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Region: Northeast Thailand> Province: Nakhon Ratchasima>Location: Phimai

Phimai sights and attractions

Prasat Hin Phimai National Historical Park - An incongruous sight

Description
The ruins of Prasat Hin Phimai are a welcome but incongruous sight in the town centre. The ancient, crumbling buildings are surrounded by a peaceful sea of manicured grass, before a simple hedge and low brick wall meet the main streets and busy shopping district.

Constructed of laterite and white and pink sandstone, the Angkor period ruins actually pre-date the temple of Angkor itself. Exploring the ruins entails navigating between cool and cavernous enclaves and sunny expanses of stone. Steep and difficult to manoeuvre at times, be sure to bring your trainers and plenty of water.

Started in the late 10th century by the Khmer King Jayavarman V, they were later finished by King Suriyavarman I. Intricate sculptures remain over the doorways, but otherwise a lot of the detail has worn away or is housed at the nearby museum. Definitely worth a visit, the temples are a tranquil spot to wander but naturally can not compete with the larger scale temples of Angkor Wat.

Opening Hours: Daily 07:30 - 18:00

Phimai National Museum - Well worth a visit

On the banks of the Mun River, Phimai

Description
On the banks of the Mun River, the picturesque Phimai National Museum is home to numerous artefacts excavated from the nearby Prasat and other geological sites in the Northeast. Among the many Buddhist statues you'd expect, an extensive collection of ancient Khmer jewellery and ornamentation has survived and is displayed here. A brief English description accompanies each exhibit.

In the 1960's and '70's the museum site largely served as a storage warehouse for artefacts found in archaeological excavation and restoration efforts in the region. In 1987, the Department of Fine Arts allocated 40,000,000 baht to create the museum space that exists today. The resulting site is a nice break from the mostly outdoor attractions that Phimai offers and paints a fuller picture of Khmer culture than you'll get at the ruins alone.

Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 - 16:00

Sai Ngam - An other-worldly experience

Description
For an other-worldly experience, head to Sai Ngam, beautiful Banyan. The largest Banyan grouping in all of Thailand, the mass of intertwined branches and trunks creates an atmosphere straight out of a Tim Burton movie. Earn merit by purchasing one of the many captive animals and setting them free and as several palm readers have set up camp in the leafy shade be sure to check out what the future holds. Light filters through at irregular intervals casting eerie shadows that only enhance the experience.

If you're hungry, more than ten makeshift restaurants line the border of this magical spot and serve standard Thai fare. It's a 15 minute walk from the centre of Phimai. Take the main road east and follow the signs. Alternatively, you can hire a samlor for about 30 B or rent a bicycle.

Opening Hours: Daily 06:00-18:00