It is believed that Bhramin priests used the water in these ponds for rituals performed inside the sanctuaries. An inscription discovered at the side of Prasat Muang Tam states that the waters stored in these ponds protect and preserve the sanctuary.

Extending out from the ponds is a late rite boundary wall about 6 meters high. The top of the wall is adorned with sandstone finials. In the center on each of the four sides of the wall is a large access doorway made of sandstone. The lintels, gables and wall columns are decorated with figures of deities such as Krishna quashing the serpent Kaliya and elaborate floral and vine motifs.

Out side Prasat Muang Tam and about 200 meters to the north, is a reservoir which the local people call Muang Tam Lake. This is a large rectangular shaped pond which measures 510 meters by 1,090 meter. It is believed that this reservoir was dug at the same time as the construction of Prasat Muang Tam to store water in accordance with Hindu tradition. The water in the reservoir was used by the people of that time for personal and domestic consumption.

Apart from Prasat Phnom Rung, several other important Khmer style sanctuaries can be found in the vicinity of Prasat Muang Tam. Among them are Kuti Rishi Muang Tam and Kuti Rishi Nong Bua Rai, which date from the 12th century and which served as medical centres, or hospitals, and the Prasat Ban Bu, which served as a pilgrims hostel and which also dates to the 12th century.

On 8 March,1935, the Department office Arts registered Prasat Muang Tam as an archaeological site in Government Gazette Volume 52 Section 75.

In 1988-1989, the present day Archaeology Devision raised its status to OFfice of Archaeology and Nation Museum under the Department of Fine Arts. Archaeological excavations and restorations were carried out and in the period 1989-1996 restorations of this stone sanctuary continued until completion.

Doorway on the eastern face of the boundary wall

Baray of Prasat Muang Tam

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