PHIMAI HISTORICAL PARK

Phimai Historical Park is home to vestiges reminiscent of Angkor Wat, dating from the same era as the mighty Khmer Empire. Of course, Phimai is no match for Cambodia's historic city, which boasts over 50 temples spread over a vast perimeter. However, the Phimai archaeological site bears architectural witness to a transitional period in history, and is considered the largest Khmer temple in the country. At its heart is Prasat Hin Phimai, one of Thailand's most important Mahayana Buddhist temples, dating from the late 10th^century . It is surrounded by a large rectangular enclosure measuring 565 by 1,030 metres. Other monuments to admire include the naga bridge at the entrance, and sculptures scattered here and there. It seems that part of the construction was completed by the Siamese after they took control of the region at the expense of the decadent Khmer empire. The Victory Gate at the entrance to the temple faces towards Angkor. Indeed, at the height of the Khmer empire, Phimai would have been directly linked to the ancient city of Angkor by a road, now buried in the jungle. Could this have something to do with André Malraux's famous "Royal Road"? The whole site exudes an appreciable serenity, and few tourists visit this park. Make sure you bring a hat and some water, because even though the ruins are watched over by tall trees, there aren't many shady areas and the sun beats down!