Ban Phluang Castle is a religious site, or shrine, used for sacred ceremonies by the community. The main castle, facing east, is built of white sandstone and rests on a laterite base, further enhancing its imposing appearance.

Interestingly, the castle only has one entrance, the eastern one. The other three sides are just false doors.

One particularly beautiful detail you might want to admire on the Joongka side is the relatively well-preserved and exquisite lintel. The lintel above the door frame is decorated with an image of Indra riding the one-headed elephant Erawan.

The face of Kala or Kiatmukha (in Hinduism, the face of a giant or demon, symbolizing "time," all-consuming, protection, and defense against evil) with a triangular tongue. Two arms hold garlands sprouting on either side of the mouth. The upper band depicts six hermits, alternating with a garland pattern.

The pediment above the doorway depicts Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana. Its frame is decorated with a floral stem pattern and crowned by a five-headed Naga. Small animal figures are engraved outside the frame. Door guards with clubs stand on either side of the door. Near the door, the wall is adorned with flowers, creating a graceful and elegant scene.

The south and north walls of the castle are also elaborately decorated. On the south side, the lintel depicts Indra on the three-headed elephant Erawan. On the north side, Krishna is shown defeating the six-headed Naga Kaliya. [In Brahmanism, Naga Kaliya is a poisonous Naga.]

Prasat Ban Phluang is an ancient Khmer art form dating back to the Khlang period, which continued into the Baphuon period (16th to early 17th century of the Buddhist calendar). Ban Phluang, Prasat Subdistrict, Surin Province – open daily from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm – Admission: Thais 10 Baht | Foreigners 50 Baht