Things To Do
in Phimai
Phimai is a historic town located in the Nakhon Ratchasima Province of Thailand. It is known for its well-preserved ancient temple, Phimai Historical Park, which dates back to the Khmer Empire. The town offers a glimpse into Thailand's rich history and culture, with its impressive architectural structures and intricate stone carvings.
Visitors can explore the temple complex, take in the serene surroundings, and learn about the area's significance in the region.
- "Sawasdee" - Hello
- "Khop khun" - Thank you
- "Chai" - Yes
- "Mai" - No
- "Tao rai?" - How much?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $30
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $25
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Phimai Historical Park, home to stunning Khmer architecture. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and take plenty of photos as the sun rises over the ruins.
After lunch, explore the surrounding small shops and local culture. Consider visiting the Phimai National Museum to learn more about the region's history.
Conclude your day with a cozy dinner at a local restaurant. Savor authentic Thai cuisine while reflecting on the day's adventures.
Begin with a refreshing walk in the nearby Phimai Park, surrounded by lush greenery. Watch the locals practice Tai Chi and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
For lunch, try some street food options available near the park. You can also rent a bicycle and explore the charming countryside in the afternoon.
End your day with a sunset view by the riverbanks. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic dinner while soaking in the natural beauty.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical significance, featuring the impressive Phimai Historical Park and ancient Khmer architecture.
- A peaceful and less touristy destination compared to other Thai cities, allowing for a more authentic experience.
- Beautiful natural scenery, with nearby national parks such as Khao Yai offering hiking and outdoor activities.
- Cultural experiences such as local festivals and traditional Thai cuisine available in the area.
- Friendly locals who are often eager to share their culture and heritage with visitors.
- Limited English-speaking ability among locals, which may pose communication challenges for some travelers.
- Less developed tourist infrastructure compared to more popular destinations, leading to fewer accommodation and dining options.
- Certain attractions may not have as much information readily available in English, making self-guided exploration challenging.
- Public transportation options may be limited, requiring visitors to rely on taxis or rental vehicles to navigate the area.
- Hot and humid climate, especially during the summer months, which may be uncomfortable for some visitors.
Best Activities in Phimai
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the ancient Khmer temple complex, which dates back to the 11th century, famous for its impressive architecture and historical significance.
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the scenic countryside surrounding Phimai, taking in the lush rice fields and local villages.
Participate in the annual Phimai Festival celebrating local culture, with traditional performances, food stalls, and craft exhibitions.
Experience a relaxing boat trip on the Mun River, where you can enjoy the natural beauty and observe local wildlife.
Explore the vibrant local markets to discover traditional Thai foods, handicrafts, and immerse yourself in the community's daily life.
Take a day trip to nearby national parks like Khao Yai or Sai Yok, offering various hiking trails and opportunities to see exotic wildlife.
Tours
Uncover the best of Phimai with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Phimai
Visit one of these nice places.
This ancient Khmer temple complex offers stunning architectural features and lush surroundings, making it an ideal spot for capturing the essence of Thai history and culture.
The main tower of the Phimai temple is a breathtaking sight, especially at sunset, providing photographers with dramatic lighting and intricate stone carvings.
A smaller and less crowded temple, it offers serene surroundings and beautiful options for capturing traditional Buddhist architecture.
The riverbanks offer peaceful views and opportunities to photograph local life, particularly during early mornings or in the golden light of sunset.
Exploring the vibrant local markets provides not only a taste of Thai culture but also colorful scenes and diverse subjects for photography.
This market comes alive in the evening with lights and activities, making it perfect for capturing the bustling local nightlife and street food scenes.
Food in Phimai
Phimai Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular Thai salad featuring shredded green papaya, cherry tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and a flavorful dressing made of lime juice, fish sauce, and chilies. The ideal place to try this dish is at local street food stalls or Som Tam eateries dotted across Phimai.
Must-Try!
Laab Moo is a spicy minced pork salad mixed with herbs, shallots, lime juice, and toasted rice powder, providing a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Look for this dish at traditional Isan restaurants like 'Poo Pen' or street food vendors.
Kai Yang is a succulent grilled chicken dish marinated in a blend of garlic, coriander root, turmeric, and fish sauce, often served with a side of sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce. You can savor this dish at local eateries and food markets in Phimai.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Phimai better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Every Saturday evening, Phimai Walking Street comes alive with an array of street food stalls offering a diverse selection of local delights ranging from grilled skewers and noodles to sweet treats and refreshing beverages. It's a prime spot to sample authentic Isan street food.
