Isan Province Profile

Nakorn Ratchasima

Nakorn Ratchasima, also known as Khorat, is situated on a plateau about 259 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. The city itself serves as the gateway to the Northeastern Region. Khorat is now Thailand’s second most populous city. A major US airbase was here during the Indochina War, but has since been dismantled.

nakorn ratchasima map

Capital City Attractions

The 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 Lao army led by Price Anuwong of Vientiane. Every year from March 23 to April 3, there is a celebration to honor this statue, which draws thousands of people from town and neighboring provinces.

Mahawirawong National Museum sits opposite the City Hall, and exhibits various art objects and artifacts donated to Somdet Mahawirawong, like sandstone Buddha images of Khmer and Ayutthaya period, Bronze Buddha images, various ceramics, and wood carvings from ancient monasteries. It is open every day except Mondays, Tuesdays and official holidays.

Wat Sala Loi is located on the bank of Lam Takhong River about 500 meters northeast of town. The main chapel, constructed in the shape of a Chinese Junk, has received many awards from various architectural associations as it is a leading modern design of a religious monument.

Provincial Attractions

Prasat Hin Phimai Historical Park comprises numerous temples of varying sizes; most of these structures are believed to be about a thousand years old. The ruins of the fascinating ancient Khmer architecture have been preserved as the National Historical Park. These buildings, built of brick, stone, or both. They are of two types: those built by Brahmans, these have three to five-story bases surmounted by prominent spires, and those constructed by Buddhist patronages which have a low base and their spires are not as tall. Prasat Hin Phimai is the largest sandstone sanctuary in Thailand situated almost in the center of the ancient Phimai city. The monument itself is surrounded with two red sandstone walls; the external wall and the gallery. They are punctuated by gate towers (Gopuras) at four cardinal points, North, South, East and West. It can be concluded that Phimai Sanctuary was built for the worship of both Mahayana Buddhism and Hinduism, since one of the internal lintels represents Trilokayavichaya Buddhism, Shiva and his wife standing atop Hindu gods, seems to mean that Buddhism becomes more significant than Hinduism.

Prang Ku is located 74 km away from Nakorn Ratchasima. The ancient sandstone Khmer spire houses an earthen Buddha image.

Ban Prasat Archaeological Site is located 45 km northeast of Nakorn Ratchasima. There are 2 excavation sites, each with 3 pits, with fascinating discoveries. At a depth of 3.5-4.5 meters, lie human skeletons and various kinds of artifacts, including an ancient weapon shaped like a discus made of a white marble-like stone. The discoveries in this layer are believed to be of pre-historic period, about 3,000 years ago. At the depth of 2.30-3.0 meters, ancient bronze weapons such as a sharp lance-like weapon, stone beads of many strange colors, red and black painted pottery with engraved decoration, as well as golden wrist and ankle bracelets believed to be of Dvaravati period (1600-1800) years ago) have been unearthed. At the depth of 1.50-2.0 meters, the discoveries include a kiln and color glazed pottery of mixed Khmer and modern styles, containers similar to those of modern time, as well as swords and weapons like those of contemporary period. They can be dated back to at least 600 years ago.

Nakorn Ratchasima Zoological Park lies 13 km away from Nakorn Ratchasima. This zoo covers an area of 545 rais (1 rai = 1.6 km²). Here live many interesting animals, like bison, hog deer, wild gibbon, jaguar, snake, and wild cat. In addition, there are many varieties of different species of birds, like Cassowaries, Sarus cranes, and Thai and Indian peacocks.

Khao Yai National Park sits about 200 kilometers away from Bangkok. Khao Yai National Park covers an area of 2,168 square kilometers sprawling across four provinces: Nakorn Ratchasima, Nakorn Nayok, Saraburi, and Prachinburi. The Park contains various mountains, the rivers Lam Takhong and Nakorn Nayok, and over 20 waterfalls. Within this refreshing and scenic landscape is still untouched jungle, mountain streams and many waterfalls. Its fauna includes wild elephants, buffalos, deer, porcupines, varieties of monkeys, parrots and parakeets, huge hornbills and another 250 species of birds. A unique experience awaits you at dusk, when you see more than one million bats fly out and leave their daytime home in the caves.

Festivals

Thao Suranari Commemoration is an annual event held from March 23 to April 2 to commemorate the victory of Thao Suranari, the heroine who saved Nakhon Ratchasima from in evaders in the Reign of King Rama III. Cultural displays, exhibitions and fireworks are the highlight.

Phimai Boat Races take place on the Moon River near the old Khmer city of Phimai during the second week of November. Besides the regatta there are competitions of boats decorated to resemble the famous Royal Barges, entertainments, and stalls selling local products.