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Amphoe Phimai
 Phimai
Historical Park
Within the Park is the Phimai Sanctuary, one of the grandest
and most important Khmer historical sites in Thailand.
The word ‘Phimai’ appears in an inscription on
a stone slab at the front doorway of the building as well as in
many other structures. It is believed that the word ‘Phimai’
referred to a religious figure or site.
The Phimai Sanctuary is rectangular in shape and is 565 meters
wide and 1,030 meters long. It consists of ornately carved sandstone
and laterite structures. The most special characteristic of the
sanctuary is that it is the only one that faces south while the
others usually face east. This is probably because it was built
to face the route that the Khmers traveled from the capital of the
empire, to the south of Phimai.
From stone inscriptions and the architectural style, the Phimai
Sanctuary was most likely built at the end of the 11th century during
the reign of King Suriyaworaman I. The architectural style is that
of the Baphuon style that prospered at the time. However, some characteristics
are similar to that of Angkor Wat, which became popular at a later
period. Some additions were made to the site in the early 18th Buddhist
century during the reign of King Chaiworaman VII when Phimai had
close relations with the Khmer Empire. The sanctuary was always
a religious site of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism because King Suriyaworaman
I and King Chaiworaman VII were followers of the sect. Important
Structures in Phimai Sanctuary:
The Naga Bridge is the first part you pass when visiting the site.
The bridge and lion figures stand in front of the Gopura (porch)
south of the main pagoda. The intention may have been to build a
link between earth and heaven according to both Hindu and Buddhist
beliefs concerning the universe.
The Gopura was adapted as the wall around the sanctuary and the
four entering porches. There is a large corridor connecting the
outer and inner areas of the main sanctuary. Above each porch is
a lintel of various designs.
The Main Prang or pagoda is on an open area in a curved walkway.
It is the centre of the site and is made entirely of white sandstone
and is different from the porches and walls that are made primarily
of red sandstone. This is because white sandstone is more durable
than red sandstone. The pagoda is 28 meters high, has a square base,
a portico and stairways and doors in all 4 directions.
The pagoda consists of a base, outer walls, columns, and porches
with beautiful designs. Of vital importance are the lintels that
mostly recount the tale of Ramayana from Hinduism and tales of the
Mahayana sect of Buddhism. The lintels above the 4 doorways of the
main pagoda’s inner chamber, the most important room of the
pagoda, are all about Buddhism reflecting the Buddhist influence
that eventually surpassed that of Hinduism. The carvings are of
the Baphoun style (1007-1107) and the Angkor Wat style (1107-1157)
leading to the belief that the main pagoda was built at the end
of the 12th century.
There are other pagodas, which are Prang Brahmadat in front of
the main pagoda, Prang Hin Daeng and Ho Phram (Brahma Hall) to the
right.
The park is open daily from 7.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The admission is
40 baht. There are youth guides available to provide visitors with
information about the site for free.
Historical Sites Outside Phimai Sanctuary:
The Phimai City Gate and City Walls were built during the reign
of King Chaiworaman VII. Of the 4 gates, the south gate is the most
important because the road from the ancient Khmer capital to Phimai
runs through it. The sanctuary can be seen when looking straight
through the gate.
The Men Brahmadat is southeast of the walls and is made
entirely of bricks. Its present form is a huge and round earth hill
that is about 30 meters high. The site is believed to have been
the place where a king was cremated. However, the style of construction
suggests it was built in the late Ayutthaya period.
Other sites to the south are Tha Nang Sa Phom, Kuti Rusi and Arokhayasan.
Phimai National Museum
 The
museum houses collections of archaeological artifacts especially
those found in the lower part of the region and has exhibits on
the past cultural prosperity of the Northeast. There are several
sections as follows:
local I-san culture
daily utensils like mortars, cotton chests, carts and monk items
the history of Phimai
lintels from sanctuaries in Nakhon Ratchasima and the Northeast
prehistoric artifacts such as ancient pottery, skeletons, tools,
and bronze and stone ornaments
early history that includes Dvaravati-style temple boundary markers
and Khmer-style items like columns and parts of buildings, as well
as sculptures like Buddha images, god figures and a figure of King
Chaiworaman VII made of sandstone found at Phrommathat Pagoda in
Phimai sanctuary.
The second floor is devoted to the past cultural glory of the Northeast,
early Isan communities and Khmer cultural influence.
The Museum is located at the base of Tha Songkran Bridge just before
Phimai Sanctuary. From Nakhon Ratchasima, take Highway No. 2 for
50 kilometers, then turn on Highway No. 206 and proceed for 10 kilometers.
If taking a bus from Nakhon Ratchasima, visitors can take a bus
from Bus Terminal 2 in the city. The museum is open daily from 9
a.m.-4 p.m. The entry fee is 30 baht. For information, call 0-4447-1167.
Sai Ngam
This recreational area that is literally translated as "Beautiful
Banyan Tree" is two kilometers from Phimai. The area, comprised
of over 15,000 square feet of shaded space, has food stands where
visitors can purchase snacks and drinks.
Thung Samrit Memorial
This wide field was a battleground between Khorat people
and Lao soldiers during the reign of King Rama III. A shrine was
constructed by villagers in 1988 to pay homage to the fighters.
The memorial is located at Mu 1, Ban Samrit Tawan Ok, Tambon Samrit,
46 kilometers from the city. Take Highway No. 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Khon
Kaen) to the 43-44 kilometer markers (opposite the entrance to Ban
Prasat), turn right and proceed for about 3 kilometers.
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