Nakhon Ratchasima or (
KhmerKhmer , or Cambodian, is the language of the Khmer people and the official language of Cambodia. It is the second most widely spoken Austroasiatic language , with speakers in the tens of millions. Khmer has been considerably influenced by Sanskrit and Pali, especially in the royal and religious...
:
Nokor Reach Seyma), often shortened to
Korat or
Khorat (โคราช), is one of the north-eastern
provincesThailand is divided into 76 provinces , which are geographically grouped into 6 regions. The capital Bangkok is not a province but a special administrative area and is included as the 77th province since it is administered at the same level as the other 76 provinces. The name of the provinces are...
(
changwat) of
ThailandThailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
. Neighboring provinces are (clockwise, from north)
ChaiyaphumChaiyaphum is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Lopburi and Phetchabun.- Etymology :...
,
Khon Kaen-History:The first city of the area was established in 1783 when Rajakruluang settled there with 330 people. King Rama I made Rajakruluang the first governor of the area when establishing tighter connections with the Isan area. The main city was moved six times until in 1879 it reached its modern...
,
BuriramBuri Ram or is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham and Surin. To the south-east it borders Oddar Meancheay of Cambodia...
,
Sa KaeoSa Kaeo is a province of Thailand.It is located in the east of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Chanthaburi, Chachoengsao, Prachin Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima and Buri Ram...
,
PrachinburiPrachin Buri is a province of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Nakhon Ratchasima, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao and Nakhon Nayok.-Geography:...
,
Nakhon NayokNakhon Nayok is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi, Chachoengsao and Pathum Thani....
,
SaraburiSaraburi is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Lopburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Pathum Thani and Ayutthaya. Saraburi has been an important town since ancient times...
,
LopburiLop Buri is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phetchabun, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri and Nakhon Sawan.-Geography:...
.
The capital of the province is
The City of Nakhon RatchasimaNakhon Ratchasima or is a city in the north-east of Thailand and gateway to Isan. It is the capital of the Nakhon Ratchasima Province and Nakhon Ratchasima district...
located in
Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima DistrictMueang Nakhon Ratchasima is one of 32 districts of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Northeastern Thailand. Including the center city of district is City of Nakhon Ratchasima.-Introduction:...
, also called
Korat or
Khorat.
Geography
The province is located on the western end of the
Khorat PlateauThe Khorat Plateau also Korat Plateau, is a plateau in the northeastern region of Thailand, named for the short form of Nakhon Ratchasima, an historical stronghold controlling access to and from the plateau.-Geography:...
, separated from the Chao Phraya river valley by the
PhetchabunThe Phetchabun mountains are a mountain range in Thailand.-Geography:It extends in a roughly north-south direction, and separates the broad Chao Phraya river valley of central Thailand from the Khorat Plateau of northeast Thailand...
and
Dong Phaya YenDong Phaya Yen is a mountain range in central Thailand.-Description:Dong Phaya Yen is the southeastern extension of the Phetchabun mountains, dividing the Chao Phraya river valley of Central Thailand and the Khorat Plateau of the northeast...
mountain ranges. Two national parks are in the province - the
Khao YaiKhao Yai National Park is a national park in Thailand.-Description:Khao Yai National Park is situated in the Sankamphaeng Mountain Range, the southern prolongation of the Dong Phaya Yen Mountains, at the southwestern boundary of the Khorat Plateau....
in the west and the Thab Lan in the south. Both parks are in the forested mountains of the
Sankambeng RangeThe Sankamphaeng Range, also Sankambeng Range or Sungumpang Range is one of the mountain ranges separating Eastern Thailand from the northeast or Isan.-Description:This mountain chain runs in a WNW-ESE direction...
, the southern prolongation of the Dong Phaya Yen mountains
Nakhon Ratchasima, or "Khorat," is a large province on the northeastern plateau and acts as a gateway to other provinces in the Northeast. It is 259 kilometres from Bangkok and has an area of around 20,494 square kilometres, making it the biggest province in Thailand. The province is rich in Khmer culture and has a long history.
History
The area around Korat was already an important center in the times of the
Khmer empireThe Khmer Empire was one of the most powerful empires in Southeast Asia. The empire, which grew out of the former kingdom of Chenla, at times ruled over and/or vassalized parts of modern-day Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, and Malaysia. Its greatest legacy is Angkor, the site of the capital city...
in the 11th century, as can be seen by the temple ruins in the
Phimai historical parkThe Phimai historical park protects one of the most important Khmer temples of Thailand. It is located in the town of Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima province....
