Attractions & Places of Interest

Wat Maha That Located in the heart of the city, Phra That Yasothon contains the ashes of Phra Ananda, a prominent follower of the Lord Buddha. An old scripture hall built of carved wood in intricate design in the middle of a pond is where the temple’s old scriptures are kept.

Chi River Beach About 1 km. from town, the beach originated from the natural retreat of water level during December and May. It stretches for about 2 kms. with local food shops lining along the beach.

Ban Si Than This village is famous for silk and cotton hand-made production. Ban Si Than is 20 kilometers from Yasothon municipality on route 202.

Reclining Buddha of Phu Tham Phra Is located to the East of Ban Kut Hae of Amphoe Loeng Nok Tha, 85 kilometers from Yasothon.

That Kong Khao Noi Is an ancient Khmer chedi (pagoda) located at Tambon Tat Thong in Amphoe Muang. Its Buddha image made of bricks is revered by the town people. Traditionally, the image is ritually bathed in the 5th Lunar month (April) in the belief that without the ceremony there will be no rain.

Also at Tat Tong village, Fine Arts Department had conducted an excavation project to research into pre-historic times. Skeletions of pre-historic human were discovered as well as Ban Chiang-style colouring designs.

Replica of Holy Footprints At Ban Nong Yang, Amphoe Maha Chanachai, is another place of interest.

Rocket Festival Held annually over the second weekend of May, the festival includes as a main feature the rocket procession in which entries of various sizes, varying according to the amount of saltpeter, are intricately decorated. A rocket dance accompanying the procession is joined ty the townspeople of all ages and may stretch for as long as several kilometers. The rockets will be launched on the second day of the festival.

information of this page come from Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Attractions & Places of Interest

Nong Prachak Nong Prachak Located within the province, the lake is centered by an isle arranged as a public park with a great variety of tree and flowers. It is a popular place for recreation among the townspeople.

Na Kha Village 16 kilometers from the province on Udon Thani-Nong Khai route (the Highway 2), the village is famous for its hand woven cloth called “Khit” of which various types of products are made and also put on sale.

Udon Saeng Tawan (Sunshine) Orchid Garden Located in Soi Kamol Watthana on Udon-Nong Samrong route, the garden produces and puts on sale a new specie of Thai scented orchid called “Udon Sunshine”.

Phra Phutthabat (Holy Footprint) Bua Bok Phra Phutthabat (Holy Footprint) Bua Bok Enshrined at the foot of the Khao (Mount) Phu Phan ten kilometers west of Amphoe Ban Phu, which is itself some fifty kilometers from Udon proper, is greatly revered ty the people. Celebrations are held from March 11 to 15 each year to pay respect to the 40-meter tall pagoda housing the Holy Footprint and a piece of Holy Relic.

Na Yoong Nam Som Forest Park Yoong Thong Waterfall located at Ban Sawang, Moo 2, Tambon Na Yoong, King-Amphoe Na Yoong is a waterfall on the ridge of Phu Phan and Phu Ya Ou, where a stream flows through the steep rock cliff. Yoong Thong Waterfall is three metres high and composed Yoong Thong Waterfall of water beautifully cascading amongst the stones, especially during the rainy season when it thunders down in torrents among the lush, green flora. Located 103 kilometres from Amphoe Muang, the route to the waterfall passes through Amphoe Ban Phu and Amphoe Nam Som. Upon reaching Amphoe Nam Som, junction from Nam Suem Village leads to the Reserve Park junction, seventeen kilometres away. The route is part of the project of the Office of Accelerated Rural Development, aimed at speeding up the development in the rural area. It is in good condition and can be used all the year round.

Phu Phra Bat Historical Park Covers the entire area of the Phra Phuttabat Bua Bok which is Phu Phra Bat Historical Park around 1,200 acres. Rocks of different sizes and shapes do the beautiful landscape, with caves and caverns. Pre-historic paintings over cliff faces have been discovered, although many leave only the faintest of traces. Nature-loving trekkers may take a hike around the area, which takes around two hours.

