Nakhon Ratchasima Province

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        The city of various Khmer ruins and the famous statue of Khun Ying Mo named Nakhon Ratchasima or commonly known as "Khorat" is situated on a plateau, about 260 kilometres northeast of Bangkok. The city itself serves as the Gateway to the Northeastern Region.

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.

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