" in Thai means Mars, and the exterior looks as though it’s made from Martian rocks. I absolutely love it! I can't confirm it, but I like to think that's the case 😂.
It is a wonderful stop as you explore the area around Phanom Rung Historical site and offers a great vantage point of the whole area. The temple is free to enter, and it opens from 8 AM to 6 PM every day.
2. Admire the Beauty of Prasat Muang Tam
Out of all the Khmer temples I visited in Buriram, Prasat Muang Tam is one of my favorites. In fact, architecturally speaking, I prefer this temple over Phanom Rung as I like how expansive and well-preserved the complex is here. The site is located on the lower plain of Buriram, right in the center of a small town, which is how it got its name. Muang Tam means "lower town", a name given by the Thais who built settlements around the ruins.
The temple features a distinctive arrangement of five towers in two rows, a departure from the typical five-tower quincunx layout seen in other Khmer temples. Fun fact: this place is the only Khmer temple known to have four L-shaped ponds at each corner, which may have served both decorative and functional purposes.
The temple itself is surrounded by ponds where you can stroll around and enjoy the scenery without having to deal with the crowds, like at Phanom Rung. I went there in the early morning after sunrise, and I had much of the place to myself.
If you are looking for an impressive Khmer temple you can stroll around and explore without having to deal with the crowds, you are going to love Prasat Muang Tam. The temple is open from 7 AM to 6 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 100 THB per person.
3. Drop By Ban Kruat Stone Quarry Site
For all the history buffs out there, a fascinating place you might want to check out is the Ban Kruat Stone Quarry Site, an ancient quarry where the stones used to build Phanom Rung and other impressive Khmer temples were sourced.
Tucked away in the forest, the site spans a large area, and you can easily get lost in it, which is why, when you arrive, local kids from the nearby temple will often guide you around, pointing out the remnants and traces left by ancient builders centuries ago.
You’ll see cut rocks and chiseled holes scattered throughout the quarry, making you wonder how it was all done without modern tools, an impressive feat, for sure.
The best part? Everything here is free, and you’ll get the chance to interact with the friendly locals at the temple as you explore the ancient site. If you’re a history lover, this is definitely a spot worth visiting.
4. Eat Nang Rong's Kha Moo (braised pork) at Laksna Restaurant
For the best dish to try in Nang Rong, where you’ll be based, I have to recommend Nang Rong’s Khao Kha Moo, a delicious take on the Thai braised pork leg rice dish. One of the best places to try it is at Laksna Restaurant.
The restaurant is located in Nang Rong, the closest town to Phanom Rung Historical Park, making it a great spot to stop for lunch after exploring the area. What makes Nang Rong’s braised pork dishes stand out is their rich, flavorful broth and the perfectly tender, yet slightly chewy meat.
They don't have an English menu, which is always a good sign! But don't worry, just go up and say "Khao Kha Moo with egg", and you'll get the delicious dish you see here. The restaurant is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Where to Stay in near Phanom Rung?
Nang Rong is the closest town to Phanom Rung and is the best place to base yourself, especially if you want to witness the sunrise through Phanom Rung's 15 portals during the solstice. You'll need to wake up quite early, and Nang Rong is only about a 25-minute drive from the site. Below are some of my recommended accommodations in Nang Rong:
How to Get to Phanom Rung?
To get to Phanom Rung, you will have to first make your way to Buriram, a province in the Northeastern region of Thailand, and there are several ways you can do that:
By Plane: AirAsia recently opened a new domestic route from Bangkok to Buriram, so you should be able to get here quite easily without having to drive here yourself. For the best price, check out Skyscanner or Expedia.
By Train: You can also take a train from Bangkok's Aphiwat Central Terminal Station to Buriram Train Station. There are about 12 trains running between the 2 cities with a variety of classes you can choose from, ranging from a third-class seat to a second-class seat with AC or fan, with prices ranging from 226 THB to 471 THB respectively. The journey should take about 5 - 7 hours depending on which train you choose. You can see the schedule and book online here.
By Bus: Another great way to get to Buriram is by buses and vans. They often leave from Morchit Bus Station, operated by several companies. The price ranges from 370 to 500 THB and takes between 5 - 7 hours depending on the bus size and the traffic. You can find the schedule and book online here.
By Car: If you have a car or are renting one, you can also drive from Bangkok to Buriram. It’s a pretty straightforward journey, thanks to the newly built M6 Highway, which takes you directly to Korat. From there, it's about an hour’s drive to Buriram. The entire trip should take around 5 hours. You can rent a car through DiscoverCars.
Once you’re in Buriram, if you haven’t done so already, you’ll need to rent a car or motorbike and drive to Phanom Rung. However, I don’t recommend renting a motorbike, as you’ll be driving on highways over great distances. Unless you’re experienced, you’ll likely have a stressful time navigating Thailand’s notoriously dangerous roads.
Plus, the heat in Isaan is no joke, especially in April, which is the hottest month of all! I recommend renting a car instead, which you can do at Buriram Airport or through DiscoverCars.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Northeastern Thailand
Looking for more information about your trip to Northeastern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Northeastern Thailand that you might find useful:
- Tired of the well-trodden parts of Thailand and looking to really go off the beaten path? How about a road trip around Isaan? My itinerary covers all 20 provinces in the Isaan region, and more, so be sure to check it out: One Month Itinerary for Isaan.
- As the gateway to Isaan, you can't travel to the region without passing through Nakhon Ratchasima or Korat for short. To help guide you through the province, check out 10 Impressive Things to Do in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima).
