Phimai(Thai: อำเภอ พิมาย) is a small town in northeastern the Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The Nakhon Ratchasima Province is located in the northeast region of Thailand, the Isan. The main attraction of the city is the famous one Phimai Historical Park, an ancient Khmer temple complex from the Angkor
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| Phimai | ||
| province | Nakhon Ratchasima | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 8.696 (2014) | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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background
Geography: Phimai is just over 50 kilometers northeast of Nakhon Ratchasima on the Mun River and is 270 kilometers from the capital Bangkok away. The city is located on the Khorat plateau, which is arid in the dry season and flooded in the rainy season.
History: Finds in the area show settlement as early as the Neolithic. The city itself is under the name Vimai or Vimayapura ("The City of Vimais") a foundation of the Khmer. It was fortified in the 11th century and developed into a spiritual center of the Khmer Empire. A stone stele from the reign of King Suryavarman I was found on top of the city Bhirapura ("Strong City") is called. Even later in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya and during the Rattanakosin period, Phimai was an important city. [1]
In 1900, Mueang Phimai was officially established. In 1940 the government renamed the district by omitting the word Mueang.
getting there
By plane
I like the airport on the map Buri Ram are close, but there is no particularly good road connection, let alone public transport on the route, so this approach is only possible if you want to shimmy along provincial roads in a rental car (105 km; travel time approx. 1:40 hours).
By bus
The journey usually takes place via the provincial capital located 60 kilometers southwest Nakhon Ratchasima (short Korat). This is connected to both the long-distance bus network and the railway network. From there you have two options for continuing to Phimai. The regional bus runs every half hour. Blue and white 2nd class buses have air conditioning, in the orange 3rd class buses only fans and open windows provide cooling. The trip costs 50 THB one way (regardless of the class; as of June 2012). The bus stops at both the old and the new Phimai bus station. The old one is closer to downtown (with the Phimai Hotel) and the historical park. He comes first (coming from Korat).
Modern, air-conditioned minivans run every hour from Korat to Phimai, they go directly to the old bus station of Phimai without stopping in the villages. The fare is also 50 THB (as of June 2012). Telephone: 044-471145, 044-287177 or 088-7217782.
By train
The nearest train station is the one just under 30 kilometers to the south Hin Dat on the Bangkok – Korat– railway lineUbon Ratchathani. The connection is a bit cumbersome and possibly adventurous. It is therefore only possible if you are arriving from the east or departing in this direction (i.e. from / to Buri Ram, Surin or Ubon) and the trip via Korat would be a big detour. In Hin Dat four trains stop in each direction every day. The connection to Phimai is via a passable country road, the journey time by car takes about half an hour. The only means of transport are Songthaos available, so flatbed trucks with benches on the loading area, which drive only rarely and irregularly, or motorcycle taxis, which are quite expensive (by Thai standards) and with which you can of course hardly take luggage with you. Alternatively, you can try to hitchhike. From Hin Dat to Buri Ram it is planned to drive about an hour, to Surin just under two, to Ubon between four and a half and over five hours. Current timetable and prices.
In the street
| Distances | |
| Bangkok | 320 km |
|---|---|
| Buri Ram | 95 km |
| Nakhon Ratchasima | 60 km |
The not optimally developed, but acceptable national road 206 connects Phimai on the one hand with the large national road 2 ("Road of Friendship"; Korat–Khon Kaen), on the other hand with the national road 226 (Korat–Buri Ram). It takes just under an hour by car from Korat, one and a half hours from Buri Ram and around two hours from Khon Kaen.
mobility
The actual city center is only 1 kilometer wide, so all paths within it are within walking distance. In Phimai there are also cycle rickshaws (Thai sǎam lɔ̂ɔ). A ride in the city area usually costs 10 THB (as of June 2012).
Tourist Attractions
- Phimai Historical Park. The best preserved Khmer city on the soil of Thailand, with a still preserved city gate and extensive temples (in the style of Angkor).
- Phimai National Museum. Finds from the area around Phimai, with lintels with very beautiful sculptures and Buddha images in Khmer style.
- Prasat Muang Khao. Ruins of a Khmer temple.
- Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis). With a wide network of aerial roots and a crown 85 meters in diameter.
activities
- Phimai festival. In November. Festival organized by the Tourist Authority of Thailand and the Fine Arts Department on the grounds of the history park and on the banks of the Chakkarat and Mun rivers. Large light and sound show, dance theater performance depicting stories from the time of the Khmer ruler Jayavarman VII, boat races, Korat cat competition and more.
shop
kitchen
nightlife
accommodation
- Boonsiri Guest House, 228 Thanon Chomsudasadet. Tel.: (0)44-471159, (0)89-4249942, Email: [email protected]. Simple accommodation in the immediate vicinity (100 m) to the entrance of the historical park; quite large rooms with fan or AC; Terrace / courtyard; Operator speaks English.
- Moon River Resort Phimai. Tel.: 66 (0)61 423 6939, Email: [email protected]. Thai-style bungalows with covered terraces are located along the river across from the National Museum. Ten minutes walk to the city center and the Khmertempel / Prasat Hin. Bungalows for two people with bathroom, hot shower, a / c, TV, refrigerator; free internet; Breakfast optional. The owner Khun Chin speaks German and English. Swimming in the river is a great pleasure!Price: from THB 600.
- Phimai Inn Hotel. Simple but decent hotel on the arterial road (just under 2 km from the historical park); There are (slightly more expensive) renovated rooms, the unrenovated ones are a bit shabby.Price: Double room from 500 THB.
health
Practical advice
trips
literature
credentials
- ↑Michael Freeman: Phimai ปราสาท พิมาย. River Books, Bangkok 1998 2nd ed., ISBN 974-8225-36-4
