Photography Thailand Photographer's Forum

[apinakorn]

I see from the news that Preah Vihearn is now open again. Is it worth all of the trouble to go there? I have heard that it is not all that much when compared to Phimai and Phanom Rung. Any comments from anyone who has been to all of these places?

[Paul Whitehead]

I have to be honest and say I had mixed views about the place - If I was passing through that area I would stop by but I doubt I would make the journey specifically to see the site again (on the basis I have been once already).

It has some definite photo ops but I thought the beggars and stalls too much for my pers sensibilities - it spoilt it for me. but I am a bit of a grumpy old B.

[SimonP]

I've been there twice and would gladly go again if I was passing anywhere near there.  The location is unbeatable, the restoration is not as good as at Phanom Rung but is more than just a pile of stones.  Go as early as possible to beat the kids selling postcards etc.  (although there will always be some.)  If you're interested in Khmer history/architecture then it is a must visit in my opinion.  It's quite a trek from say Bangkok, so I would combine it with some other trips like Phanom Rung, Khao Yai, etc.

Definitely do as much research as you can before going if you decide to make the trek!

[apinakorn]

Many thanks for the quick replies. I will try to work Preah Vihearn in on any trip to that area (if it stays open).

[Marc Schultz]

I have not been to Preah Vihern. It may be a bit more still in its natural state as opposed to Phi Mai, Phanom Rung and Muang Tum, which have all been heavily restored. You will even notice at Phi Mai that a lot of the stones above the doorways don't even match up and the engravings in the stones are all misconfigured as a result. I guess it was difficult to actually piece the right stones back together from such a heavy state of decay.

Anyway, to answer the question, Phi Mai is beautiful. Never a disappointment. Phanom Rung is small and always crowded, so it is difficult to ever get a good shot there without people in it. Muang Tum is spectacular and just only 2 kilometers (or less) away from Phanom Rung. Many of the people visiting Phanom Rung don't know about it and/or bother to see Muang Tum so it should be less crowded.

But Muang Tum is a beautiful Khmer temple with lots of ponds within the inner building complex. If you get there late afternoon you can probably see some nice reflections of the temple in the water, which would lend to some great photo ops.

If you get some good pictures please share with us...

Have fun!

[apinakorn]

Marc,

Thanks for the tip about Muang Tum and the other locations. Will keep all in mind when I go to that area.

[DoubleJ]

I've been reading that Nakhon Ratchasima does have some beautiful structures as well. U guys might want to check it out?