Thailand Guide
The northeast: Isaan
Phimai National Museum
Opening time: Daily 9am–4pm
Price: B100
Address: Just inside the old city walls, an easy walk to the northeast of the ruins
Website: www.thailandmuseum.com
Much of the ancient carved stonework discovered at Prasat Hin Phimai but not fitted back into the renovated structure can be seen at the Phimai NationalMuseum, where it's easier to appreciate, being at eye-level, well labelled and contextualized. The museum's pièce de résistance is the exceptionally fine sandstone statue of Jayavarman VII that was found in the sanctuary's laterite tower; seated and leaning slightly forward, he's lost his arms and part of his nose, but none of his grace and serenity. Elsewhere in the galleries, displays take you through the religious and cultural history of the Phimai region, as well as some exquisite Buddha statues from more recent times.