Prasat Peuai Noi in Peuai Noi district of Khon Kaen is located some 79 kilometers from downtown Khon Kaen. The charm of traditional rural Thailand still prevails in the area where the prevailing simplicity is so obvious that it is almost hard to believe that more than 1000 years ago, it was under the influence of Khmer civilization which can still be seen today in the architecture that has survived the ages.
To the local people, Prasat Peuai Noi is Phra Thart Kuthong, which stands majestically over an expansive area after an ambitious restoration plan by the Thai Department of Fine Arts from 1988 to 1994.
Prasat Peuai Noi is a temple, which greatly was influenced by Hindu influences built during B.E. 1600 - 1700 in the combined architectural styles of Papuan and the most famous Angkor Wat based on the scheme of the universe in Hindu tradition where Phra Sumeru, the center of the universe, is represented by three principle literate buildings.
The discovery of the "lingem" inside the temple suggests that it was built as a dedication to God Siva. However, a lintel with the depiction of the Reclining God Narai - Phra Narai Bundhomsindu graces the top of the entrance to the building. Yet, southeast of the temple is another building called Phobbannarai which houses religious teachings. Prasat Peuai Noi is protected by moats built to represent the ocean that surrounds Phra Sumeru Mount where the God they worship resides.
Visiting Prasat Peuai Noi at dusk is an unforgettable experience. Tourists will have the good fortune of seeing the remarkable beauty of the evening sun which reflects upon the sculptures and laterite stones; the impression is as if one were taken back in time to the glorious past of Khmer civilization, a chance to witness the fascination of Prasat Peuai Noi in the ambiance of rural Isan.
