Phimai National Museum

Nakhon Ratchasima Province


One of the biggest and best museums in Isan, the Phimai National Museum is well worth a visit. Situated on the banks of Sa Kwan, a 12th-century Khmer reservoir, the museum consists of two spacious buildings housing a fine collection of Khmer sculptures from not just Phimai but also many other ruins from around Isan. Though the focus is on the Khmer era, there are also artefacts from Muang Sema, distinctive trumpet-mouthed and black Phimai pottery from Ban Prasat and Buddha images from various periods.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Nakhon Ratchasima Province attractions

1. Pratu Phi

0.15 MILES

Phimai city's northern gate, built by King Jayavarman VII in the 13th century.

2. Pratu Tawan Ork

0.24 MILES

There's almost nothing left of Phimai city's eastern gate, built by King Jayavarman VII in the 13th century. But, a bit of the original moat and an…

3. San Jao Lak Muang

0.26 MILES

Phimai's city pillar is unusually short and stubby because it's a laterite block taken from Prasat Phimai.

4. Phimai Historical Park

0.37 MILES

Prasat Phimai is one of the most impressive Khmer ruins in Thailand, both in its grand scale and its intricate details. Though built as a Mahayana…

5. Pratu Hin

0.4 MILES

Phimai city's western gate, built by King Jayavarman VII in the 13th century.

6. Clock Tower

0.41 MILES

Phimai's little clock tower marks the middle of the town.

7. Meru Bhramathat

0.49 MILES

Meru Bhramathat is a toppled brick stupa dating back to the late Ayuthaya period (18th century). Its name is derived from a folk tale that refers to it as…

8. Sai Ngam

0.65 MILES

A bit east of town is Thailand's largest and oldest banyan tree, a 350-plus-year-old giant spread over an island. The extensive system of interlocking…

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