Ban Chiang National Museum Located at Ban Chiang, Tambon Ban Chiang, Amphoe Nong Han, it Hand-woven silk of Udonthani comprises two parts. The first part stores antiques. Inside the building, old artifacts, anicent Ban Chiang culture, tools and utensils that show ancient technology and surroundings, as well as earthenware pots from 4,000 to 7,500 years old, are displayed.

The second part comprises an open museum in the compound of Wat Po Si Nai. The Fine Arts Department has retained the conditions of A painted pot found in the burial site at Ban Chiang archaeological excavations to show how earthenware pots and other items are buried along with the dead. Ban Chiang National Museum is considered the first open museum in Thailand. As for the “Ban Chiang” earthenware pots, they are known world-wide because “Ban Chiang” was the origin of a pre-historic civilization many years ago. Archaeologists believe the designs on Ban Chiang earthenware are the oldest pot designs in the world.

Travelling to Ban Chiang National Museum is very easy. It is only fifty-six kilometers from Amphoe Muang. The route runs along Higway 22 and turns left onto Highway 2225 at kilometer 50. There a road sign indicates the way to Ban Chiang, which is six kilometers away. The museum is open to the general public every day, except Mondays and Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The admission fee is 20 baht. The museum has a parking area. Toilets and village shops are located nearby

information of this page come from Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Attractions & Places of Interest

Wat Thung Si Muang Wat Thung Si Muang Is renowned for its traditional wooden Ho Trai scripture repository, with an intricately carved gable, in the middle of a pond. The monastic hall of Wat Thung Si Muang houses beautiful mural paintings depicting episodes from Buddhist literature and scenes of local everyday life.

Ubon Ratchathani National Museum Once the province’s City Hall, puts on exhibition the province’s history, geological features of the Northeast, discovered artifacts, and local handiworks like basketry, brass, traditional hand-woven fabric, and local musical instruments. The museum is open daily except for Mondays and Tuesdays.

Buddhagaya-style stupa at Wat Nong Bua Wat Nong Bua Located on the suburb of town on the way to Amnat Charoen province. It is the only buddhist monastery in the country with a Buddhagaya-style stupa, and has an extensive structure. Within the Stupa are several important Buddha images.

Wat Maha Wanaram The ancient and principal temple of Ubon, houses the sacred Phra Chao Yai Indrea Plang image, highly venerated by both the people of Ubon and neighboring provinces.

Wat Supattanaram The first Buddhist monastery of the Dharmanyuthi sect in Wat Supattanaram Northeastern Thailand, ist situated on the bank of the Mun River not too far from town center. Built in 1853 with an initial royal donation by King Rama IV, it has as its principal image the Phra Sapphanyu Chao, which is greatly revered by both local people and visitors alike.

Ban Kan Luang Archaeological Site Five kilometers away from town along Highway 212 and 2050, the site was excavated by the Fine Arts Department in 1992. Discoveries include artifact, implements, ornaments, beads, pottery, and iron axes. It is believed that this settlement dates back at least 2,000 years.

Wat Pa Nanachat Some 15 kilometers from the on Ubon – Si Sa Ket route, the Wat is renowned for its meditation affairs with a large number of foreign monks practising there.

Kaeng Saphu South of Amphoe Phibun Mangsahan market, 45 kilometers from Ubon. Kaeng Saphu Splashing currents during dry season make a beautiful scene over rocks and outcrops, although they are completely immersed during the high-tide season.

Candle Festival Held annually at the beginning of Buddhist Lent in July at Thung Si Candle Festival Muang. The festival’s planned activites include the competition of the candle “tree” which is divided into moulded and carved categories. All candle “trees” will be brightened up by the lights from many diverse entertainments organized to celebrate them.

