Phimai Historical Park (Prasat Hin Phimai) is the largest stone castle in Thailand. Located in Phimai District Nakhon Ratchasima Province,
Phimai Historical Park (Prasat Hin Phimai) is a great and beautiful Khmer historical site. Built according to beliefs about heaven and the human world, the layout of Prasat Hin Phimai was built similar to Mount Meru. There is a castle president which is in the center of the temple It is like a link between earth and heaven.
Phimai stone castle (Prasat Hin Phimai) Built in the reign of King Suryavarman I, around the 16th Buddhist century, this style of building combines with Angkor Wat art. Later, Khmer began to deteriorate, so the Sukhothai Kingdom was established later. and the city of Phimai finally disappeared But when it came to the period 1964-1969, the Fine Arts Department made a major restoration of Prasat Hin Phimai. until it is in perfect condition until now
In 1936, the Fine Arts Department announced the registration of Prasat Hin Phimai as a historical site. and was established as Phimai Historical Park on April 12, 1989, with improvements established for 13 years in cooperation between the Fine Arts Department and France from 1976-1989, which Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the opening ceremony of the park.
Ancient places inside Phimai Historical Park (Prasat Hin Phimai)
Nakarat Bridge
Nakarat Bridge is located in front of the southern gate of the main prang, which is the front part of the castle. It may be intended to symbolize the connection between the human world and the heavenly world. raised the platform about 2.50 meters above the ground
The arch and outer walls of the castle
The arch and outer walls of the castle Next to the Nakaraj Bridge is an arch, known as Kopura, made of sandstone. It has a plan in the shape of a cross and has arches in the same manner in 3 directions: north, east and west.
The arch and inner wall have a rectangular layout
The arch and inner wall have a rectangular layout. The length from north to south is 80 meters and the width from east to west is 72 meters, with a walkway 2.35 meters wide that can be walked through all four sides.
The main pagoda
The main pagoda is located in the middle of the courtyard inside the corridor. It is the center of this religious place. The main pagoda was built entirely of white sandstone. It is different from the arch (gopura) and the inner and outer walls that are mainly made of red sandstone. The pagoda is 28 meters high, square base with twelve wooden indents, 22 meters long on each side.
Phrommathat Prang
Phrommathat Prang Located in front of the main prang, diagonally to the left, built with laterite. It has a recessed rectangular base, 14.50 wide and 15 meters high, built in the reign of King Jayavarman VII.
Prang Hin Daeng
Prang Hin Daeng, built of red sandstone, 11.40 meters wide and 15 meters high, with porches protruding as entrances in all 4 directions.
To get to Phimai Historical Park, also known as Prasat Hin Phimai, you can follow these directions
- By Air: The nearest airport to Phimai is Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Nakhon Ratchasima Airport (also known as Korat Airport).
- By Train: You can take a train from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat). Trains depart from Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok and the journey takes approximately 3-4 hours. From Nakhon Ratchasima, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Phimai, which is about 60 kilometers away.
- By Bus: Buses from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) are available from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) and the Northeastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai). The journey takes around 3-4 hours depending on the traffic. From Nakhon Ratchasima, you can take a local bus or a taxi to Phimai.
Once you reach Phimai, the historical park is located in the center of the town. It is easily accessible by foot or by renting a bicycle. You can also hire a tuk-tuk or a local taxi to take you to the park.
Please note that the transportation options and schedules may vary, so it’s recommended to check the latest information and plan your trip accordingly.
How to book a train ticket
