Phimai
พิมาย · Nakhon Ratchasima Province
Population
15K
Budget / Month
$245
Internet
35 Mbps
Best Season
November to February
About Phimai
Phimai is a town that exists because of its temple. Prasat Hin Phimai, built primarily in the 11th and 12th centuries, was a major Khmer settlement connected to Angkor by a direct road — the ancient Khmer highway. The temple complex, sitting at the end of a broad processional approach in the center of town, is one of the largest and most significant Khmer ruins in Thailand. The main sanctuary's white sandstone and intricately carved lintels depicting Hindu and Buddhist mythology are magnificent, and the scale of the complex — with its outer walls, gateways, and naga bridges — gives a genuine sense of Khmer imperial architecture.
Unlike Phanom Rung's dramatic hilltop setting, Phimai's ruins are embedded in the everyday life of a small Isan town. The market, schools, and shops literally surround the ancient walls. This creates an unusual and appealing juxtaposition — you can wander from monumental Khmer sandstone to a noodle shop in the same block. Some scholars argue that Prasat Hin Phimai may have influenced the design of Angkor Wat itself; it is certainly older.
The nearby Sai Ngam banyan tree, claimed to be the largest in Thailand, is another popular attraction. Its aerial roots spread over an area of more than 1,400 square meters, creating a dim, cathedral-like space where locals picnic and vendors sell noodles.
Phimai works well as a half-day trip from Korat (60 km away) or as a peaceful overnight stay. The town is compact, walkable, and entirely navigable by bicycle — perfect for slow temple exploration.
Historical Note
Phimai was an important town in the Khmer Empire, positioned at the end of a direct road from Angkor. The main temple was begun in the late 11th century, possibly earlier, and expanded under several Khmer kings. Originally Hindu, it later incorporated Mahayana Buddhist elements. Major restoration was undertaken by the Thai Fine Arts Department with French assistance in the 1960s-70s.
Best time to visit: November to February
At a Glance
Thai Name
พิมาย
Province
Nakhon Ratchasima
Region
Isan (Northeastern)
Population
15,000
Area
896 km²
Elevation
170 m
Postal Code
30110
Local Language
Thai, Isan
Cost of Living
budget
/month8,800 THB
~$245 USD
comfortable
/month15,200 THB
~$425 USD
luxury
/month25,500 THB
~$710 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 30 | 50 |
| Local restaurant meal | 40 | 80 |
| Western restaurant meal | 120 | 250 |
| Specialty coffee | 40 | 70 |
| Large beer store | 55 | 65 |
| Water 1.5L | 10 | 14 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Guesthouse per night | 200 | 500 |
| Mid-range hotel per night | 500 | 1,200 |
| Best available hotel | 1,200 | 2,000 |
| Monthly rental | 2,500 | 5,000 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuk-tuk/songthaew | 20 | 40 |
| Motorbike rental per day | 150 | 250 |
| Minivan from Korat | 60 | 80 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Prasat Hin Phimai entry | 100 | 100 |
| Museum entry | 100 | 100 |
| Massage per hour | 150 | 200 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet fiber per month | 400 | 600 |
| Mobile plan per month | 299 | 599 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
18% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
November to February for cool weather. The Phimai Festival in mid-November features light-and-sound shows at the ruins and is the best time to see the temple dramatically illuminated.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30 | 17 | 5 | 60% |
| Feb | 33 | 19 | 15 | 58% |
| Mar | 35 | 22 | 40 | 60% |
| Apr | 37 | 24 | 70 | 65% |
| May | 35 | 24 | 160 | 72% |
| Jun | 33 | 24 | 140 | 75% |
| Jul | 32 | 24 | 150 | 78% |
| Aug | 32 | 24 | 170 | 80% |
| Sep | 32 | 23 | 220 | 82% |
| Oct | 32 | 22 | 140 | 78% |
| Nov | 31 | 19 | 25 | 65% |
| Dec | 29 | 16 | 5 | 60% |
Things to Do
Prasat Hin Phimai
ปราสาทหินพิมาย
One of Thailand's finest Khmer temple complexes with white sandstone sanctuary, carved lintels, naga bridges, and a processional approach.
Phimai National Museum
พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติพิมาย
Excellent museum with Khmer artifacts, carved lintels, and explanations of the temple's history and the Khmer road network.
Sai Ngam Banyan Tree
ไทรงาม
Massive banyan tree (possibly the largest in Thailand) spreading over a large area, with a park and food stalls.
Ancient Khmer Gateways
ประตูชัย
Several original Khmer entrance gates still stand at the edges of the old town.
