Phimai
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Get in
Local buses run approx. every 30 minutes (05:30-22:00) from the provincial capital of Nakhon Ratchasima (also known as Korat). The 60-km trip costs 50 baht and takes 70-90 minutes. Before entering the terminal which is on the outskirts, the bus may go through the town; if you see a Khmer temple, by all means get off.
From points north, disembark at Talad Kae, and wait for the local bus as above. The fare from Nong Khai is 200 baht to Talad Kae, and then 13 baht from there to Phimai.
From points north, disembark at Talad Kae, and wait for the local bus as above. The fare from Nong Khai is 200 baht to Talad Kae, and then 13 baht from there to Phimai.
Get around
The town itself is quite small and can be easily explored on foot. Sai Ngam, the banyan tree, is 1.5km from the ruins and is easily reached by bicycle or can be walked in 20 minutes.
See
Phimai Historical ParkThe Khmer temples are among the best-preserved in Thailand and similar (if much smaller) than those at Angkor Wat. Parts of the park are older than Angkor Wat. Includes Khmer buildings, sculptures leading to the shrine, restaurant and gift shop.
- is the largest banyan tree in Thailand. It is 350 years old and located 1.5km from the ruins outside the town centre to the northeast. It's a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute bike ride.
Buy
The night market takes place every evening in the centre of town (16:00-21:00). The Monday market takes place each Monday on the outskirts of town, near the new bus terminal and the Phimai Inn. The 8 market takes place on the 8th, 18th and 28th of each month beyond the South Gate of Phimai, alongside the road leading to Baitey's and the Vocational School.
Eat
The night market offers cheap, if sometimes unidentifiable, food.
Baitey's RestaurantServes popular Thai and Chinese dishes, along with a few Western staples, in a scenic open-air setting.
Drink
The most obvious choice for late-night entertainment in the centre of town is the restaurant next to the 7-Eleven and across from the night market. It serves beer and whiskey until 01:00-02:00, and is popular with young Thais (and foreigners), who gather for celebrations and musical performances. There's daily live guitar and singing. There are also various karaoke bars scattered in and around the city.
Sleep
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phone: +66 44 471159address: 228 Jomsudasadej RdClean and central. Social area upstairs, library and Thai cafe with Western breakfasts.
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Khru Pom Restaurant & Guesthouse
phone: +66 44 471541, +66 83 9930251address: 276 Moo 2, Naimuang RdClean, modern rooms with air-con. Excellent restaurant: try the fish fried with lemon grass. -
phone: +66 61 423 6939Thai-style elevated bungalows with covered terraces line the river just opposite the National Museum. A ten minute walk from the town centre and the Khmer temple/Prasat Hin. Hot showers, TV, refrigerator, free Internet; breakfast optional. Owner Khun Chin speaks English and German. The river is safe to swim and great fun, too.
Phimai HotelIn the heart of the town offers air-conditioned rooms.
Phimai InnA slightly more up-scale lodging and has a swimming pool and restaurant, but is a hike from town.
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phone: +644287575Clean, well-organised hotel with rooms ranging from small singles at 500 baht to a triple family room at 650 baht. There is a swimming pool, which may have cleaning equipment in it when you visit, as at least one traveller reported seeing this. Great location near the night market and Phimai Historical Park. Very noisy in the morning. Phimai still has tannoy radio from 06:30 to 07:30, and there is much other noise within and from near the hotel. If you came to see the Angkorian ruins at dawn, you won't need an alarm clock!
Go next
You can either go back to Nakhon Ratchasima or take the road north to Khon Kaen. To visit another famous Khmer temple, Phanom Rung, go to Buriram or Nang Rong.