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Nakhon Ratchasima at a glance

Nakhon Ratchasima, generally known as "Khorat", is Thailand's largest province situated on sprawling northeast plateau. Located approximately 260 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, the city itself serves as the gateway to the lower northeastern region.

Covering an area of 25,494 square kilometers that is mainly plateaus and mountainous terrain, Khorat has fascinating traditions, charming hospitality, splendid natural scenery and awesome historical sites.

Some of the main attractions in Khorat are Khmer ruins. Scattered around the province, these products of ancient wisdom shines through time. One of the Thailand's finest Khmer ruins can be seen here next to Mon and Lao sites. In addition, Khorat has an abundance of natural attractions in its forests, hills, wildlife and waterfalls that are easily accessible in locations such as Khao Yai National Park.

Apart from the famous statue of Khun Ying Mo, Khorat is most well known for silk weaving (in Pak Thong Chai) and a variety of top-notch quality handicrafts such as clay pottery products of Dan Kwian.

Geographically, Nakhon Ratchasima borders on Chiyaphum and Khon Kaen Provinces in the north, Buriram Province in the east, Chiyaphum and Saraburi Provinces in the west and Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri Provinces in the south.

Khorat is also the largest northeastern province. Inhabitants of the province are mainly engaged in agricultural activities that include farming of rice and other crops such as sugar cane, tapioca, corn, jute, peanuts, sesame and fruits. There are more than 100 savings and agricultural cooperatives in the province, 35 irrigation projects and 7,122 industrial factories. Most of the factories are rice mills, tapioca product manufacturers, and industrial factories.

Khorat's most popular annual event is the Thao Suranari Festival, a celebration of Thao Suranari's victory over the Lao. It's held from late March to early April and features parades.

Looking back

Khorat used to be the site of several ancient prehistoric communities. Little is known about the early history of Khorat, except that it used to be part of a kingdom called Sri Janas (Si Janat) an empire that extended its power to the entire Khorat Plateau.

Initially the predominant cultural influence in the city was that of the Dvaravati culture, however, it was later replaced by the Khmer culture. The prehistoric site of Ban Prasat is an evidence of this occurrence while traces of both the Dvaravati and Khmer cultures are scattered throughout the province, particularly at Amphur Sung Noen and Amphur Phimai.

Once an administrative and cultural center, Khorat's role today remains unchanged as it is currently the main transportation, industrial and economic hub of the Northeast.

By Car

Route 1: Take Highway No. 1 (Phahon Yothin) from Bangkok to Saraburi and then take Highway No. 2 (Mitraparp Highway) from Saraburi to Nakhon Ratchasima. The total distance is 259 kilometers.

Route 2: Take Highway No. 304 from Bangkok and proceed past Min Buri, Chachoengsao, Phanom Sarakham, Kabin Buri, Pak Thong Chai, to Nakhon Ratchasima. The total distance is 273 kilometers.
Route 3: Take the Bangkok-Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok route then take Highway No. 33 to Kabin Buri and Highway No. 304 past Wang Nam Khiao, Pak Thong Chai to Nakhon Ratchasima.

By Bus
Ordinary buses leave the Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) in Bangkok every 15 or 20 minutes from 5 a.m. to 10.15 p.m. Air-conditioned buses leaving for Bangkok arrive and depart from the Korat's air-conditioned bus terminal on Mitraparp Highway.

The Transport Co., Ltd. (known as Bo Kho So) has both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses departing from the Bangkoks Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal) daily. Air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok every 10 minutes all day, traveling time is 3.20 hours and the fare is 157 baht. Non air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok every hour from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., traveling time is 4.30 hours and the fare is 87 baht. For information, call 0 2936 2852-66 or get more updated information at www.traco.motc.go.th.

Private companies that offer bus services are Ratchasima Tour Co., tel. 0 4424 5443, Bangkok tel. 0 2936 1615 and Air Khorat Co., tel. 0 4425 2999, Bangkok tel. 0 2936 2252.

