Phimai Historical ParkThe town of Phimai, 60 kilometers north of Korat, is home of the amazing 900 year old Phimai Historical Park, perhaps the most important Khmer historical site in Thailand. The Khmer existed from the early 9th century until 1431, when they were overthrown by the Thais. Its base was in Angkor, in present-day Cambodia and stretched to parts of what is now Thailand. The most famous of all Khmer sites, Angkor Wat (opens in new window), in Angkor, was the capital. It is believed that Phimai Historical Park was built before Angkor Wat and may have acted as a model. It's thought the 2 sites used to be connected by a road lined with hundreds of stone temples!
The town of Phimai is dominated by the park - there's a 1,000 meter by 500 meter walled sanctuary right in the center of town. Pride of place within stands Prasat Hin Phimai, a 28 meter high tower that really has been preserved well, with intricate carvings of Hindu gods and scenes.
Throughout the area stand many more structures made of sandstone and laterite, some rather dilapidated, others still in fine condition too. This place isn't just for history buffs (I'm not one!). Similar to the more famous Angkor Wat, it really did leave me with a sense of awe. Outside the central walled sanctuary lie the remains of 4 crumbling city walls. Right in the center of town lies Meru Brahmathat, a structure, made of bricks, that's seen better days, lying atop a small grass hill. This was constructed much later, at the end of the Ayutthaya period, in the 18th century. From here is a great view of the Prasat Hin Phimai tower, a few hundred meters in the distance.
It's fascinating to watch the town function normally amidst so much visible history. The town itself is small and I'd really recommend a nights stop here - there's a reasonable selection of budget accommodation, a picturesque lake in the center and a quiet feel to the place. There are a few tourists here, I saw, who seemed to be quite happy whiling away days in the peaceful surroundings. For a rough map of the town and details of the 3 hotels/guesthouses I visited, see this page. On the map, you'll spot the museum, which houses some of the more valuable artifacts found at the historical park and elsewhere. Entrance is 100 baht for foreign adults. See a picture of the museum on the picture page. Tips
Interesting To Note.....
To see more pictures of the park, visit this page. To see pages of a detailed booklet that I scanned that was given to me when I entered the historical park, visit this page.
Getting there and Cost
You could hire a car or motorbike from the places mentioned on this page for Korat. You can also go on a tour by heading to Nanda Travel Service (letter S on the map) or one of the bigger hotels on my list. For Khon Kaen, head to this page to see where to hire motorbikes or cars. There are also tour agencies around this car/motorbike hire area, as well as in the larger hotels on my list. By bus from Korat, head to the Bus terminal 2 (see the north part of this map). Get a bus (either 2nd class or 3rd class) heading to Chum Phuang. This bus stops at Phimai first. (hourly from early morning to evening, about 50 baht). By bus from Khon Kaen, there isn't a direct bus. You'll have to get a bus heading to Korat, then make sure the driver knows that you want to get off at the turning to Phimai, after 120 kilometers. There's a good chance you'll be able to get a songthaew or motorbike taxi from the turning to take you the 10 kilometers into Phimai if you wait a while - or get the bus heading to Chum Phuang that will pass by.... or hitch - think twice about doing this after 6pm, in the dark.... See the map showing where to get the bus from Phimai if you're heading back to Korat. Entrance to Phimai Historical Park for foreign adults and children over 13 or 14 is 100 baht. Children under 13 or 14 are free. For Thais, entrance is 30 baht, children free. The park is open from 7:30am to 6pm every day.
Return from Phimai Historical Park to Isaan
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