Question 1: Today we are at the Prasat Phanom Rung temple complex. Which country are we in?
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- Myanmar
Correct Answer: Thailand
Fact: Thailand is home to over 40,000 temples, most of which are Buddhist. Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and Wat Pho, or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, are among the most famous. Prasat Phanom Rung, pictured here, was a Hindu temple, built between the 10th and 13th centuries.
Question 2: Which empire ruled Thailand when Prasat Phanom Rung was built?
- Sukhothai
- Ayutthaya
- Khmer
Correct Answer: Khmer
Fact: Established in 802 CE and lasting until 1431 CE, the Khmer Empire ruled a vast region in Southeast Asia. At its peak, it spanned across what is now Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, and was bigger than the Byzantine Empire, which existed during the same period. The Khmer Empire left an indelible impact on the architecture, history, and traditions of these countries.
Question 3: Which temple complex, built by a Khmer king, is the largest religious structure in the world?
- Vat Phou
- Nathlaung Kyaung Temple
- Angkor Wat
Correct Answer: Angkor Wat
Fact: Angkor Wat, in Cambodia, was built in the 12th century by the Khmer king Suryavarman II. It was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, one of the principal deities of Hinduism. Known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings, it later transformed into a Buddhist site. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, attracting millions of visitors every year.