Nakhon Ratchasima is the Gateway to Isaan, pronounced (Essan). The people are hospitable and generous enjoy their own dialect, folk culture, traditions, festivals and cuisine. Isaan the northeastern region of Thailand is generally accepted as the worlds oldest Bronze Age Civilization that flourished over 5000 years ago.

Nakhon Ratchasima often shortened to Korat or Khorat is the largest province in Isaan about 260 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. Neighboring provinces are (clockwise, from north) Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Prachinburi, Nakhon Nayok, Saraburi, Lopburi.

The province is subdivided into 32 districts (Amphoe). Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Buri, Soeng Sang, Khong, Ban Lueam, Chakkarat, Chok Chai, Dan Khun Thot, Non Thai, Non Sung, Kham Sakaesaeng, Bua Yai, Prathai, Pak Thong Chai, Phimai, Huai Thalaeng, Chum Phuang, Sung Noen, Kham Thale So, Sikhio, Pak Chong, Nong Bun Mak, Kaeng Sanam Nang, Non Daeng, Wang Nam Khiao, Thepharak, Mueang Yang, Phra Thong Kham, Lam Thamenchai, Bua Lai, Sida and Chaloem Phra Kiat. The districts are further divided into sub districts (tambon) which are divided into villages (muban).

The capital of the province is the city of Nakhon Ratchasima, also called Korat or Khorat. The city was originally established in the 17th century and the home of an American Air Force Base during the Vietnam War. Today Nakhon Ratchasima has developed into a modern industrial city and shares much of features of Bangkok. There is not a lot of historic value in the city but Nakhon Ratchasima province has much to offer visitors to Thailand.

All cities have their hero’s Nakhon Ratchasima hero was a woman called Khunying Mo the wife of the assistant governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, during the reign of King Rama III. Khunying Mo led the villagers in a battle against Chao Anuwong from Vientiane (Lao) who was apparently on his way to attack Bangkok. Khunying Mo's leadership led the villagers to victory.

Khunying Mo is referred to as Thao Suranari or Ya Mo by locals a Memorial Monument to her stands at Chumphon Gate, the main gate to the old city. After the battle was over, King Rama III promoted her to Thao Suranari. Every year during the 23rd March to the 3rd April, a festival is held to honor her bravery.

The Ancient Town in Tambon Korat or Ancient Korat is considered as the beginning point of the ancient Khmer civilization in Nakhon Ratchasima. There are overall 3 remaining ancient sites; namely, Prasat Non Ku, Prasat Mueang Khaek, and Prasat Mueang Kao.

Prasat Non Ku in 1991 - 1992 a lot of archaeological evidence was excavated, creating an assumption that this place might possibly be a Hindu shrine.

Prasat Mueang Khaek comprises of a main sanctuary, 2 structures of Bannalai (library), gallery, entrance archways, pond, boundary wall, and a small brick building.

Prasat Mueang Kao can be noticed that the entrance of the temple was constructed similar to the city gate of the old Korat Town and there is a replica Monument of Thao Suranari (Khunying Mo or Ya Mo).

Ban Prasat Archaeological Site is 45 kilometers north of the city is Korat’s answer to Ban Chiang, estimated to be 3,000 years old. The burial pit in Amphur Non Sung has human skeletons and red clay pottery with a distinctive rope design, alloy and shell ornaments. Suggest it was a community from the Dvaravati Period.

Phimai may not be as important of a site as Angkor Wat. The 900 year old city in Amphur Phimai 60 kilometers north of Korat is certainly important enough to be a World Heritage Site. The Khmer city was built as an important regional centre of the Khmer Empire.

Phimai National Museum collects archaeological artifacts and has exhibits on the past cultural prosperity of the Northeast, especially artifacts found in the lower part of the region. The exhibition is allocated to three different sections, which displays Isaan culture and civilization affected from different periods from pre historic period till the present day.

Phimai Historical Park in the Phimai District has one of the grandest and most important Khmer historical sites in Thailand the Phimai sanctuary is the largest sanctuary built of stone in Thailand. The word Phimai appears in an inscription on a stone slab at the front doorway of the building as well as in many other structures. It is believed that the word Phimai meant a religious figure or site. It consists of structures made of sandstone and literate, all ornately carved with designs.

Wat Thammachak Semaram used to be a religious site in the Dvaravati period. The important artifact is a huge reclining Buddha image made of red sandstone that stretches from north to south. It is 13.30 meters long and 2.80 meters high it dates from 657 AD. There is an old sandstone Buddhist symbol in the form of a cartwheel. Other artifacts include bronze Buddha images, fired clay images, glass beads, a fired clay loom, and a stone inscription tablet. They are on display in Phimai National Museum.

The Maha Wirawong National Museum is home to artifacts found in Nakhon Ratchasima, and nearby provinces. The museum contains stone Buddha images from the Khmer and Ayutthaya periods, pottery of different sizes, bronze Buddha statues, utensils and woodcarvings.

Dan Kwian Pottery Village the area used to be a rest area for caravans trading between Korat and Cambodia. The Mun River flows through it the villagers use the clay from the river banks to make pottery and have continued doing so for many generations. Nowadays Dan Kwian is famous as a centre that produces beautiful pottery and ceramics that has a variety of strange designs.

