Prasat Muang Kao - 12th Century Arogyasalas (Hospital Temple) - Nakhon Ratchasima Thailand 2024

Prasat Muang Kao ปราสาทเมืองเก่า, is one of the best preserved arogyasalas (hospital temples) in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Muang Kao was also perhaps the best constructed of this ruin tyoe in the area with extensive use of sandstone in addition to the usual laterite. The heavily indented, central shrine sits on a laterite base and is relatively small, lacking the usual eastern mandapa. Today it is also missing its upper section while the cruciform shaped eastern gopura was mostly constructed from sandstone is intact and it is much larger in size than the main shrine.

The library is in the extreme southeastern corner of the surrounding laterite enclosure and placed at a slight angle to the walls. Both the 'library' and enclosing wall also, unusually, feature numerous sandstone blocks that look like they were taken from other structures.

The standard pond is located to the northeast of the enclosing wall while an elongated pond with a similar orientation can be found some 150m east and may well have been part of a baray.

The northeastern pond features some sandstone and the unusual preponderance of that material has been suggested that it was reused from a former nearby sanctuary. However, no decorative elements are on site, either recycled or original. The only decorative feature is the lotus bud top piece and pedestal that sit on the ground.

The sanctuary is located on the grounds of Wat Prang Muang Kao which also appear to house a few sandstone pieces as well as some Dvaravati sema stones.

An ancient road is discernable south of the site, originating from the provincial capital and heading due west so it is plausible that the site sat aside the main route between ancient Khorat, Vimayapura and the important regional center of Lavodayapura, (Lopburi), to the west.

This is one of many ancient sites in the area and dates back to the 12th century. It’s worth a visit if you are interested in the regions history. Combining it with a visit to Muang Sema and the other sites would make a great day trip from Korat.

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