Thailand - Phimai

Right: Phimai Sanctuary

The small town of Phimai in Nakhon Ratshima Province, north-eastern Thailand, is built on the site of an Angkor period relic. The sanctuary at Phimai (Prasat Hin Phimai) was built sometime in the early 12th century and building continued into the 13th century.

The nearby museum is built next to one of three reservoirs within the city walls and contains a number of relics from the Angkorean, and later periods as well as some bronze age artifacts and items of Isaan (N. E. Thailand) culture.

Left: Phimai South Gate and main tower of Prasat Hin Phimai in the distance

The Southern Gate a.k.a. Victory Gate (Pratu Chai) faces directly towards Angkor and the road leading out was probably the major route between. Outside the city gates are some other relics including Kuti Rishi (the hermit's dwelling), one of 102 hospitals ordered built around the Angkorean kingdom by King Jayavarman VII. Also within the city walls is The Meru Brahmathat, an Ayuthaya period brick chedi.

Buses leave during the day from Bangkok's northern bus terminal for Nakon Ratchasima (a.k.a. Khorat), the trip takes around 4 hours. From Khorat's bus station buses leave at half hour intervals for Phimai.