Khong Chiam Is a district overlooking the Mekhong River and is located 80 kilometers from Ubon Ratchathani. A hired boat is available here to go to Kaeng Tana Cataract and to go sightseeing at Mae Nam Song Si or the bicolour river where the Mekhong and Mun Rivers meet.

Kaeng Tana National Park Kaeng Tana National Park Is located in Amphoe Khong Chiam, 13 kilometers off Highway No. 217 opposite the entrance of the side-road to Sirindhorn Dam. There is accomodation for tourists. Attractions in the park include:
– Kaeng Tana is the largest rapids of the Mun River. The cataract itself is a big Kaeng Tana stone platform lying across the Mun River, causing the water which flows through Kaeng Tana to take the form of beautiful waterfalls.
– Nam Tok Tat Ton is created from Tat Ton brook flowing past a stone platform and plunging onto the plain froming a basin large enough to swim in. The area is surrounded by a forest and flowering shrubs.

Pha Taem National Park Is located 14 kilometers from Amphoe Khong Chiam. Attractions in the park include:
– Sao Chaling 11 kilometers from Amphoe Khong Chiam on the Pha Taem National Park Highway 2112, the place is scattered with natural mushroom-like piles of stone slabs with a large amount of shells stuck in their texture. The area is believed by geologists to be a long dried sea.
– Pha Taem and Pha Mon located 3 kilometers beyond Sao Chaliang, the Pha Taem and Pha Mon are two steep cliffs overlooking Mekong river The beautiful scenery of Pha Taem with a clear view of Laos on the other side. On the cliffs’ surface, there are prehistoric paintings dating back to 3,000-4,000 years ago reflecting ancient ways of life of the people once lived in the area, such as Buk fishing (Buk is a species of large scaleless fish found in the Mekong river), and rice farming. Figures of people, animals, hands and geometric designs were also depicted.

Phu Lon Buddhist Center is in Tambon Song Yang, about 20 kilometers from Amphoe Muang Mai. It is a small hill with trees and rocks. There is a cave built by Phra Achan Man Phurithattathera; it is very tranquil and suitable for relaxation and meditation.

Sirindhorn Dam One of the major multi-pupose dams in the Northeast is around seventy kilometers from town in Amphoe Phibun Mangsahan. Sirindhorn Dam It is capable of producing 36,000 kilowatts or an annual 13.5 million units of electricity.

information of this page come from Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Attractions & Places of Interest

I-San folk dance Basketry Village, Ban Buthom Located 14 kilometers from the province on the Highway 226 (Surin-Sikhorapum route), the village produces rattan baskets of various types. Basketry shops line both sides of the road.

Prasat Sikhoraphum Is located at Amphoe Sikhoraphum about 35 kilometers from Surin. It is composed of five prang (pagoda, with the principal structure) measuring 32 meters high. Beautiful designs are engraved onto the columns. It is believed that the site had been renovated once during the Ayutthaya Period.

Silverware Villages, Ban Khwao Sinarin and Ban Chok Located on Highway 214 (Surin-Chom Phra Route) with a 4 kilometers right turn between Km.14-15, the villages produce and put on sale assorted silver ornaments such as belts, necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, and watches. A large number of silverware shops line both sides of the road.

Prasat Hin Chom Phra A small stone castle in Amphoe Chom Phra about 28 kilometers from Surin town, probably used to be an idol temple built by the Khmer. Today a large Buddha image is enshrined in front of the structure.

Elephant Village Many elephants can be found at Ban Ta Klang, Tambon Krapho, Amphoe Tha Tum. The villagers here earn their living by farming and weaving, they also keep elephants as pet. The elephants here are treated like friends and have been trained well by their mahouts. Every third weekend of November there will be the famous elephant Show in Surin and many smart elephants participating in the show are from Ban Tha Klang.

