Phimai Historical Park - 11th Century Khmer Temple - Nakhon Ratchasima Thailand 2024

The Khmer Empire was a powerful Kingdom in South-East Asia. Its major architectural works (temples and sculptures) are located in present day Cambodia, where the capital of the empire was located. However, during long periods of time the Khmer ruled over parts of present day Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.

Like other major ethnic groups in the history of South-East Asia (the Thais, the Mons, The Chams) the Khmer are thought to have descended in the prehistoric period from the river valleys in Eastern Tibet and Southwest China. The Khmer appear first on the scene (in Chinese records) in the second half of the 6th century A.D. with the Kingdom known as Chenla.

Since the Khmer reigned for long periods over extended areas of present day Thailand, Thailand has a substantial number of important Khmer monuments on its territory, mainly in its Northeastern Region (such as Phonom Rung and Muang Tam in Buriram Province, Phimai in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Muang Singh in Kanchanaburi province). Any look around the old temples of Sukhothai, Lopburi and Ayutthaya will also reveal strong Khmer architectural influences.

Phimai historical park is the largest of all Khmer temples in Thailand, the rectangular complex measures over 1,000 meters long by almost 600 meters wide. It contains some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture in Thailand.

What makes this temple unique is that is constructed as a Buddhist temple, even though the Khmer who built it were Hindu.

Phimai, which is officially named Prasat Hin Phimai was built during the 11th and 12th century, during which time the area was part of the Khmer empire. It was constructed on the end of the ancient highway connecting it with Angkor (present day Siem Reap), with other Khmer temples like Muang Tum and Phanom Rung in between.

Phimai historical park was renovated during the second half of the 1960’s. It is placed on UNESCO’s tentative list for future listing as a World Heritage Site.

The temple complex is well worth a visit. If you come plan on spending a few hours walking around and marveling at the history and ingenuity of the Khmer.

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