. Still, Nakhon Ratchasima Province is one of the provinces where there is a sizable
Northern KhmerKhmer people are the predominant ethnic group in Cambodia, accounting for approximately 90% of the 14.8 million people in the country. They speak the Khmer language, which is part of the larger Mon–Khmer language family found throughout Southeast Asia...
population.
A new walled-city with a surrounding moat, designated as Nakhon Ratchasima, was built in the seventeenth century by order of the King
NaraiSomdet Phra Narai or Somdet Phra Ramathibodi III was the king of Ayutthaya from 1656 to 1688 and arguably the most famous Ayutthayan king. His reign was the most prosperous during the Ayutthaya period and saw the great commercial and diplomatic activities with foreign nations including the...
, as the easternmost 'command post', guarding the Kingdom's border and supervising its Lao and Cambodian 'vassals'. It continued this duty during the Bangkok Period, although it was seized by deceit during Chao Anuwong of Vientiane's 1826 revolt against the King Rama III of Siam.
Nakhon Ratchasima has long been the most important political and economic center in the northeastern region. In the late nineteenth century, the railroad reached Korat became the junction of two main rail lines in the Northeastern, Isan, region.
In 1933 it was the stronghold of the royalist troops in the Boworadej Revolt, against the new ostensibly democratic government in Bangkok.
In the 1970s, the province was the site of United States military bases supporting the
Vietnam WarThe Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
.
Symbols
Provincial seal-Present-day provinces of Thailand:This list includes all the seals of the Provinces of Thailand. It also includes the special administrative area of the capital, Bangkok.-Former Provinces:-External links:*...
A monument of
Thao Suranaree or Khun Ying MO (1771–1852) situated in front of the old gate of "Prau Chumpon". The Great Heroine of Korat ; Thao Suranaree, wife of the Deputy Governor of Korat during the reign of King Rama III. In 1826s Khun Ying Mo, managed to save the city from the invasion of the
LaoLaos Lao: ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west...
tian army led by Prince
Anouvong of Vientiane. King Rama III conferred the title of Thao Suranaree on Khun Ying Mo, as well as conferring additional titles honouring her bravery.
Provincial Tree
Sa-Thorn (
Millettia leucantha Kurz)
Provincial Motto
- Land of brave women, Fine Silk material, Khorat Rice noodle, Phimai historical park, and Dan Kwian Ceramics.
Administrative divisions
The province is subdivided into 32 districts (
amphoeAn amphoe is the second level administrative subdivision of Thailand. Usually translated as district, amphoe make up the provinces, and are analogous to a county seat...
). The districts are further subdivided into 263 subdistricts (
tambonTambon is a local government unit in Thailand. Below district and province , they form the third administrative subdivision level. As of the 2009 there are 7255 tambon, not including the 169 khwaeng of Bangkok, which are set at the same administrative level, thus every district contains 8-10 tambon...
) and 3743 villages (
mubanMuban is the lowest administrative subdivision of Thailand. Usually translated as village, they are the subdivision of tambon. As of 2008, there are 74944 administrative villages in Thailand. As of the 1990 census, the average village consisted of 144 households or 746 persons.A muban does not...
).
- Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima
Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima is one of 32 districts of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Northeastern Thailand. Including the center city of district is City of Nakhon Ratchasima.-Introduction:...
- Khon Buri
Khon Buri is a district in the southern part of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand.-History:Khon Buri in Thai language means the origin of the river, which refers to one of tributaries of the Mun river passing through. In the past it was called Ban Khon Buri...
- Soeng Sang
Soeng Sang is a district in the southeastern part of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand.-Etymology:The meaning of the district name in Thai is dawn or nearly dawn. The city temple is called Wat Thung Rung Arun Si Soeng Sang.-History:The area was separated from Khon Buri district...
- Khong
Khong is a district in the northern part of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand.-History:The name of the district originates from the founding legend of its main settlement. A hunter named Khong was the pioneer of the town. He invited people to settle the new town in this fertile...
- Ban Lueam
Ban Lueam is a district in the northern part of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand.-Etymology:The name Lueam comes from the Ma Lueam tree...