- Home to Phanom Rung, one of the most well-preserved Khmer temples in Thailand, Buriram is an awesome place to visit as you explore Southern Isaan. If you plan to visit Buriram, check out Discover Buriram: 11 Awesome Things to Do and More.
- Passing through Surin and wondering what to do? Check out this travel guide: Visit Surin: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More
- Curious about the coolest things to do in Si Saket? Check out: Discover Si Saket: 11 Amazing Things to Do and More
- If you're passing through Ubon Ratchathani and only have time to explore the city, be sure to check out: Ubon City Guide: 10 Best Things to Do and More
- Planning to cross the land border between Thailand and Cambodia to visit Siem Reap? You might want to stop by Sa Kaeo, a Thai border province full of awesome things to do. For the full guide, check out: Exploring Sa Kaeo: 8 Best Things to Do and More
- Interested in learning more about the unique music of Isaan? Check out this guide: The Sounds of Isaan: Thai Psychedelic Music Unknown to Many – A Guide to Mor Lam.
- Come explore the lesser-known mountainous region of Phetchabun with this travel guide: Discover Phetchabun: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More.
- Tired of the constant heat in Thailand? Escape to the cool mountains of Khao Kho with this guide: A Complete Travel Guide to Khao Kho.
- As a gateway to the mountains of Phetchabun, Lom Sak is the perfect place to stop by before you head into the mountains. For a complete travel guide, check out: A Complete Travel Guide to Lom Sak.
- Want to explore Loei and its mountainous scenery and vibrant culture? Check this out: Exploring Loei: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Looking to explore Chiang Khan and its wonderful tourist attractions? You are going to need this travel guide: Chiang Khan Travel Guide: 8 Best Things to Do & More.
- Want to experience the colorful Phi Ta Khon Festival, where locals wear elaborate costumes and ghost masks? Check out this guide: Phi Ta Khon Festival: A Complete Travel Guide.
- Nong Khai is often overlooked by many travelers traveling between Thailand and Laos, but there's so much to do here. If you are interested to explore more of the frontier province of Nong Khai, check out: Explore Nong Khai: 12 Best Things to Do & More.
- Bueng Kan is emerging as Isaan’s new adventure hotspot, known for the famous Naka Cave, Phu Tok mountain, scenic waterfalls, and more. If you're planning a trip to Bueng Kan, don't miss this: Discover Bueng Kan: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- The walking street and riverside views along the Mekong in Nakhon Phanom are absolutely legendary, and a must-visit in Isaan. If you’re planning a visit, don’t miss my full guide here: Visit Nakhon Phanom: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Sleepy Sakon Nakhon is full of surprises—from the colonial French buildings of Tha Rae Village to hidden Khmer temples tucked away in the jungle. Check out this complete travel guide to Sakon Nakhon: Exploring Sakon Nakhon: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Udon Thani is a big city with tons of things to do. If you plan to visit Udon Thani, be sure to check out this travel guide: Discover Udon Thani: 10 Awesome Things to Do & More.
- If you’re driving through Nong Bua Lamphu and wondering if there are any places worth seeing, check out this travel guide: Visit Nong Bua Lamphu: 8 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Khon Kaen is a big province with plenty to do. If you want to visit but aren’t sure where to start, this guide is for you: Discover Khon Kaen: 12 Awesome Things to Do & More.
- Kalasin may be a small province in Isaan, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. If you’re passing through, be sure to check this out: Kalasin Guide: 8 Best Things to Do & More.
- Mukdahan may not be as popular as other Mekong towns like Chiang Khan or Nakhon Phanom, but it offers a laid-back vibe and chill atmosphere unlike its larger counterparts. Don’t skip Mukdahan! Here’s a complete travel guide to help you explore this lovely province: Exploring Mukdahan: 10 Cool Things to Do & More.
- If you are passing through Amnat Charoen and are wondering what there is to do there, then check out this guide: Visit Amnat Charoen: 9 Best Things to Do & More.
- Yasothon is where the famous Bun Bung Fai Festival or rocket festival takes place, and it's home to some really charming Isaan attractions not many people know about. Here's a complete guide to Yasothon: Discover Yasothon: 10 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Roi Et is definitely one of my favorite provinces in Isaan, thanks to its beautiful and modern city center, iconic landmarks like the Roi Et Tower, and more. If you’re interested in visiting Roi Et, be sure to check out Explore Roi Et: 12 Amazing Things to Do & More.
- If you are wondering what to do in Maha Sarakham, this guide is for you: Visiting Maha Sarakham: 9 Amazing Things to Do & More.
- If you like mountains and are looking for a true hidden gem of Isaan, which is already a hidden gem in itself, you might want to check out Chaiyaphum, all as I called it the land of beautiful cliffs. Here's a complete guide to Chaiyaphum: Discover Chaiyaphum: 12 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
- If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
- Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
- Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
- Photos are worth a thousand words, but what is worth more than photos? A video. Here are travel videos I made for Thailand: Timeless Thailand, a journey into the North of Thailand, Long Tail Thailand, exploring the beautiful south of Thailand, and taking it slow with Slowed Down Bangkok travel video.
- Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
- Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand, Southern Thailand or Central Thailand?
- Want to travel from Thailand to Vientiane, Laos? Check this guide out: How to Get From Thailand to Vientiane, Laos & Vice Versa.
- Looking to cross the border from Thailand to Pakse in Southern Laos? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Ubon Ratchathani to Pakse, Laos, and Vice Versa.
- Want to cross the border from Mukdahan to Savannakhet in Laos and vice versa? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Mukdahan to Savannakhet, Laos & Vice Versa.
- For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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