Prasat Phimai is located in Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) province, about 5 hours by bus from Bangkok.
Phimai has a pleasant location, with the river Moon flowing its many branches around the town.
Construction of Prasat Phimai took place between the 11th-13th centuries A.D.
The grounds of Prasat Phimai are spacious and well kept. The principal tower (prang) is surrounded by galleries on all sites. Possibly initially built dedicated to Hindu Gods, later Prasat Hin Phimai functioned as a Mahayana Buddhist sanctuary.
Phimai houses also a very interesting National Museum, where many of the lintels, found at Prasat Phimai and surrounding temples, are being displayed, some in stunning beauty after restoration.
Close to the city center is a giant banyan tree, situated in a pond. The single tree rather looks like a giant forest.
(more info below images)
More Khmer heritage : Visit Phanom Rung
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1. Front view of Prasat Hin Phimai
2. Main prang at Phimai
3. Main temple, Phimai.
4. Buddha image, view through a door.
5. Naga bridge, Phimai.
6. Gallery with flowers.
7. Main Prang, Prasat Phimai.
8. Rama and Lakshman, surrounded by serpentine arrow, lintel at Phimai.
9. Lintel, Phimai National Museum.
10. At work.
11. Keeping the ground clean.
12. Giant banyan tree, close to Phimai.
To get around Phimai, well you can just walk most of the place. We suggest you rent a bicycle, so you can visit the banyan tree, and the surrounding country site, which is quite pleasant with the river Moon flowing all around. We suggest the Phimai Inn (at about 350 baht) located just outside town (about 1 km) as a place to stay. It also has a good swimming pool. The Phimai Old Guesthouse in town may be more attractive to backpackers. This guesthouse also organizes day trip to Phanom Rung and Muang Tam, at 1500 baht/car.
