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Prasat Hin Phimai ruins, IsanPrasat Hin Phimai ruins, Isan

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Aug's picture
Aug
32635 pts.
  • Off the path Explo
    46 %
    Off the path Explo rate
    Score
    2.3 / 5
    Comments
    This temple is famous in the area. Not really off the path Bob!
  • Article Quality
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    • Score
      5 / 5
      Comments
      Very good description!
    • Score
      5 / 5
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      Yes, and you added plans!
    • Score
      4 / 5
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      Yes, 4 pics
    • Score
      5 / 5
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      Yes!
    • Score
      4 / 5
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      Yep.
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One of the biggest religious sanctuary found in Thailand. It is now a nice flowered park, looking like a little Angkor...

My experience, Explo description: 

The sanctuary was built around the 11th-12th century A.D.

One century later, the Phimai city was erected around the temple : you can still see at some parts (mostly gateways) of the city some remains of the former city walls, which were surrounded by a moat with the Mon river.

It is believed Phimai has existed since the Khmer Kingdom. Because of the fertility of the neighbourhood, people have been living there continuously until the present.

  • 1) Phlab Phla : was probably used as a pavilion for the King and noble for religious ceremonies.
  • 2) The Naga bridge leads to the Gopura. The body of the Naga snake forms the rail of the bridge. The bridge is the beginning point for the journey to the sacred religious centre.
  • 3) The Gateways (Gopuras) can usually be found on each side of temples. Here, the road at the southern gate was supposed to lead to Angkor.
  • 5) The Bannalais were probably places to store religious holy scriptures.
  • 8) The principal tower was constructed around 11th-12th century. Unlike other Khmer religious buildings which generally face to the east, the central sanctuary here faces to the south. It comprises 2 important parts : the Mandapa (antechamber) and the Dhaty(main temple). On the walls you can observe carvings depicting episodes of the Ramayana and the story of Buddhism. On the southern side of the tower, you can see a dancing Shiva.
  • 9) Ho Brahm (Brahman shrine) was a placed used for Hindu ceremonies.
My personal recommendations: 

Out of the Prasat, a bit everywhere in the city, you can see vestiges of the ancient Phimai. This places are sometimes a bit difficult to access, like the Tha Nang Sa Phom (n°15 on the city map) which was a deck of a huge water reservoir (1700m by 700m)... The Kuti Rishi (n°13) was a former hospital. Some others are easy to visit, such as the Meru Bhramathat (n°2), which is a former Chedi.

How getting there: 
  • By car from Nakhon ratchassima, proceed on highway n°2 and turn right on highway n°206.
  • By train : take a train to Nakon Ratchassima, and then a bus.
  • By bus : there are buses from Nakon Ratchassima till 10.00pm.
A tip to eat: 

Many restaurants in Phimai, out of the sanctuary.

Useful information: 
Open hours: 

7.30am to 6.00pm every day.

Visit duration: 

1h.

Entry fees: 

$2.