Visiting Phimai

About a week before we even stepped on the plane Dad felt the need to remind me that we weren’t going to Thailand as tourists. As a result of this we’ve spent the last few days house hunting rather than seeing the sights of Bangkok, but since we’re spending the weekend with Dads family up in Korat however, we thought it would be interesting to check out something spectacular. The obvious choice? Phimai; a temple complex said to have been the inspiration for Ankor Wat.

We left Korat at around midday, after a quick brunch of Kai Jiow (Thai ommelete) and dragon fruit. I had stupidly left my sunglasses back in Bangkok, but not to worry, I was provided with an even better solution.  Even as Ya Tew gestured to it, I maintained the hope that it was for Pu Moh, but to no avail, so it was that I was handed a large yellow, glittery sun hat. Despite the fact that this was practical and necessary, I could foresee how I would look in it. Then there was the small factor that Ya Tew insisted on taking photographs of everything. (I had already spent the morning of the day before in various different family poses) Before we left I made a futile attempt to leave it behind.. With no success. Once we reached Phimai and stepped out into the blazing sunshine though, I became rather grateful for it.

It’s worth noting that when visiting a temple or monument, such as Phimai, it is respectful to wear long skirts or trousers. I had happened to leave behind my shorts anyway, so it wasn’t an issue for me, but anyone else who was deemed to be wearing too little wore a sarong like skirt – even men. In terms of admission, the price for a foreigner is 100 baht (which is equivalent to only about £2)   Having paid this we were then able to enter the park. Phimai itself is actually much larger, with ancient walls that encompass the town. However the main temple complex was converted to a park in the 80s, and has mainly been restored.

To see the centre courtyard of the temple you have to first venture through a stone corridor.  The entrance itself is crawling with stone snake-like creatures and Naga’s, who helped to create the idea that as you entered this ancient dwelling something was still watching to keep you in line. Many people theorise that it was a administrative centre for the region during 12th and 13th Centuries, and walking into the sunlight, greeting by an imposing stone building, you can see why it was given this authority.

 The structures at Phimai are impressive in their own right, but what adds to it’s majesty is the realisation that these cities were built in a time without technology, something that has become so embedded in modern life today.

Towards the back of the complex the buildings have been left under the iron rule of the jungle, leaving a lost alien world. I half expected to see a troop a monkeys dancing between the stone windows, but alas instead there was a pack of selfie-stick wielders; something far less rare.

Although compared to Angkor Wat, Phimai could be considered small, the park still stretches a considerable distance, and stone corridors branch off in multiple directions. Walking round to the side of the courtyard there was a squadron of stone warriors standing in silent salute, waiting for a long lost foe beside a collection of green pools. 

Upon returning to the entrance, we were immediately enticed into taking several photos (safe to say I conveniently forgot to wear the hat at this point) As for my opinion of Phimai itself? Well, it’s humbling to visit something with such an impressive aura. Hopefully I’ll return. After all Pu Moh has said that I’m welcome anytime to see my grandfather.. I think I shall take him up on that.