Prasat Hin Ban Phluang Situated at Amphoe Prasat, is a little over thirty kilometers from Surin proper. Although comparatively small in size, it is nevertheless beautiful and recently renovated.

Surin Elephant Show
Surin Elephant Show Is held in the third weekend of November. Internationally famous, this annual event brings crowds of visitors to the provincial capital of Surin, where over 100 trained elephants are assembled. Among the spectacualr features are wild elephant hunts, tugs of war, demonstrations of log hauling skills, and a parade of elephants oufitted for medieval warfare.

information of this page come from Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Attractions & Places of Interest

Princess Mother Park Princess Mother Park 1 km. from the province on Kasikam Road, the park is located in Si Sa Ket Agricultural College, Tambon Nong Khrok, Amphoe Muang. It was constructed in honour of the Princess Mother on her 80th birthday anniversary.

Prasat Hin (Stone Castle) Wat Sa Kamphaeng Yai Just two kilometers away from the Uthumphon Phisai district Wat Sa Kamphaeng Yai office, is located on a high slope on the edge of the Ban Sa Kamphaeng village. Built of sandstone with carvings of various scenes, its main gate is inscribed with Khmer letters. It is thought that the structure was erected around the 10th Century A.D. during the reign of King Suriyaworaman, one of the great Khmer rulers.

Prasat Hin Wat Sa Kamphaeng Noi About fourteen kilometers further away from the district office, have been constructed during the same period as the Prasat Hin Wat Sa Kamphaeng Yai.

Prasat Phu Fai 20 kilometers away from Amphoe Kantharalak to the Southwest, is built of redstone and rocks extracted from nearby mountains.

Namtok Samrong Kiat 16 kilometers from Amphoe Khun Han, is a medium-sized waterfall. Namtok Samrong Kiat The water cascades down through many levels to a clear pool below, ideal for swimming. The surrounding area is shady with vines and tropical flora.

Prang Ku
Prang Ku A mellennium-old Khmer sanctuary in Amphoe Prang Ku, is erected with large bricks similar to the style of Prasat Si Khoraphum in Surin.

Khao Mo I Daeng A mountain situated 80 kilometers to the south of Amphoe Kanthoralak, contains a Khmer rock bas-relief depicting a row of 3 sitting persons. The bas-relief can be traced back over 1,000 years. From here, the famous stone sanctuary of Khao Phra Vihan can be seen topping the next mountain 1 kilometer away.

Namtok Huai Chan Small yet beautiful waterfall, only twelve kilometers away from Amphoe Khun Han. Lush shrubberies and trees provide cool, shady relaxation on a picnic.

Handicraft Shopping Souvenirs and handcrafted products of Si Sa Ket including quality silk and cotton from Amphoe Uthumphon Phisai and basketworks and miniature carts from Amphoe Khu Khan are all available at souvenir shops in Si Sa Ket.

Dok Lam Duan Festival The festival is held in March of every year at Somdet Phra Sri Nakarin Dok Lam Duan Festival Park in order in publicize the arts and culture of Si Sa Ket. From early March to late April, Lamduan flowers are in full bloom and give off a sweet aroma that covers the entire park. The festival features cultural performances, exhibitions and shops selling local products of Si Sa Ket and nearyby provinces.

information of this page come from Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Attractions & Places of Interest

Nong Han A 32-sq.km. lake in Sakon Nakhon is a popular place of relaxation. Its offshore isles, particularly the Don Sawan, are both beautiful and restful and can be easily reached by hired boats.

Phra That Choeng Chum Phra That Choeng Chum A major and sacred religious monument of Sakon Nakhon, is enshrined at Wat Phra That Choeng Chum in town. Of rectangular shape, it is made of mortar and bricks with a height of 24 meters.

Phra That Narai Cheng Weng Another religious structure is located at the Ban That Village about five kilometers from town center. It is of Khmer-style pagoda, made of laterite, and 12 metres high.