- Chakkarat
Chakkarat is a district in the eastern part of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand.-History:In 1927 Tha Chang village was upgraded to be a minor district of Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima district. It was official upgraded to a full district in 1953, at the same time renamed from Tha...
- Chok Chai
Chok Chai is a district in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand.-History:The district was originally named Kra Thok . Due to the old name was not smooth, the government renamed to be Chok Chai in 1945...
- Dan Khun Thot
Dan Khun Thot is a district in western part of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand.-History:The town Dan Khun Thot was built before the reign of King Taksin. It became an Amphoe in 1908. At the same time, the center of the town was moved from Wat Pho Chumphon to the western side of the Ban Han...
- Non Thai
Non Thai is a district of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand.-History:Originally, the area was Khwaeng San Thia . San Thia is Khmer language, meaning a place to fulfill salt. The name refers to the tradition of salt manufacturing in that area.In 1900, Khwaeng San Thia was changed...
- Non Sung
Non Sung is a district in the central part of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand.-Etymology:The old name of the district was Klang...
- Kham Sakaesaeng
Kham Sakaesaeng is a district in the northern part of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand.-History:The government separated the two Tambon Kham Sakaesaeng and Mueang Nat from Non Sung district and created the minor district Kham Sakaesaeng on November 25 1968...
- Bua Yai
Bua Yai is a district in the northern part of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northern central Thailand.-History:Bua Yai dates back to the frontier town called Dan Nok . The center of the town was Ban Nong Lang Yai. In 1868, it was upgraded to be Amphoe Dan Nok and the town center was moved to Ban...
- Prathai
Prathai is a district in the northeastern part of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand.-History:Prathai village was built in Khmer era. King Jayavarman II set his camp in the area when he expanded his power to the west. After his reign, Prathai was deserted...
- Pak Thong Chai
Pak Thong Chai is a district in the southern part of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand.-History:The area was an important city since the Khmer era, controlled by Mueang Phimai. In the reign of King U Thong of Ayutthaya it was named Mueang Pak...
- Phimai
Phimai is a district in the northeastern part of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand.-History:Phimai was an ancient Khmer city named Vimai or Vimayapura. A stone pillar dating to the reign of King Suryavarman I was found, naming the city Bhirapura meaning strong city...
- Huai Thalaeng
Huai Thalaeng is a district in the eastern part of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand.-History:Huai Thalaeng village was controlled by Tambon Ngio , Amphoe Phimai. It was upgraded to Tambon Huai Thalaeng in 1961 and became a minor district later...
- Chum Phuang
Chum Phuang is a district in the eastern part of Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeastern Thailand.-History:Chum Phuang district area was separated from Phimai district...
- Sung Noen
Sung Noen is a district in western part of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand.-History:The area of Sung Noen was the location of two ancient cities, Mueang Sema and Mueang Khorakha Pura . When the Northeastern railway was finished, the community in Ban Sung Noen due to the passing...
- Kham Thale So
Kham Thale So is a district of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand.-History:The government separated some part of Non Thai and Sung Noen district and created the minor district Kham Thale So in 1958, which was upgraded to a full district in 1965.-Geography:Neighboring districts are...
- Sikhio
Sikhio is a district in the western part of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand.-History:Originally known as Mueang Nakhon Chantuek, Sikhio is an ancient frontier city between the Thai dominated Chao Phraya valley and the Lao dominated Khorat Plateau. There is not record of the time of its...
- Pak Chong
Pak Chong is the westernmost district of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand.-History:In the past this area was a part of Tambon Khanong Phra, Chan Thuek district ....
- Nong Bun Mak
- Kaeng Sanam Nang
Kaeng Sanam Nang is the northernmost district of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand.-History:On January 7 1986 the four tambon Kaeng Sanam Nang, Non Samran, Bueng Phalai and Si Suk were split off from Bua Yai district and created the minor district Kaeng Sanam Nang...
- Non Daeng
Non Daeng is a district in the northeastern part of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand.-Etymology:The name of the district comes from Daeng trees -History:...
- Wang Nam Khiao
Wang Nam Khiao is a district in the southern part of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand.-History:The minor district Wang Nam Khiao was created by separating the four tambon Wang Nam Khiao, Wang Mi, Udom Sap and Raroeng of Pak Thong Chai district on April 1, 1992...