Buses running to other provinces leave from Bus Terminal 2 in Khorat. There are services to the northeastern provinces of Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Kalasin, Ubon Ratchathani, Buri Ram (the old route goes past Nang Rong and the new one past Huai Thalaeng), and Surin (past Nang Rong-Ban Tako). In addition, there are buses to Bangkok, Chon Buri, Pattaya, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Lop Buri, Sing Buri, Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai (up to Mae Sai). All depart from the Bus Terminal 2 in Khorat.

Getting around Korat

Traveling within the province is easy, with many mini-bus and bus routes operating in the city and nearby areas. The fare on each route is 3 baht. Comfortable air-conditioned bus services are also provided for route No. 2 at the rate of 5 baht.

A more convenient way to get around is to take the Tuk-Tuk or Samlor in the city. Samlors around the city costs 20 baht; while tuk-tuks cost 40 baht to most places around town (30 baht for a short hop) and 50 to 60 baht for longer trips. The rate for motorbike taxis is within the same range. Please note that the price must be agreed upon before a trip.

If traveling to another district, it is possible to take either a bus or mini-bus at Bus Terminal 1 on Burin Road. At Bus Terminal 2, only provides bus services to Amphoe Phimai and Dan Kwian-Chok Chai.

For information, call Bus Terminal 1 on Burin Road, tel. 0 4424 2899 and 0 4426 8899 and Bus Terminal 2 on the Mitraparp-Khon Kaen Road, tel. 0 4425 6006-9 ext. 175, 176 (air-conditioned), 178 (regular).

By Rail
An express train bound for Ubon Ratchathani departs Bangkok's Hualamphong Station at 9 p.m. and arrives in Khorat at 2.03 a.m.
Rapid trains on the Ubon railway depart at 6.50 a.m., 6.45 p.m. and 10.45 p.m., arriving in Khorat at 11.48 a.m. and 11.51 p.m. and 4.07 a.m. respectively. especially the morning arrival, which leaves plenty of daylight time to explore the city.
There are also two ordinary trains (3rd class only) that depart Bangkok at 3.25 and 11.25 p.m., arriving in Khorat about 5 1/2 to 6 hours after departure.
The 1st class fare (express train only) is 230 baht, while the 2nd class and 3rd class fares are 115 baht and 50 baht respectively. An additional fee of 40 baht is charged for rapid trains, 60 baht for the express and 80 baht for the special express train. The train passes through some great scenery on the Khorat Plateau, including a view of the enormous white Buddha figure at Wat Theppitak on a thickly forested hillside. Visit www.railway.co.th or call 1690 for more up-to-date schedules and fares.v

Monument of Thao Suranari or Khun Ying Mo is situated in front of the old gate of ''Pratu Chumpon'' on the west side of the city. This monument was erected in 1934 to commemorate the heroic deed of Khun Ying Mo, wife of the Deputy Governor of Khorat during the reign of King Rama III, who managed to save the city from the invasion of the Laotian army led by Prince Anuwong of Vinentianne. Every year from March 23 to April 3, there is a cerebration to honour this statue which draws thousands of people from town and neighbouring provinces.

Wat Phra Narai Maharat on Prachak Road houses an image of Narayana (Hindu God) made of sandstone. This statue is considered the major sacred object of the city. The City Pillar is also enshrined in this temple.

Maha Viravong National Museum opposite the city hall, exhibits various art objects and artifacts donated to Somdet Maha Viravong such as sandstone Buddha images of Khmer and Ayutthaya periods, bronze Buddha images, different sized ceramics and wood carvings from ancient monasteries. Open everyday except Mondays and Tuesdays from 9.00-16.00 hrs.

Wat Sala Loi is located on the bank of Lam Takhong River, about 400 meters off the Northeast of the town. The main chapel, which received many awards from various architectural associations as a modern leading design of religious monument, is constructed in the shape of a Chinese Junk.

Lam Takhong Dam lies 62 kilometres before reaching the town on Highway No.2. The construction had started in 1964 and finished 4 years later. The lake-like reservoir can contain up to 300 million cu.m. of water and irrigates 238,000 rais of paddy field.