Wat Pa Suthawat Opposite the Town Hall, is where the paraphernalia and remains of the highly respected late Phra Achan Man Bhuritatto are kept.

Phu Phan National Park 25 kilometers from the province on Sakon Nakhon-Kalasin route, the park is scattered with limestone mountains, groves, and savannahs with several natural attractions such as Tat Ton Waterfall and Kham Hom Waterfall.

Huai Huat Reservoir 35 kilometers from King Amphoe Tao Nhoi, the reservoir is a part of Huai Huat National Park, a consequence of Huai Huat Dam construction. Fronting the reservoir are a royal hall, a flower garden, and a natural arrangement of various forms of rocks.

Nam Phung Dam At Amphoe Kut Bak is a multipurpose dam. 1,720-meter long and 40-meter high. It dams up a huge lake with a surface area of about 6,000 acres.

Wat Pu Udom Somphon Three kilometers off from Highway No. 22 at Km. 123, is where another extremely venerated Achan used to reside. Visitors pay respect to the life-size statue of Phra Achan Fan Acharo.

Nam Un Dam 5 kilometers before entering Amphoe Phang Khon on Sakon Nakhon-Phang Khon route with a left turn or at km. 49 on Phang Khon-Waritchaphum route with a 6.6 km. turn, the huge dam provides a sanctuary for numerous teals. A trip to Mae Un Waterfall and a fishing sail are some examples of various activities at the dam.

Kut Na Kham Arts & Crafts Center Is located at Ban Ku Na Kham, Amphoe Charoen Sin, 112 kilometers from Sakon Nakhon. It is where pottery, fabric weaving and wood carving are made by hand with unique designs and production.

Wax Castle and Boat Racing Festival Held at the end of the Buddhist Lent (Ok Phansa), the event Wax Castle Festival represents a traditional merit-making in the form of wax castle procession, attribute paid to the Lord Buddha. Elaborately constructed miniature wax castles stand as the main feature of the precession. Traditional northeastern preformances are also to be presented while a boat racing is to take place at Nong Han Lake.

information of this page come from Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Attractions & Places of Interest

Bung Phlan Chai A lake in the town center which has been Bung Phlan Chai deepened to make a beautiful spot for the town people. It is also where the Roi Et Town pillar is located.

Wat Klang Ming Muang Is also locatd in the provincial town. Its monastic hall is more than 200 years old and houses mural paintings depicting the Life of the Lord Buddha. In the reign of King Rama V, the Swearing-In Ceremony was held at this temple.

Roi Et Reservoir About three kilometers from town center, is another area popular with the people. It provides both beautiful scenery and restful atmosphere for relaxation. Thailand’s most highest Buddha Image situated in Roi Et Town

Wat Buraphaphiram Is situated in the provincial town. The country’s highest standing Buddha image, reaching 67.85 meters in height is enshrined in this temple.

Ku Ka Sing A large Khmer architecture dating between 1017-1087 A.D., is located in Amphoe Kaset Wisai. Travel 60 kilometers along Roi Et-Surin Road until arriving Ku Phra Kona and turn right into the road leading to Ku Ka Sing, 18 kilometers away. The remains consist of 3 prongs located on the same sand stone basement and rectangular buildings called Bannali situated at two sides in front. All buildings are surrounded by the wall.

Thung Kula Rong Hai Is a huge flat-land covering four provinces, Surin, Roi Et, Maha-Saraham and Buriram, with an area of about one million acres. The name literally means the Weeping Field of the Thung Kula Rong Hai Kula (a tough nomade people). For it was scorching dry in the summer and totally inundated during the rainy season, with no natural water sources or tall trees to provide shade. However, it has been partially developed for agricultural purpose through a land reform project to turn it into a vast productive farming area.