This bustling morning market is a treasure trove of fresh produce, local snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. Visitors can relish a variety of stir-fried dishes, soups, and freshly prepared salads at the food stalls within the market.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Phimai and throughout Thailand, it is important to show respect for Buddhist monks. When interacting with them, maintain a respectful distance, do not touch them, and if you are a woman, avoid physical contact.
When visiting temples or sacred sites in Phimai, dress modestly. This means wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Remove your shoes before entering sacred areas, as this is a sign of respect.
The traditional Thai greeting is the 'wai,' which involves placing your palms together in a prayer-like gesture and bowing slightly. Use this greeting when meeting locals, particularly elders and those in positions of authority, to show respect.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Phimai with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Phimai
Ensure a smooth experience
In Phimai, Thailand, tipping is not a common practice and is often not expected. However, in some more tourist-oriented establishments, small tips to service staff may be appreciated, especially if the service has been exceptional. The practice is generally more prevalent in urban areas and high-end restaurants. Leaving small change or rounding up the bill is a nice gesture.
Payment in Phimai is typically accepted in Thai Baht (THB). Most businesses, including markets, restaurants, and shops, prefer cash transactions. Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger establishments but may not be available in smaller local shops. It is advisable for visitors to carry cash for convenience, especially when exploring local attractions or street markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Phimai.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Phimai is during the cool season when temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, visit historical sites like the Phimai Historical Park, and participate in local festivals, such as the Phimai Legend Light and Sound Festival.
The hot season can be quite uncomfortable, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C. While tourist crowds may be thinner, visitors should stay hydrated and seek indoor attractions or early morning visits to avoid the midday heat. It's also a good time to explore local markets in the evening.
The rainy season brings heavy downpours, but also lush landscapes and fewer tourists. Travelers who visit during this time should be prepared for sudden rain showers, but they can also enjoy the greenery and quieter surroundings. It's a great time for photography, especially at historical sites with dramatic skies.
Phimai at Night
Hiking in Phimai
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large archaeological site featuring ancient Khmer architecture and beautiful surrounding nature, ideal for hiking enthusiasts who appreciate history.
Located about 100 km from Phimai, this national park offers various hiking trails through lush forests and stunning waterfalls, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities.
A serene location with trails around the reservoir, providing hikers with beautiful views of water and local wildlife.
A nearby mountain offering hiking paths with picturesque views at the summit, suitable for adventure seekers.
Features various natural trails and secluded areas perfect for hiking and enjoying the tranquility of nature.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Phimai through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Phimai by plane.
The main international airport serving Bangkok, located approximately 370 kilometers from Phimai.
Another major airport in Bangkok, located around 390 kilometers from Phimai, primarily servicing low-cost carriers.
An international airport in Cambodia, approximately 440 kilometers from Phimai, popular for travelers heading to Angkor Wat.
An international airport in Udon Thani, located about 220 kilometers from Phimai, serving both domestic and limited international flights.
A domestic airport located approximately 80 kilometers from Phimai, serving primarily domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Phimai, primarily speaking the Thai language and practicing Buddhism.
A significant ethnic minority in the region, with cultural ties to Cambodia and a history of Khmer influence in the area.
Ethnic group with a presence in the northeastern part of Thailand, including Phimai, sharing linguistic and cultural similarities with Laos.
An indigenous group with a historical presence in the area, known for their distinct language and culture.
A community engaged in trade and business, contributing to the economic landscape of Phimai.
Includes various smaller ethnic communities that contribute to the multicultural fabric of Phimai.
The Soul of Phimai
Discover the essence of Phimai through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional martial art and combat sport from Thailand, known as the 'Art of Eight Limbs' for its use of punches, kicks, elbows, and knees.
A widely popular team sport in Thailand, played at both amateur and professional levels, with local leagues and tournaments.
A traditional Southeast Asian sport similar to volleyball but played with a rattan ball and using feet, head, knees, and chest to hit the ball over a net.
Gaining popularity in Thailand, especially among youth, with various local leagues and school competitions.
A popular racquet sport in Thailand, enjoyed by people of all ages, with competitive tournaments held frequently.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Phimai.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Thai cuisine often includes meat and fish-based ingredients, several eateries in Phimai cater to vegetarians and vegans. Look for Buddhist vegetarian restaurants known as 'Jay' restaurants which serve a wide range of plant-based dishes such as stir-fries, curries, and tofu-based treats.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can opt for dishes like grilled meats, fresh seafood, steamed vegetables, and rice-based noodles which are commonly available and free from gluten-containing ingredients. It's advisable to communicate dietary preferences clearly to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Phimai with these cultural adventures.