Khao Yai National Park at km.165.5 on Highway No. 2. covers an area of 2,168 sq.km. in four provinces: Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Sara Buri and Prachin Buri. The Park comprises various mountains, two important rivers of Lom Takhong and Nayok, with many species of fauna and flora and over 20 waterfalls. Accommodations near the national park are available.

Wat Khao Chan Ngam is 58 kilometers from Khorat on Highway No. 2 and 3 kilometers on a side road after turning left at Km 198. The monastery is famous for the pre-historic colour paintings on a huge rock depicting human and animal figures in various movements. It can be dated to about 3000 years ago.

Phra Non Sema located 4 kilometers from Amphoe Sung Noen, is a Reclining Buddha image made of red sand stone which is the most ancient and largest in Thailand. The image is assumed to be built since 1200 B.E. There are various evidences of archaeology found within the area such as bronze Buddha images, Buddha terracotta printing images, glass beads and inscribing stone.

Ban Prasat Archaeological Site is 42 kilometers away from Nakhon Ratchasima along the Nakhon Ratchasima-Khon Kaen route. Skeletons, ornaments, and artifacts and potteries were discovered here. It is presumed that this area has continuously been inhabited during the past 3,000 years up to present.

Prasat Hin Phimai is the largest sandstone sanctuary in Thailand almost situated in the center of Phimai Ancient city which carries a rectangular shape of 665 meters wide and 1,030 meters long. The Sanctuary has been magnificently restored and renovated ruins and has been preserved as a National Historical Park.

The principal sanctuary is a tower (Prasat) surrounded by four porches with an ante-chamber leading into each porch. On the terraces of the pyramidal roof, which is supported by Garudas, guardian figures, are interspersed with Nagas.

Of special interest is a carved stone door-lintel depicting a divine figure, dressed in an elephant skin worn upside down, who dances on a pair of prostrate figures, on either side of this figure are rows of seated Buddha images dressed in royal attire, while below them are rows of dancing celestial figures.

Also on the way to Phimai is the Phimai National Museum housing valuable historical objects and archaeological remains found in the region.

Other Khmer ruins within Nakhon Ratchasima include Prasat Hin Phanom Wan located about 20 kilometres from town, Prasat Hin Nang Ram some 80 kilometres northeast of Khorat in Amphoe Prathai, Prang Ban Ku and Prang Sida all of which are similar to Phimai ruins but somewhat smaller.

Sai Ngam or "Beautiful Banyan Tree" is two kilometres from Phimai. It is a recreation place which provides more than 15,000 square feet of shady area. Food stands for snacks and drinks are also available.

Dan Kwian situated on Highway No. 24, about 14 kilometers from the city of Nakhon Ratchasima is a village noted for the unique pottery widely used for interior and outdoor decoration. The clay at Dan Kwian has a specially marvelous quality of tough, ductile texture and the color of rust which are beyond comparison and the quantity is fantastic. Such clay cannot be found anywhere else but Dan Kwian and when added with proper heating process and attractive design, the earthwares are irresistible.

Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo About 30 kilometer from town along the Khorat-Pak Thong Chai route, covers a vast stretch of land comprising a reservoir and habitation areas for animals amidst the surrounding nearest to their natural environment. Open daily between 8.30-16.30 hrs.

Amphoe Pak Thong Chai itself is also noted for its finest silk. The town is situated about 32 kilometres from Nakhon Ratchasima along Highway No. 304

Wat Na Phra That is located four kilometers from the Pak Thong Chai District office. The temple has an old chapel in which beautiful mural paintings of the Early Rattanakosin period can be seen on the walls. The door of "Ho Trai" or the hall for keeping the scripture is also elaborately carved.

Lam Phra Phloeng Dam is situated in Amphoe Pak Thong Chai on a side road some 28 kilometres from the main highway. From the Dam, boats can also be be hired to go another 23 kilometres up the reservoir to Namtok Pak Thong Chai (waterfall) or Namtok Khlong Ki. Here is another spot for retreat and relaxation.

Phimai Boat Racing, an annual festival held for over a hundred years in Amphoe Phimai, now takes place during Loi Krathong festival (October or November), draws thousands of tourists both from Khorat city and neighbouring provinces.