Prasat Khao Lon is an ancient Khmer monument featuring a single brick sanctuary tower (prang) constructed from brick and laterite. It is located on the summit of Khao Lon, a low hill in Ta Phraya District, Sa Kaeo Province. Its elevated position reflects the ancient Khmer belief in selecting sacred locations associated with religious symbolism and authority.

The monument was built in the Prei Kmeng and Kampong Phra styles, dating back to around the 7th–8th centuries CE, or over a thousand years ago. A defining characteristic is the use of brick construction without mortar, along with a simple yet stable layout that represents early developments in Khmer architectural traditions.

Despite the passage of time, the structure has been conserved so that its solid base remains clearly visible, along with traces of stone carvings that demonstrate the refined craftsmanship of ancient artisans and highlight the former significance of the site.

The international significance of Prasat Khao Lon lies in its association with the Khao Lon lintel, which was illicitly removed from Thailand and displayed in a museum in the United States for several decades. After sustained efforts by Thailand, the lintel was successfully repatriated and returned to the country in recent years.

This successful repatriation has transformed Prasat Khao Lon into a symbol of national pride and cultural heritage preservation, both locally and nationally, and serves as an important case study in the protection and recovery of Thai antiquities on the global stage.

The surroundings of the monument are peaceful and rich in natural beauty. Due to its elevated location, the site serves as an excellent viewpoint, offering panoramic views of dense forests, agricultural lands in Ta Phraya District, and even the Thai–Cambodian border. Soft afternoon sunlight filtering through the trees enhances the site’s solemn and historic atmosphere.

For historians, archaeologists, and those fascinated by ancient civilizations, Prasat Khao Lon is an invaluable learning site, offering insights into ancient Khmer brick construction techniques and the strategic placement of monuments in harmony with the natural landscape and spiritual beliefs of the past.

The walking path leading up to the monument, shaded by surrounding trees, allows visitors to relax and absorb the natural environment while engaging deeply with the historical narrative of the site.

Prasat Khao Lon is therefore a destination that harmoniously combines historical, archaeological, and natural values, inviting visitors to experience the spirit of the past and to appreciate the importance of preserving the nation’s irreplaceable cultural heritage.

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How to Get There

Private Car:

• From Sa Kaeo city, take Highway 33 toward Aranyaprathet, then turn left onto Highway 348 (Sa Kaeo-Ta Phraya) toward Ban Khao Lon. Follow the signs to the castle.

Public Transport:

• Take a van from Sa Kaeo to Ta Phraya, get off at the Ta Phraya market, and hire local transport to Ban Khao Lon.

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Travel Tips

Season:

• Accessible year-round; winter offers a cool breeze for the climb, while the rainy season provides lush, fresh greenery.

Equipment:

• Wear comfortable sneakers as there is a short uphill walk via a wooden staircase and natural path.

Photography:

• The most popular angles include the brick structure against the sky or looking out from the temple at the panoramic views.

Insight:

• Reading about the "Return of the Lintel" beforehand will make your visit significantly more meaningful.

Planning:

• This site can be easily combined with a visit to Sdok Kok Thom Historical Park or Lalu, as they are located in the same region.

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Admission Fee

• Free entry for both Thai and foreign visitors.

Opening Hours

• Open Daily 08:30 AM – 04:30 PM