The ancient city of Phimai was rectangular in shape and measured 565 x 1,030 metres. It is surrounded by a moat on all sides. The religious sanctuary is situated in the center of a modern community. It is the largest stone sanctuary in
Thailand and the present structures and buildings were constructed during the 11th - 12th centuries A.D. Some structures were added during the 13th century A.D.

When we pass through the entrance on the right there is a big map of Phimai city and the sanctuary, and the building where visitors can get information, books, postcards, and souvenirs.

The Phimai sanctuary is surrounded by a double wall, the outermost being called "Kamphaeng Kaew", and the inner wall called "Rabieng Khot". A rectangular building, known as "Phlab Phla" (robing pavillion) lies beyond the outer wall.
To the front is a "naga" (mythical snake) platform where the journey into the sacred sanctuary commences. According to ancient beliefs, the naga platform links the human to the heavenly realm.

Crossing the naga platform there are four arched gateways known as "gopuras" set in the centre of each of the four boundary walls which lead into the heavenly realm where the celestial beings reside. The boundary wall and the gallery are linked by a 1-metre high raised passage way.

The inner courtyard, which is the most important part of the sanctuary, houses three towers. The main tower, which is made of white sandstone, was constructed in
the 11th - 12th centuries A.D. It faces the south, unlike other Khmer structures which generally face the east. It is understood that it faces south as it is in the direction of Angkor in Kampuchea.

The other two towers are additional structures built in the 13th century A.D. The tower to the left of the principal tower is known as Prang Bhramathat, made of laterite, and constructed during the reign of King Jayavaraman VII.
Inside is a large sculpture of King Jayavarman VII in the seating posture. The tower to the right is made of red sandstone, and is connected by a path to another building
known as Ho Bhram or Brahman shrine.

The Phimai sanctuary has survived to the present, but the elements and time have left their mark, causing deterioration. Major restorations were ccarried out between 1964 - 1969 as a joint project between the Department of Fine Arts and
the Government of France. Restorations of all structures in the sanctuary continued and the Phimai Historic Park was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on April 12, 1979.