Pha Nam Yoi Forest Park Is located in the northeast of Amphoe Nong Phok, 65 kilometers from Roi Et. Pha Nam Yoi is a large stone cliff having running water and small springs coming out from the cliff all year round. On the hill is a monastery with a large multipurpose and big pagoda of 101 meters in height.

information of this page come from Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Attractions & Places of Interest

Prap Ho Monument Commemorating the victory over the insurrection by Ho tribesmen, was built in 1886, and is situated in front of the town hall. Enlarged and renovated in 1951, it contains the remains of those officials who lost their lives in putting down the rebellion.

Luang Pho Phra Sai The major Buddha Image of the province, is enshrined at Wat Pho Luang Pho Phra Sai Chai within town limit. Comparativly small, with only a spread of about one meter acress the knees, it is thought to have been cast in Lan Chang. The annual Bun Soeng Bang Fai, or Rocket Festival, which is held on the day of the Full Moon in April, is celebrated at this temple.

Tha Sadet Is a pier where tourists can take a ferry across the Mekhong River to Tha Dua of Laos. However, they are required to obtain beforehand an entry visa from the Laotian Embassy in Bangkok and contact Tha Sadet Immigration Checkpoint. Tha Sadet is also a shopping area where numerous souvenirs and products from Laos are put on sale.

Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge The first bridge across the Khong River linking Nong Khai with Tha Na Laeng in Laos, 20 kilometers from Vientiane. The bridge Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge measures 1.2 kms. long. Foreigners wishing to visit Laos are required to have a passport and visa and travel with an authorized agency only. Travelling on one’s own is not allowed in Laos.

Phrathat Bang Phuan 22 kilometers from the township area on Nong Khai-Tha Bo Road, Phra That Bang Phuan is an ancient pagoda long revered by Nong Khai people. The pagoda houses relics of the Load Buddha. There is a homage paying fair for Phrathat Bangphuan on the 11th waxing day of the 2nd lunar month every year.

Wat Hin Mak Peng 30 kilometers Wat Hin Mak Peng from Amphoe Si Chiang Mai on the Highway 211, the Wat stands on Mekhong River bank with spectacular scenery. It is a peaceful place where priests come to practise their meditation.

Phra Chao Ong Tu One of the major buddha images is 4 meter Phra Chao Ong Tu high with a knee-spread of 3.29 meters. Enshrined at Wat Nam Mong, about 43 kilometers from town on the Nong Khai-Si Chiang Mai highway, it is believed to have been cast in 1662.

Nam Tok Than Thong & Nam Tok Than Thip Are 85 kms. and 110 kms. away from town respectively along the Nam Tok Than Thong Nong Khai-Si Chiang Mai-Sangkhom route some parts of which run hugging the bank of Mekhong River overlooking a scenic view. Nam Tok Than Thong is a small waterfall flowing into Mekhong River. Nam Tok Than Thip is a larger, 2-tiered waterfall with plentiful water during the rainy season.

Phu Thok Situated in Amphoe Bung Kan, some 185 kilometers from the province. Phu Thok (a lonely mountain) is topped by Wat Chetiya Khiri Vihan or Wat Phu Thok with a wooden spiral staircase leading up there. The completion of the staircase took 5 years.

Phu Wua Wild Life Sanctuary 31 kilometers from Amphoe Bung Kan, is almost adjacent to the Phu Wua Wild Life Sanctuary Laotian border where the two borders run paralles to the Khong River. The area is about 150-300 meters above sea level and comprises many beautiful waterfalls including Nam Tok Chanaen, Nam Tok Tham Fun, Nam Tok Tham Phra and Nam Tok Chet Si.
information of this page come from Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Attractions & Places of Interest

The King Naresuan the Great Statue is erected at Nong Bua Lamphu to commemorate the time in 1574 when the King and his army stopped over here on the way to assist a Burmese force attacking Vientiane.

Wat Suphannakhuha commonly called Wat Tham was constructed in 1572 by a king of Vientiane. The temple is located in Amphoe Suwannakhuha about 50 kilometers from Nong Bua Lamphu.

