Nakhon Ratchasima
Every exit is an entry somewhere elseTom StoppardNakhon Ratchasima is the name given to the large north-eastern province situated in the heart of Isaan territory and known locally as Khorat or Korat. The town of Nakhon Ratchasima bares the same name. This province is steeped in history and a visit to some of the museums here will uncover a variety of interesting archaeological digs that bear witness to prehistoric Thailand from both the Khmer as well as the Dvaravati cultures. Many Khmer ruins found here date back to the 12th century with some of these sites having been lovingly restored to their former splendour. This area is also splendidly rich in nature with one forested national park filled with waterfalls, reservoirs and wild-life and another with important Khmer historical sites.
Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park is Thailand's first national park and the the second largest park in the country. It covers a huge area of some 2,168 square kilometers of evergreen forests and grasslands. The parks waterfalls include the 80-meter high Heo Narok falls and the Haeo Suwat falls. The park is also home to a large number of exotic plants with a total sum of 320 species of birds and 67 species of animals. These animals include Asiatic black bears, Asian elephants, gaur, tigers, gibbons, Indian sambar deer, Indian muntjac, dholes and wild pigs. Prasat Hin Phimai National Historical Park
Prasat Hin Phimai National Historical Park is one of Thailand's most imposing sanctuaries situated in the heart of the ancient city of Phimai. Apart from being the largest sandstone sanctuary in Thailand it is also the most important Khmer historical site in the country. The park is open daily from 7.30 am until 5pm with an admission fee of 40 baht. It will take you approximately 90 minutes by car from Nakhon Ratchasima travelling in a northerly direction along highway 2.
View of the Khmer Temple at Phimai
The word Phimai meaning a religious figure or site appears in an inscription on a stone slab at the front doorway of the main building as well as in many other structures. These structures are made of sandstone as well as laterite and are all ornately carved with intricate designs. The principal sanctuary is a tower or Prasat surrounded by four porches with an ante-chamber leading into each porch. On the terraces of the pyramidal roof, which is supported by Garudas, guardian figures are interspersed with Nagas. View of the Khmer Temple at Phimai
To think that parts of this historical park are actually older than Angkor Wat in Cambodia yet fortunately these ruins at Phimai have been magnificently restored and renovated. Unfortunately the Khmer site in Cambodia has not seen much restoration work done as there is a serious lack of funds available. I do believe that the Japanese have committed some contributions towards the upkeep. Because I have a fascinated with all types of architecture, I was fortunate to have visited both sites in Thailand and Cambodia. View of the Khmer Temple at Phimai
Sandstone detail above entrance
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