Phimai Historical Park Tourism

Historical Park4.5(587 reviews)Get quotes for Thailand

About Phimai Historical Park

Phimai Historical Park is one of Thailand's largest Khmer temples, located in the small town of Phimai in the northeastern region of Thailand, known as Issan. The temple complex is considered one of the most important religious sanctuaries found in Thailand and was connected to Angkor, the heart of the Khmer empire, by an ancient roadway. This site reflects the grandeur of the Angkor architecture and is thought to have been a prototype for Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Phimai Historical Park contains numerous structures within its well-maintained area surrounded by a moat, including a central sanctuary, libraries, and ponds, all aligned along a north-south axis. The architecture is a mixture of both Hindu and Buddhist styles, and the intricate stone carvings and bas-reliefs on the temple walls display episodes from the Hindu epics as well as Buddhist imagery. As a culturally and historically significant site, it provides insights into the religious and social aspects of ancient Southeast Asia.

Top 5 Reviews on Phimai Historical Park

macedonboy
5.0
Wrote on 10 Jun 2024
Awesome Khmer Prototype of Angkor Wat
Phimai was an important town when the Khmer Empire ruled over much of Thailand, so it’s no wonder the temples here bear some resemblance to Angkor Wat and some think Phimai to be a prototype for the famous monument. In fact, when you finally walk into the inner courtyard, it does feel like you’re looking at Angkor Wat, and I’ve been there! Phimai is a triple walled buddhist sanctuary that was regularly maintained and repaired, for which we have to be thankful. The outer courts are largely in ruin and there is not much to see. The bridge linking the outer and inner courts are in very good condition. The first set of steps of the bridge is guarded by lions, while the second tier is the more traditional Buddhist Naga bridge. The bridge links the human and heavenly realms of Buddhist and Hindu cosmology, The entrance to the main temple is decorated with images of dancing Shiva. The entrance leads into a long narrow passage with architraves decorated with reliefs of scenes from Ramayana.Further in, the reliefs turn to Buddhist scenes. The main altar has an image of Buddha being sheltered by Naga. The mandapa above the Buddha has a high ceiling. It’s mainly on the exterior where there’s a lot of decoration, most prominently several giant reliefs of Garuda. Phimai Historical Park is a fantastic day trip from Korat, especially if you like archaeology.