Sdok Kok Thom
Khmer temple of the famous inscribed 1,000 year old stele
Sdok Kok Thom temple complex in Sa Kaeo province is among the smaller of the Khmer temples in Northeast Thailand. The temple that is also known as Prasat Sdok Kak Thom or Prasat Sdok Kuk Thom was built dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. It was constructed halfway the 11th century.
Surrounded by moats
Its layout and design share many characteristics with other Khmer monuments. Prasat Sdok Kok Thom is oriented towards the East, as are most Khmer temples. The complex is surrounded by moats and an outer wall. The East side of the wall contains a gopura or entrance gate. Outside of the wall is a water reservoir or baray.
Processional walkway
A processional walkway flanked by pillars from the outer gopura leads to the inner sanctuary with the central prang (a Khmer style tower). The inner sanctuary is surrounded by galleries with a Gopura on the Eastern side providing access.
The inner sanctuary
Inside the inner sanctuary is a single sand stone prang placed on a laterite base. The prang has doors on each of its sides, with only the Eastern door open, the other ones being fake doors, shut with stones. The prang likely contained the sacred linga, the symbol of the Hindu God Shiva.
Also inside the galleries, close to the central tower are two bannalai or libraries, where the ancient scriptures were kept. Various sculptures around the temple depict Nagas, a mythological serpent, some of which are wearing crowns. Another sculpture shows a reclining Vishnu.
Converted into Buddhist temple
Sdok Kok Thom was later converted into a Buddhist temple.
The restorations at Prasat Sdok Kok Thom
Prasat Sdok Kok Thom has been extensively restored in previous decades and brought back to a state to resemble the way it is believed to have looked.
Structures that have collapsed over the centuries have been rebuild using the original materials as much as possible. Whenever the old materials like stones were not available, newly made stones have been used. The distinction between the old and original building materials and the new can easily be seen because the new materials have not been made to look old, so the color is slightly different from the old ones.
The 1000 years old inscribed stele
An almost 1000 years old inscribed stele was found at Sdok Kok Thom which contains some of the most valuable text providing information about the ancient Khmer empire. Some of the text is written in ancient Khmer language, another part in Sanskrit.
The texts inscribed in the stele that is dated to the year 1052 have provided historians with a great deal of knowledge about Khmer history. The sculptures contain details about important events that took place during the 8th until 11th century.
The text provides detailed information about the family who constructed the temple and the services they provided to Khmer Kings over the course of many generations, and the construction of Sdok Kok Thom temple. It also describes common events from every day life during the Khmer era. The inscriptions pay homage to the Hindu God Shiva and contain details about religious rituals.
How to get to Sdok Kok Thom
The temple is located in Sa Kaeo province in Northeast Thailand between the towns of Aranyaprathet and Ta Phraya, close to the border with Cambodia. Because of its remote location, Sdok Kok Thom is not easy to get to using public transportation.
Bus from Bangkok
From Bangkok’s Morchit bus station you can catch an air conditioned bus to Aranyaprathet, which takes between four to five hours.
Train from Bangkok
Alternatively, the State Railway of Thailand offers train service twice daily between Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station and Aranyaprathet. The early morning trains leaves at 5:55 am with arrival time 11:35 am. The afternoon train departs at 1:05 pm and arrives at 5:35 pm. Tickets cost between 48 and 222 Thai Baht from third class to first class.
Taxi from Aranyaprathet
At Rongkleu market in Aranyaprathet you can hire a taxi. You will have to negotiate a price before leaving. Best would be to book a return trip, since a taxi at the temple complex might be very difficult to get.
Opening hours
Sdok Kok Thom is open daily from 8 am until 5 pm.
Entrance fee
Admission charged at the ticket booth is (Thai Baht):