The Northeastern Museum of Petrified Wood and Mineral Resources, the area has a collection of over 10,000 petrified wood pieces. Some are displayed in the garden. Within this compound, petrified wood was unearthed just beneath the surface to 8 meters underground. The wood discovered is of various sizes from pebbles to rocks are aged from 1 to 70 million years old.

Chok Chai Farm is one of the largest dairy farms in Asia. The farm offers agro tourism activities with the guide showing the facilities, including the production of raw milk, raising milk cows, milking cows, horse riding, touring horse stables, dog farms, and a zoo.

Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo is one of the most modern in Asia. Most of the animals here are from Africa. There are penguins, seals, African elephants, rhinoceros, cheetahs, lions, zebras, and giraffes. The zoo is ideal for biology study and relaxation. Beside, inside the Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, there is also sections called the Children Zoo.

Khao Yai National Park is located in the Phanom Dong Rak Mountain range. The jungle in the park divides the Central Region with the Northeast region of Thailand. Khao Yai National Park covers four provinces; Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Saraburi, and Prachin Buri. It is just 15 kilometers from the city of Nakhon Ratchasima.

Khao Yai became Thailand’s first national park on 18th September 1962 and is an ASEAN World Heritage Site because of its variety of flora and fauna. The general terrain of Khao Yai National Park is mountainous consisting of mixed forests and rainforests.

Khao Yai National Park covers an area of about 2,000 square kilometers and is the home of many wild animals such as wild elephants, deer, monkeys, hornbills and more, stop at the tourist center to take a trek on one of the nature trails there is many stunning waterfalls. The park has several camping sites and tents are available to rent from the parks headquarters for those who want to stay over night in the park.

The Khao Yai National Park offers much in sporting activities and trekking adventures there is also many good quality hotels in the area of the national park providing good leisure and sport activities the golf courses are some of the best in Thailand.

National Parks Thailand

By Car or Mini Bus the journey to Korat from Bangkok takes between 3 to 4 hours depending on route taken.

By Train ordinary, express and rapid trains depart from the Hua Lamphong Station Bangkok, (Northeastern Line) arriving in Korat about 5 to 6 hours after departure. The Train passes through some great scenery in the Korat Plateau including views of the enormous white Buddha figure at Wat Theppitakat. Fares start from 120 Baht to 250 Baht. For up to date schedules and fares check out Transport Services Thailand.

Air conditioned buses depart from the Northern Bus Terminal Bangkok, every 10 minutes throughout the day. The journey takes 3 to 4 hours. Non air conditioned buses depart from Bangkok every hour from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. traveling time is 4.30 hours.

Getting around Korat, Songthaews (public passenger pick up vehicles) or public passenger pick up vehicle is the most popular mode of public transportation in all of the town districts, these run on fixed routes. Motorbike taxis are found mainly in the town areas and are used mainly for very short distances.

Minibus and bus routes operate in the city and nearby areas there are also non air conditioned buses from the provincial town which go to every district in Nakhon Ratchasima. As for travel to nearby provinces, there are both air and non air conditioned ones.

Transport Services Thailand

Thao Suranari Memorial Fair is an annual event of the province and is held during 23rd March to 3rd April, the period Khunying Mo was victorious over her enemy. The fair features arts culture, shops and exhibitions of public and private offices.

Phimai Boat Races is held yearly by the people of Amphoe Phimai on the second weekend of November. Apart from the races of boats in Phimai and nearby districts, this interesting event has boat decorations for royal ceremonies and boat chants.

Phimai Festival is organized to promote tourism activities in the provinces main tourist destination of Phimai Historical Park that is held in conjunction with Phimai Boat Races. Activities include long boat racing, cultural performances, religious processions, and a light and sound show.

Shopping in Korat the city has plenty of Markets and Street Stalls selling various items as well as food stalls selling tasty Thai snacks. Korat has a Night Bazaar and various Department Stores. Shopping Malls Klang Plaza, Asadang Klang Plaza Jormsurang, IT City and Outlet Village Khao Yai. Superstores such as, Big C and Tesco Lotus. Tesco Lotus, Big C, Makro and Home Pro

Korat is noted for its good Thai Restaurants serving both Thai and Isaan food. International cuisine is available in most hotels and some restaurants around the city Japanese and Chinese food can found in many areas there is also plenty of Thai food stalls selling tasty Thai snacks. Fast Food KFC, Macdonald's and Pizza and food courts are available in shopping malls and Tesco Lotus.

Nightlife venues popular in Korat includes Discos which are popular with the younger trendier crowd. Karaoke clubs can be found all around and customers can either sing to everyone or rent a private room. The large Thai restaurants which serve Barbeques and play music, Thai Pubs are not like Western ones, they are usually huge. Visitors enjoy great live music sung by both male and female singers.

There are plenty of leisure and sport activities available in Korat, which includes swimming at the Olympic sized Waterslide Park. Horse racing at the Second Army Area and learning military history, bird spotting at Khao Yai and mountain climbing, go karting, horse riding, ATV driving, trekking and golf courses. The majority of the larger hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima provide plenty of leisure and sport facilities.

Korat has many deluxe hotels with modern facilities close to the city centre and shopping malls, around the Korat Railway Station you will find many budget hotels and basic fan cooled rooms to suit all tastes and budgets. Outside of the city, close to Khao Yai National Park there are country hotels luxurious Spa resort hotels and country clubs boasting a huge amount of leisure and sporting activities.