The city of Phimai, located on a strategic route to Angkor, the capital of the Khmer Empire, enjoyed its zenith in the 11C and 12C. This explains the unusual orientation of the temple on a north-south axis facing towards Angkor, from which, it is said, it took its inspiration. The ruins visible today appear somewhat modest - only the Victory Gateway and temple remain - although superb restoration work has enabled the latter to regain its former splendour. Inside its double walls, the central prang, 28m in height, rises majestically towards the sky in an explosion of decoration, splendour and virtuosity.