- Thepharak
- Mueang Yang
- Phra Thong Kham
- Lam Thamenchai
- Bua Lai
- Sida
- Chaloem Phra Kiat
Chaloem Phra Kiat is a district in the eastern part of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand.-History:Five tambon were separated from Chakkarat district to create the new district on December 5, 1996...
- As of May 15, 2007, the Government has upgraded all those 81 King Amphoe to Amphoe in order to facilitate the administration.
Districts General Information
| class | |Area
(km2.) | |Distance to
Provincial Hall
(km.) | Population. |
| Male | Female | Total |
| Special |
| 755.596 |
0 |
1895 |
25 |
243 |
212,627 |
221,211 |
433,838 |
| 1 |
|
1,428.14 |
84 |
1908 |
16 |
220 |
62,571 |
63,347 |
125,918 |
| 1 |
|
305.028 |
101 |
1886 |
10 |
121 |
41,855 |
42,278 |
84,133 |
| 1 |
|
1,374.32 |
34 |
1910 |
16 |
213 |
56,716 |
58,950 |
115,666 |
| 1 |
|
896.871 |
60 |
1900 |
12 |
208 |
64,421 |
66,024 |
130,445 |
| 1 |
|
1,247.07 |
45 |
1955 |
12 |
169 |
60,898 |
61,163 |
122,061 |
| 1 |
|
1,825.17 |
85 |
1955 |
12 |
217 |
91,146 |
91,685 |
182,831 |
| 2 |
|
1,816.85 |
58 |
1939 |
12 |
152 |
46,086 |
47,167 |
93,253 |
| 2 |
|
501.672 |
40 |
1953 |
8 |
108 |
34,441 |
34,643 |
69,084 |
| 2 |
|
503.917 |
30 |
1905 |
10 |
126 |
37,297 |
39,223 |
76,520 |
| 2 |
|
676.981 |
37 |
1897 |
16 |
195 |
62,639 |
65,374 |
128,013 |
| 2 |
|
600.648 |
97 |
1961 |
13 |
148 |
38,622 |
38,761 |
77,282 |
| 2 |
|
782.853 |
36 |
1901 |
11 |
125 |
38,429 |
40,181 |
78,610 |
| 2 |
|
495.175 |
65 |
1961 |
10 |
120 |
37,443 |
37,131 |
74,574 |
| 2 |
|
540.567 |
98 |
1959 |
9 |
130 |
40,918 |
41,038 |
82,161 |
| 3 |
|
1,200.24 |
88 |
1976 |
6 |
84 |
33,733 |
33,302 |
67,032 |
| 3 |
|
454.737 |
79 |
1938 |
10 |
155 |
40,052 |
41,076 |
81,128 |
| 3 |
|
541.994 |
28 |
1900 |
10 |
131 |
36,126 |
37,592 |
73,718 |
| 3 |
|
297.769 |
50 |
1968 |
7 |
72 |
21,423 |
21,753 |
43,176 |
| 3 |
|
107.258 |
130 |
1986 |
5 |
56 |
18,782 |
19,054 |
37,836 |
| 3 |
|
1,130.00 |
70 |
1992 |
5 |
83 |
20,416 |
20,503 |
40,910 |
| 4 |
|
218.875 |
85 |
1976 |
4 |
39 |
10,620 |
10,732 |
21,351 |
| 4 |
|
590.448 |
52 |
1983 |
9 |
104 |
29,424 |
29,316 |
58,740 |
| 4 |
|
357.465 |
90 |
1995 |
4 |
58 |
12,002 |
11,451 |
23,453 |
| 4 |
|
359.522 |
45 |
1996 |
5 |
74 |
21,260 |
21,680 |
42,940 |
| 4 |
|
162.825 |
85 |
1997 |
5 |
50 |
12,087 |
12,133 |
24,220 |
| 4 |
|
106.893 |
103 |
1997 |
4 |
45 |
12,374 |
12,450 |
24,824 |
| 4 |
|
193.407 |
30 |
1989 |
5 |
65 |
12,597 |
12,984 |
25,581 |
| 4 |
|
203.605 |
22 |
1966 |
5 |
46 |
14,091 |
14,021 |
28,112 |
| 4 |
|
255.522 |
110 |
1995 |
4 |
44 |
14,321 |
14,038 |
28,359 |
| 4 |
|
308.457 |
120 |
1996 |
4 |
59 |
16,114 |
15,953 |
32,067 |
| 4 |
|
254.093 |
18 |
1996 |
5 |
61 |
16,966 |
17,411 |
34,377 |
Transportation
Roads
Highway 2 (Mittraphap Road) is the main route that connects 9 districts in Nakhon Ratchasima including Muang district. This route also connects Nakhon Ratchasima to Saraburi and Khon Kaen provinces.
