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Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:30 – 16:00

 

Prasat Khao Noi Si Chomphu is an ancient Khmer sanctuary located atop Khao Noi Si Chomphu Hill, Khlong Nam Sai Subdistrict, Aranyaprathet District, Sakaeo Province, about one kilometer from the Thai–Cambodian border. The hilltop offers an open view of farmlands and border scenery. At the summit stand the remnants of brick structures and foundations of a Hindu temple complex dating back to the early Khmer period—one of the few of its kind in eastern Thailand. Beside the foot of the hill lies Wat Khao Noi Si Chomphu, a temple and meditation retreat that now cares for the site and its peaceful surroundings.

 

Archaeologists believe the sanctuary was built as a Hindu religious site around the 12th Buddhist century (7th CE) and restored during the 15th Buddhist century. It remained an important cultural site until about the 16th Buddhist century. The dating is confirmed by both architectural features and inscriptions, especially the Khao Noi Inscription, written in ancient Pallava script, recording the year Mahasakarat 559 (A.D. 638), making it one of the oldest inscriptions ever found in Thailand. The inscription is carved on the right doorjamb of the main tower, evidence that this site once served as a center of Hindu worship influenced by the Khmer Empire.

 

The architecture consists of brick structures without mortar. Originally there were three towers sharing a raised base, but only the central one remains standing in clear form. Excavations show that the northern and central towers shared a common foundation, while the southern tower stood slightly apart yet connected at the rear. The prang sits on a lotus-base platform (padmapitha), with moldings of inverted and upright lotus petals. The superstructure replicated this base design in two smaller tiers. The stairway in front has seven steps with landings between levels, and its lowest and sixth steps form wing-shaped half-moons, while the top step still retains square sockets once used to insert doorjamb stones.

 

The remaining lintels and decorative carvings show strong features of the Sambor Prei Kuk style. The northern lintel is a pure example of that early Khmer art, while the southern lintel replaces horse and elephant riders in its oval medallions with birds—probably swans or peacocks. The front lintel shifts toward the Prei Kmeng style, with curling foliage replacing the tails of makaras and divine figures in flying posture replacing the beasts. Octagonal column shafts with leaf motifs and half-round stone slabs placed at stair landings demonstrate the refinement of early Khmer craftsmanship even though many upper parts have vanished with time.

 

Among the significant artifacts discovered here are a Sambor Prei Kuk–style lintel above the main entrance, octagonal door columns, and a four-armed female figure standing on a buffalo’s head—identified as Durga Mahishasuramardini, the goddess subduing the buffalo demon. This imagery reflects Shaivite Hinduism, where Durga represents divine power conquering evil. Such findings affirm that the site once functioned as a Hindu sanctuary within the Khmer cultural sphere extending into what is now eastern Thailand.

 

The overall plan opens only to the east, consistent with Khmer religious orientation. A single stairway leads up to the sanctuary complex. Many steps have square holes at both ends, likely used for wooden posts supporting a roofed pavilion. The three towers had false doors on three sides for symmetrical design. Inside the main tower lies a square chamber with recessed corners, while the central tower’s recessed brickwork is more elaborate, showing stepped layers and voids from base to body, a hallmark of early Khmer structural ingenuity.

 

Prasat Khao Noi Si Chomphu was registered as a national ancient monument on 8 March 1935, covering an area of about 50 rai (8 hectares). The Fine Arts Department conducted major excavations in 1989, clearing debris and mapping architectural remains in detail. The excavation confirmed the shared base layout and revealed further decorative fragments that help clarify the transition of Khmer art across regions.

 

Today, visitors find a tranquil atmosphere ideal for both sightseeing and quiet study. A short climb from the parking area at the hill’s base leads to the ruins via an easy earthen path mixed with old brick steps. The summit gives panoramic views of the surrounding plains. Standing there, one can easily grasp why ancient Hindu builders chose hilltops as sacred cosmic centers, symbolizing Mount Meru, the axis of the universe.

 

The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the slanting light highlights the texture of brick and the carved lotus moldings. During the rainy season, the trail can be slippery, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The cool season from November to February offers clear air and comfortable weather for lingering longer at the site.

 

For those interested in archaeology, comparing the details here with temples of the Sambor Prei Kuk and Prei Kmeng styles in Cambodia reveals the evolution of Khmer art—seen in the foliage motifs, divine figures, lotus bases, and recessed towers. Prasat Khao Noi Si Chomphu thus serves as an open-air classroom for students of Southeast Asian art and architecture.

 

Getting There From Sakaeo town, take Highway 348 toward Aranyaprathet and follow local signs into Khlong Nam Sai Subdistrict. The drive takes about an hour. From Bangkok, take Motorway 7, connect to Highway 304 or 359, then 33 into Sakaeo and continue on 348. The road is paved all the way. A short uphill lane leads to the parking area, from where visitors walk about 200 meters to the top.

 

Wat Khao Noi Si Chomphu at the foot of the hill maintains and protects the site. Visitors are requested to dress modestly, refrain from climbing on the ruins, scratching the bricks, or removing any artifacts. Respectful conduct ensures that this invaluable cultural heritage remains preserved for future generations.

 

 

A: It was constructed around the 12th Buddhist century (7th CE), renovated in the 15th century, and remained important until the 16th century.

 

A: It is one of the oldest inscriptions in Thailand, written in Pallava script and dated Mahasakarat 559 (A.D. 638), confirming the site’s age and Khmer cultural links.

 

A: It was a Hindu sanctuary, as evidenced by the Durga Mahishasuramardini sculpture and Shaivite iconography found on site.

 

A: It is open daily from 08:30 to 16:00. Morning and late afternoon are ideal for soft light and cooler weather.

 

A: Currently no fee is required, but visitors should check for updated notices on site.

 

A: Take a bus or train to Aranyaprathet and hire a local songthaew or motorbike taxi to Khlong Nam Sai and up to the hill base.

 

A: Dress modestly, avoid climbing the ruins, do not take bricks or fragments from the site, and take your trash back down.

 

A: It is accessible year-round, but November to February offers the most pleasant weather and beautiful lighting for photography.