Phimai historical park is the largest of all Khmer temples in Thailand, the rectangular complex measures over 1,000 meters long by almost 600 meters wide. It contains some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture in Thailand.
What makes this temple unique is that is constructed as a Buddhist temple, even though the Khmer who built it were Hindu.
Phimai, which is officially named Prasat Hin Phimai was built during the 11th and 12th century, during which time the area was part of the Khmer empire. It was constructed on the end of the ancient highway connecting it with Angkor (present day Siem Reap), with other Khmer temples like Muang Tum and Phanom Rung in between.
Judging from the style of the temple which resembles Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the size of the complex, Phimai must have been an important temple in its days. Where usually Khmer temples face East, Phimai is oriented towards the South East, in the direction of Angkor in Cambodia.