Cycle Around Phimai
Flat terrain and quiet roads make cycling an excellent way to see the town, ruins, and countryside.
Phimai Morning Market
Local market near the temple with Isan produce and street food.
Mun River Walk
Short walk along the Mun River which curves around the old town area.
Food & Dining
ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือพิมาย
Phimai Boat Noodles
Phimai is locally famous for its boat noodles — small bowls with rich dark broth.
15-30/bowl
Boat noodle shops near the ruins
หมี่โคราช
Mee Korat
Stir-fried noodles from nearby Korat with a sweet-sour-savory sauce — a regional Isan specialty.
40-70
Local restaurants
ส้มตำ
Som Tam
Classic Isan papaya salad, spicy and cheap.
30-50
Every street stall
ไก่ย่าง
Kai Yang
Grilled chicken with sticky rice — the Isan classic.
60-120
Market stalls and roadside grills
ไส้กรอกอีสาน
Sai Krok Isan
Fermented pork sausage, grilled and served with raw ginger and chilies.
20-50
Market vendors
Night Markets
- Phimai Night Market
Food Streets
- Phimai temple gate strip
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
200 - 400
THB / night
Budget Hotel
200 - 500
THB / night
Mid-Range
500 - 1,200
THB / night
Luxury
1,200 - 2,000
THB / night
Studio /mo
2,000 - 3,500
THB / night
1BR /mo
2,500 - 5,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Old Phimai Guesthouse and Phimai Hotel are the best options near the ruins. Korat has a full range of hotels if you prefer to day-trip.
Getting There from Bangkok
Bus to Korat + local
3-4h + 1h
300-450 THB
Car via Motorway 6
3.5-4 hours
Fuel + tolls THB
Train to Korat + bus
4-5h + 1h
200-900 THB
Getting Around
Walking
WidespreadThe town is compact and walkable
Free
Bicycle rental
WidespreadIdeal for the flat terrain and ruins
50-100
Motorbike rental
LimitedFor the banyan tree and countryside
150-250
Songthaew
LimitedLimited local routes
20-40
Neighborhoods
Temple Area (Town Center)
Historic Isan townThe heart of Phimai surrounding the ancient Khmer ruins with market, museum, guesthouses, and restaurants.
Best for: Sightseeing and accommodation
Sai Ngam Area
Peaceful parklandThe banyan tree park area 2 km east with food stalls and a relaxed atmosphere.
Best for: Half-day trips and picnics
Korat Road
FunctionalMain highway approach to Phimai with a few hotels and restaurants along the road.
Best for: Transit
Festivals & Events
Phimai Festival
งานเที่ยวพิมาย
Cultural performances, light and sound show at the ruins, local food and crafts. The best time to see the temple dramatically illuminated.
Phimai Boat Races
Traditional longboat racing on the Mun River with local festivities.
Songkran
สงกรานต์
Local celebrations in the temple area.
Loy Krathong
ลอยกระทง
Floating krathong on local waterways.
Practical Info
Hospital
Phimai Hospital (small district); Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima in Korat for serious issues
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Common
Language Tip
Thai and Isan dialect. Limited English though the museum has English signage.
Drinking Water
Bottled water only.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Common
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima)
Isan's largest city with shopping malls, diverse restaurants, and Wat Phra Narai Maharat.
Prasat Phanom Wan
Another well-preserved Khmer temple, less visited than Phimai.
Ban Prasat Archaeological Site
Prehistoric settlement site with excavated burial pits and a small museum.
Khao Yai National Park via Pak Chong
Combine Khmer culture with wildlife in a multi-day trip.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phimai worth visiting?
Yes. Prasat Hin Phimai is one of the most impressive Khmer ruins in Thailand. It works as a half-day trip from Korat or a relaxed overnight.
How does Phimai compare to Phanom Rung?
Both are outstanding Khmer temples. Phanom Rung has a more dramatic hilltop setting. Phimai is larger, has a better museum, and is embedded in a charming town. Ideally, visit both.
How many days do I need?
Half a day is sufficient for the temple and museum. One night allows for a relaxed visit with Sai Ngam and the morning market.
Can I day-trip from Korat?
Yes. Korat to Phimai is 60 km (1 hour) with frequent minivans. A half-day trip works well.
Is there a connection to Angkor Wat?
Yes. Phimai was connected to Angkor by a direct Khmer highway. Some scholars believe Phimai's design influenced Angkor Wat. The temple predates Angkor Wat.
What is Sai Ngam?
A massive banyan tree about 2 km from the temple, claimed to be the largest in Thailand. It covers over 1,400 square meters with its aerial roots.