Noen Wat Pa an ancient place of worship at Amphoe Non Sang, is believed to have been built during the time when the Khom people dominated the region.

Phu Kao and Phu Phan Kham National Park was set up in 1985 covering an area of 322 square kilometers. The park’s office is located by the lake shore, a part of Ubolratana Dam by Phu Phan Kham in Amphoe Non Sang. Phu Phan Kham is a mountain chain st retching from north to south, that is from Nong Bua Lam Phu to Ubolratana Dam. The lake also serves as a fish breeding ground and is a popular fishing area. Tourists may stay in the camping area or in the National Park’s bungalows.

Phu Kao consist of nine mountains. They are rich in flora and fauna. There are waterfalls, caves and stone terraces. Another tourist destination is Wat Phra Buddha Bat Phu Kao where human and canine footprints related to the local folklore and engraved on stone.

The Buddha Image in frony of Erawan Cave
Erawan Cave is a large cave in Amphoe Na Klang. Its entrance is very much higher than ground level and curving stairway of 107 steps ascends from the base of the hill to the mouth of the cave. The interior resembles a large hall, capable of accommodating hundreds of people. Erawan Cave Stalagmites and stalactites create an exotic beauty. This cave has an opening onto a high cliff overlooking the picturesque fields below.

Wat Tham Klong Phen Located at the foot of the Phu Phan mountain chain 13 kilometers from Nong Bua Lam Phu, is peaceful and ideal place for those who seek mental tranquility. The temple used to be the meditation place for Phra Achan Luang Pu Khao Analayo who is revered by Thais nationwide. In the temple grounds, there are a cave housing an ancient two faced drum, a stone engraved Buddha image and the Luang Pu Khao Museum where a collection of his utensils and a statue of Luang Pu Kao are displayed for Buddhists to see and workship.
information of this page come from Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Attractions & Places of Interest

Monument of Thao Suranari Or Khun Ying Mo is situated in front of the old gate of “Prau Chumpon” on the Monument of Thao Suranari west side of the city. This monuments 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 Vientiane. Every year from March 23 to April 3, there is a celebration 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 arts objects and artifacts donated to Somdet Maha Viravong such as sand stone Buddha images of Khmer and Ayutthaya periods, bronze Buddha images, different sizes ceramics and wood carvings from ancient monasteries. Open every day 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 side-road to 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 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: Khao Yai National Park Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Sara Buri and Prachin Buri. The Park comprises various mountains, two important rivers of Lam Takhong and Nakhon Nayok, with many rare species of fauna and flora and over 20 waterfalls. Accommodations near the national park are available.

Wat Khoa 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 3,000 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 1,200 BE. There are various evidences of archaeology found within the area such as bronze Buddha images, Buddha terra-cotta printing images, glass beads and inscribing stone.

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 magnificiently 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 s supported by Garudus, guardian figures, are interspersed with Nagas.
Of special interest is a carved stone door-lintel depicting a divine figure, dressed n 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 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 kilometers from town. Prasat Hin Nang Ram some 80 kilometers 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 kilometers from Phimai. It is a recreation place which provides more than 15,000 square feet of shady area. Food stands for snacks and drink 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 Dam Kwian has a A Large Variety of Dan Kwian’s Ceramics 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 earthwards are irresistible.

Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo About 13 kilometers 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 kilometers 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 Situated n Amphoe Pak Thong Chai on a side rode some 28 kilometers from the main highway. From the Dam, boats can also be hired to go another 23 kilometers up the reservoir to Namtok Pak Thong Chai 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 Kratong Festival (October or November), draws thousands of tourists both from Khorat city and neighbouring provinces.

Ban Prasat Archaeological Site Is 42 kilometers away from Nakhon Ratchasima along the Nakhon Ratchasima – Khon Kaen route. Skeletons, ornaments, and artifacts.
information of this page come from Tourism Authority of Thailand.