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Phimai




























 
 

Phimai

Travel guide

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Once a part of the sprawling Khmer empire, Phimai was once directly connected by road to the capital of Angkor and was considered to be in integral part of the empire, seeing a steady stream of traders and religious travellers passing through it's gates.

Today, Phimai is not quite so grandiose, but it remains a charming little town nevertheless -- afterall, how many Thai towns have an ancient set of ruins sitting in their midst. The contrast of old versus new striking; the well manicured gardens and finely restored Prasat Phimai is a sea of tranquility surrounded by bustling shops and a vibrant daily life.

The area immediately surrounding the ruins is known as "old Phimai", although other than the ruins themselves there is absolutely nothing ancient about it. "New Phimai" is a couple of kilometres away, in a slightly seedier area with none of the charm of the old.

The town is home to a small collection of guesthouses and restaurants catering to the travellers who'd prefer to overnight here rather than visit on a daytrip from Khorat. If you've got the time, Phimai is worth an overnight stay.

Fairly flat and only about 4 sq km in total, Phimai is easily travelled on foot but you may prefer to hire a bicycle to ride to outlying destinations like Sai Ngam -- home to Thailand's largest Banyan tree, and the National Museum.


 
















From around 3pm the night market starts to set up, and wandering the long main street you'll find great cheap street food as well as clothes, vegetables and other bits and pieces. It's a terrific place for people watching, hanging our or if you're wanting to stock up on frog-on-a-stick.

Our recommendations

If time allows, try to visit the ruins more than once -- preferably in the morning and late afternoon. At these times, the light really brings out the colour in the warm stone that forms the central temple. In the middle of the day, escape the glaring light and blazing heat by cycling over to Sai Ngam and shelter under the massive banyan tree.

Text and/or map last updated on 11th August, 2009.

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Magnolia Tree An ancient Khmer out-post Monk through window Yellow lanterns, indigo dusk Forest of fright, color Still boat on the Moon River Shrine to Ajahn Chah Forest of fright, b & w Lotus patch Vines, flowers, pond
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Fresh off our Asia travel forum

Here are some discussions off the Travelfish forum, perhaps related to Phimai. You can find the full forum here.

Topic Replies  Views 
Views on Phimai Festival - itinerary help needed 
In Thailand: by RuthJ, last reply by Tilapia
11 615
Travelling around Phimai Lao/Songkran? 
In Thailand: by DLuek
0 777
From Phimai to the Mekong 
In Thailand: by jofml
0 779
Nong Khai to Phimai: how to get there 
In Thailand: by reenakukreja, last reply by Tilapia
5 996
Phimai oder Khorat 
In Thailand: by jofml, last reply by somtam2000
1 890

Phimai reviews

Backchat from the Travelfish community

Worth the trip
By DLuek (dabbler - 3 reviews)
Written on 21st May, 2009 after a visit to Phimai in February, 2009

While getting to Phimai by bus takes a little extra effort (you will likely have to change buses in Nakhon Ratchasima), we found it well worth the effort.

The ruins of Prasat Phimai are both impressive and peaceful. Take the time to walk around the outer walls and enjoy the natural beauty as its blends into the ruins. When we arrived on a Monday during the late afternoon we shared the place with just a few monks, making for some great photography. To avoid the crowds, don't come on weekends; it was filled with local tourists all day Sunday.

Beyond the ruins, Phimai begged us to stay a couple extra days. The locals were friendly and the setting relaxing. Head to Sai Ngam for the sprawling Banyan Trees where you can feel like you're walking through a magical children's book (also found great photography opportunities here), take a relaxed bike ride along the Moon River, and sample some authentic cuisine at the eclectic night market. The market is a food lover's highlight, and since most items are displayed there's no need to speak Thai.

We found an outstanding room with excellent value and friendly staff at Paradise Apartments. Give the restaurant/bar across from Paradise a try for dinner. Travelfish lists it only as a bar, but we enjoyed authentic, SPICY Isan cuisine there three nights in a row and were never let down.
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