Angkor heritage

Khmer temples of Phimai & Phanom Rung

Day 1. Phimai.  Between 900 and 1200 B.C. large parts of Thailand were conquered by the Angkor empire. Prasat Hin Phimai was built at the beginning of the 12th century, when the Khmer empire had its glory period. The monument is of great historic and esthetic importance, it became the example and prototype for the later built and famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. You will have ample time to visit the Angkor temple of Phimai and the national museum nearby. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a short excursion to Saai Ngaam, a gigantic 350 year old banyan tree-complex hanging some 2ฝ m above the ground, with hundreds of aerial roots anchoring it into the ground. Overnight stay in Nakhon Ratchasima, also called Khorat.

Day 2. Phanom Rung.  On top of an extinct volcano, on the route from Khorat to Angkor Wat in Cambodia lies the impressive Khmer temple complex of Phanom Rung. It is the largest and best restored of all Khmer monuments in Thailand. The complex offers magnificent views over the surrounding area. In the afternoon you will visit Muang Tam at the foot of the volcano hill about 8 km down the road. A totally different setting but equally beautiful and impressive. Overnight stay in Khorat (B).

Day 3. After breakfast (included) you check out of the hotel and this tour ends. From here you can travel onwards to your next destination, for instance Khao Yai safari, Homestay Khonkaen, Treasures of Isaan, Ubon explored or Rising to Cambodia or you can travel back to Bangkok by train, bus or flight (we can book this for you).