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  2. Temples in Thailand
  3. Prasat Hin Phimai

Khmer sanctuary · Nakhon Ratchasima

Prasat Hin Phimai, Phimai Historical Park

อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์พิมาย

Prasat Hin Phimai in the town of Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima province, is the largest ancient Mahayana Buddhist temple in Thailand and one of the most important Khmer sites outside Cambodia.

Northeast (Isan)Khmer sanctuary

📋 Practical info📍 On the map

Main sandstone prang of Phimai, Prasat Hin Phimai
Photo: Ahoerstemeier, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Practical information

Location
Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Ratchasima · 15.22067, 102.49386
Opening hours
Daily 07:30-18:00, including public holidays (Phimai Historical Park) (source: virtualhistoricalpark.finearts.go.th)
Entrance fee
Foreign visitors 200 baht, Thai visitors 20 baht; free for students and monks (source: virtualhistoricalpark.finearts.go.th)
Dress code
Dress politely: long sleeves, trousers or a knee-length skirt; no sleeveless, crop, tight or revealing tops. Take off your shoes before entering the chapel or other buildings. (source: thailand.go.th)
Period
Khmer Empire, mainly late 11th to 12th century

Times and prices can change; check them shortly before your visit.

About Prasat Hin Phimai

Prasat Hin Phimai in the town of Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima province, is the largest ancient Mahayana Buddhist temple in Thailand and one of the most important Khmer sites outside Cambodia. The white sandstone sanctuary was built when Phimai was a major town of the Khmer Empire, linked by an ancient road to Angkor. Its central prang is richly carved with lintels and scenes from Buddhist and Hindu stories. The site is well restored, compact and easy to explore, and the nearby Phimai National Museum displays fine sculptures. It is a great day trip from Khorat.

Highlights

  • Central prang A carved white sandstone sanctuary tower.
  • Khmer heritage Once linked by road to Angkor.
  • National museum Sculptures from the site nearby.

Tips for Prasat Hin Phimai

  • Cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes before you enter a temple building.

More photos of Prasat Hin Phimai

Prasat Hin Phimai on the map

Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.

Video: Prasat Hin Phimai

Prasat Hin Phimai - Korat Thailand · Dr.David. Video from YouTube; it only loads when you click.

Frequently asked questions about Prasat Hin Phimai

Where is Prasat Hin Phimai?

Prasat Hin Phimai is in Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Ratchasima province, in northeastern Thailand (Isan).

What is Prasat Hin Phimai known for?

Prasat Hin Phimai in the town of Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima province, is the largest ancient Mahayana Buddhist temple in Thailand and one of the most important Khmer sites outside Cambodia. Highlights include Central prang, Khmer heritage and National museum.

What are the opening hours of Prasat Hin Phimai?

Daily 07:30-18:00, including public holidays (Phimai Historical Park) (source: virtualhistoricalpark.finearts.go.th). Check before your visit, as times can change.

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