Northeast Thailand (Isan) · Nakhon Ratchasima

Phimai travel guide: Thailand's great Khmer sanctuary

Phimai is a small town built around one of the most important Khmer monuments in Thailand. TAT calls Phimai Historical Park the largest stone Khmer temple in the country; the Ministry of Tourism and Sports' directory describes it as the most important Mahayana Buddhist site in Thailand, dating back about a thousand years. Its grey sandstone towers, galleries and carved lintels sit right in the middle of town.

AsiaVela editorial teamUpdated 1 October 20263 min read

The grey sandstone central tower of Prasat Hin Phimai rising above its galleries and a stepped terrace — The central sanctuary of Prasat Hin Phimai.

Suggested time: Half a day to 1 day
Where to stay: Day trip from Korat, or one night in Phimai
Season and timing: November to February is most comfortable; the stone courtyards get very hot in the afternoon.

The short answer

Give Phimai half a day to a full day. See Prasat Hin Phimai early or late in the day — the directory lists it as open every day, 8:30 to 18:00 — and visit the Phimai National Museum (Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00 to 16:00) for its lintels and sculpture. Phimai is about 60 kilometres from Korat, reached by bus from Korat's second bus station.

Prasat Hin Phimai

The sanctuary covers 184,000 square metres in a rectangle 565 metres wide and 1,030 metres long, according to the directory, which notes that the name probably comes from 'Wimai' or 'Wimaipura', a word found in a Khmer inscription on the temple's front gate.

Enter through the gate and causeway, then walk the galleries to the central sanctuary tower. Look up at the carved lintels and pediments with scenes from Buddhist and Hindu stories. The Fine Arts Department registered the site in 1936 and later restored the principal tower with support from the French government, as the directory records.

Phimai National Museum

The Phimai National Museum began in 1964 as an open-air store for pieces found during the restoration, and became the regional museum of the lower north-east in 1975, according to the directory. Its galleries display lintels, sculpture, tools and ornaments from across the region.

The directory lists opening hours of Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00 to 16:00. Visit before the temple to understand what you will see.

The towers and galleries of Prasat Hin Phimai framed by trees — Prasat Hin Phimai from the outer enclosure.

A carved sandstone lintel with rows of figures inside the inner enclosure of Phimai — A carved lintel at Prasat Hin Phimai.

Make time for the local food

What to eat and where to look

Phimai noodles

Rice noodles stir-fried or served in soup, a local speciality sold around the town.

Where to look: Noodle shops near the historical park.
Fit it into your day: Lunch after the morning visit.

Ask about chilli and fish sauce.

Isan grilled meats and sticky rice

Kai yang, grilled pork and sticky rice with chilli dips.

Where to look: Local restaurants and the evening market.
Fit it into your day: Dinner if you stay overnight.

Spicy dips.

Som tam

Green papaya salad, pounded to order.

Where to look: Stalls around town.
Fit it into your day: A quick, shared side dish.

May contain fermented fish (pla ra) and raw crab.

Festivals and light shows

Phimai hosts cultural events in the historical park. In 2023, TAT promoted a free 'Mini Light & Sound' evening with guided tours, blessing ceremonies, an ancient-style market and Isan folk music; an annual Phimai festival is also held.

Dates change each year. Check TAT or local listings if you want to time your visit for an event.

A Buddha image seated on a coiled naga inside a dark stone sanctuary doorway — The Buddha image inside the central sanctuary.

Getting there

From Korat, the directory describes the drive along Highway 2 towards Khon Kaen for about 50 kilometres, then Highway 206 for another 10 kilometres into Phimai. Buses leave from Korat's second bus station and stop in front of the temple.

Phimai is compact and walkable once you arrive.