If you are considering Phimai for its Khmer architecture, you will encounter temple reliefs, multi-tiered roof ornaments and Pratu Chai, the southern city gate, in the historical park. Phimai National Museum complements these themes with sculptures and a collection of lintels. Nearby, Sai Ngam and Ruean Wibunlak offer a shady tree and a white wooden house over the water.
Temple Reliefs, Roofs and City Gate
The temples in the historical park feature reliefs depicting Buddhas with Khmer-influenced facial features, as well as Hindu deities. The roofs are decorated with several layers of petal-shaped carved ornaments; this kind of design is rare in other Khmer temples. The southern gate in the city wall, Pratu Chai (Victory Gate), is considered the finest example of arched gates oriented toward Angkor.
The roofs and gate stand out for different features: the carved petal shapes and their layering define the appearance of the roofs, while Pratu Chai stands out for the orientation of its arched gates toward Angkor. The reliefs add a third point of interest with their religious figures. If you are interested in Khmer architecture, you can consider the imagery, ornamentation and gate design separately. The comparison between the gate and the roof design is therefore based on different distinctive features.
Sculptures and Architectural Elements at the National Museum
Phimai National Museum displays two sculptures found at Prang Brahmathat. Its collection also includes lintels, the horizontal architectural elements above windows and entrances. The term refers to an architectural element, not the window or entrance as a whole. These two museum exhibits offer a different comparison from the temple reliefs: here, sculptures and elements above openings are presented side by side. If you like to explore cultural sites through their objects as well, the museum pieces complement the temple architecture with specific objects and building elements.
Sai Ngam and Ruean Wibunlak Nearby
Sai Ngam is estimated to be more than 350 years old. Its branches spread out and provide shade; some branches form seating areas from which visitors can view the riverside landscape. Sai Ngam became well known after Queen Sri Bajarindra visited Phimai on January 21, 1911, and gave it the name “Sai Ngam.” The natural feature, shaded spots and history of its name come together at this site.
Near the shrines stands Ruean Wibunlak, a white wooden house that extends out over the water and is named after the mother of General Chatichai Choonhavan. The house’s form and its namesake offer two different points of interest: the building stands out for its shape over the water, while its name refers to the general’s mother. Unlike Sai Ngam, the focus here is a named house rather than a shady tree.
Visitor Leaflets
The historical park’s information center offers visitor leaflets in six languages: Thai, English, French, German, Japanese and Chinese. German is one of the languages available. If you would like to use a leaflet, check its availability before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Mueang Khong, Amphoe Wang Nam Khiao, Huai Bong, Sung Noen, Khanong Phra, Dan Khun Thot, Muang Nakhon Ratchasima, Takhop
Back to the main travel overview: Nakhon Ratchasima.
