Nang Rong
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Understand
Nang Rong is in no way itself a tourist destination, it is simply the nearest town to the Phanom Rung Historical Park and a convenient base for visiting the temples. That said, this perfectly normal Thai town's general lack of tourism makes it an interesting example of the elusive "real" Thailand.
Get in
The bus station has fairly frequent services to Bangkok's Mo Chit (northern) bus terminal. Buses also run south to Chantaburi via the border town of Aranyaprathet. The major towns of southern Isaan—Buriram, Korat, Si Saket, and Ubon Ratchathani—are all connected to Nang Rong by bus.
Get around
The tuk-tuk and motorbike drivers at the bus station are merciless with the few tourists that do show up and will not accept a reasonable fare for a short trip in the town. Fortunately, Nang Rong is small and if you know where you're going you can walk. Even more fortunately, in the bus station there are several boards that give information about the town and the region, one of these boards has a plan of the town with accommodation marked.
See
Phanom Rung Historical ParkPrasat Hin Phanom Rung is a Hindu shrine dedicated to the God Shiva. It's an atmospheric pile in pretty good condition set on top of an extinct volcano. The surrounding land as far as the eye can see is flat plains, which make for some inspiring horizon gawking.
Prasat Hin Mueang TamA Khmer sanctuary with outstanding architecture. Today, anyone can find sanctuary in the peaceful gardens surrounding the ruins. Take a picnic.
A discounted ticket can be bought for both sites for 150 baht.
Do
Rent a motorbike at Honey Inn and go for a country drive. The roads are in excellent condition. The drive up the hill to the temple has some brilliant viewing points. Isaan is poor and neglected region, so detour through the countryside and see rural Thailand. Arrange an early start and head out at dawn to avoid the scorching sun and tourist buses. Free maps and directions (enough to get you to the temples) are available at Honey Inn.
Buy
There's not much but there is at least a 7-Eleven.
Eat
There's a smattering of cheap, pleasant, nondescript eateries. You won't starve.
Sleep
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phone: +66 44 622825address: 8/1 Soi Sri KoonBasic fan or air-con rooms, free Wi-Fi or use of a computer (20 baht/hour), laundry service, and breakfast served in the morning. Motorbikes are available for hire (300-400 baht), making the temples accessible without requiring scheduled transport or a driver.
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phone: +66 44 631014address: 243 Praditpana RdFree Wi-Fi. Comfortable rooms. Friendly and helpful but non-English-speaking staff.
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PhanomrungPuri Hotel and Resort
phone: +66 44 632222address: 212 Prachantakhet RdA boutique hotel with Khmer architecture. Free Wi-Fi.