Phimai Historical Park (Prasat Hin Phimai)

History & Significance

Phimai Historical Park preserves the largest Khmer stone sanctuary in Thailand, spanning a rectangular plan of 565 meters by 1,030 meters over 115 rai. Construction began in the late 11th century CE under King Suryavarman I as a Hindu sanctuary, later evolving into a major site for Mahayana Buddhism, particularly during the reign of King Jayavarman VII in the early 13th century CE.

The name "Phimai" originates from "Vimaya" or "Vimayapura," as discovered in Khmer stone inscriptions on the inner gallery doorway. Unlike most Khmer temples that face east, Phimai uniquely faces south, designed to align directly with the ancient royal highway originating from Yashodharapura (Angkor), the capital of the Khmer Empire. The temple layout reflects Hindu and Mahayana Buddhist cosmology, symbolizing Mount Meru with the central tower serving as a bridge between the human world and heaven.

Highlights & What to See

• Naga Bridge: A cross-shaped sandstone bridge measuring 4 meters wide and 31.7 meters long. Featuring raised platforms and 7-headed naga balustrades, it symbolizes the passage from the human realm into the sacred heavenly world.
• Main Prang: Situated at the center of the inner courtyard, this impressive central sanctuary is constructed entirely from white sandstone, standing out from the surrounding laterite and sandstone structures.
• Prang Phrommathat: Located in front of the main prang to the left, built of laterite during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. It once housed a sandstone statue of the king (now replaced by a replica, with the original kept at Phimai National Museum).
• Prang Hin Daeng: Built of red sandstone on the right side of the inner courtyard, featuring a carved lintel depicting an episode from the Mahabharata epic (Karna hunting a wild boar).
• Plapphla (Royal Pavilion): A rectangular building outside the outer wall, historically known as "Klang Ngen" (Treasury) due to bronze coins and ornaments discovered during a 1968 excavation. It served as a preparation hall for royalty before religious rituals.
• Bannalai & Ponds: Two sandstone library buildings situated on the outer western courtyard, surrounded by four corner ponds.

Visitor Information

Phimai Historical Park is open daily from 07:00 to 18:00. Facilities include parking lots and restrooms on-site.

• Admission Fee: Thai Citizens: 20 THB (Adults & Children) / Foreign Visitors: 200 THB (Adults & Children).
• Contact: +66 44 471 568

How to Get There

The historical park is located at Moo 2, Anantachinda Road, Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, on the eastern side of the Mun River. Visitors traveling from Nakhon Ratchasima city center can reach the park via local buses or private vehicles taking Highway 2 (Mittraphap Road) and turning onto Highway 206 toward Phimai District.