As, Highway No. 24 links Si Khio district from the Highway 2 to Pak Thongcha, Chok Chai and Nong Bunnak districts and to Burirum province.
Rail systems
The railway system in Nakhon Ratchasima is on both north-eastern routes from Bangkok’s Hua Lampong central terminal. Nakhon Ratchasima has 8 main railway stations.
Bus service
Mini-bus and bus routes operate in the city and nearby areas. There are non air-conditioned buses from the provincial town which go to every district. As for travel to nearby provinces, there are both air and non air-conditioned ones.
SongthaewA songthaew , also known in English as a baht bus, is a passenger vehicle in Malaysia, Thailand and Laos adapted from a pick-up or a larger truck and used as a share taxi....
(public passenger pick-up vehicle)
Songthaew or public passenger pick-up vehicle is the most popular mode of public transportation in all the town districts. These run on fixed routes.
Taxi Taxis are plentiful, clean, safe, and inexpensive in Korat. They can be found at taxi stands in the city areas or hailed on the streets. There are also certain taxis that can be requested by phone, however, the fare is slightly higher than regular taxis. An increasing number of taxi drivers nowadays speak some English which may prove extremely useful for first-time visitors.
The fare system is based on both distance and time.
Fares begin at 30 Bath for the first 2 kilometers.
Motorbike-taxi The motorbike taxis are found mainly in the town areas and are used mainly for short distances.
Airport Nakhon Ratchasima has one airport but as of June 2007, it no longer services any flights. The nearest airport is in Buriram and has flights to and from Bangkok.
Tourism
Nakhon Ratchasima or Khorat, is Thailand’s largest province and the ‘Gateway to Isaan’ (Gateway to the North-East). It also has beautiful National Parks, with many forests, mountains, waterfalls, and reservoirs. Furthermore, it is well known for a variety of quality handicrafts that visitors can choose from.
Regarding tourism, locals Thais make up the majority. Most foreigners who visit the north-east view Khorat as just a stepping stone and pass right through without taking the opportunity to tour this province with its interesting and diverse history, architecture and natural beauty.
Attractions
- Thao Suranari Monument (อนุสาวรีย์ท้าวสุรนารี) is a memorial to the Thai heroine called ‘Ya Mo’ by locals. Built in 1934, it is located in the city centre. Thao Suranari was originally Khun Ying Mo, the wife of the assistant governor of Nakhon Ratchasima. In 1826, Chao Anuwong of Vientiane invaded Siam and sacked Korat. After his forces rounded up families in Korat and began herding them back toward Vientien, Khun Ying Mo according to legend rallied villagers to fight against their captivity, enticing the Lao soldiers with rice wine and sex. They first confused and then overcome their captors in actions that introduced the first blunt against the Lao incursion into Siam. In honor of this King Rama III promoted Lady Mo to 'Thao Suranari'. Every year during 23 March to 3 April, people who respect Thao Suranari hold a festival to honor her bravery. There is, however, a great deal of disagreement, including between official government historians in Bangkok and local tellers, as to whether Lady Mo (or Miss Boonleu) even existed. Translation of a book that details accounts of Lady Mo, the events at Tung Samrit and important historical references to Chao Anuwong is currently under draft, as of 2 June 2009, by Frank G Anderson. The translation also contains the first-ever English language detailed description of the Thao Suranari statue, as well as references to the Italian sculptor who first created the model for casting, Corrado Feroci.
- Northeastern Museum of Petrified Wood and Mineral Resources (พิพิธภัณฑ์ไม้กลายเป็นหิน และทรัพยากรธรณีภาคตะวันออกเฉียงเหนือ ), at present, this 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 metres underground. The wood discovered is of various sizes from pebbles to rocks are aged from 1 to 70 million years old.
- Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park is a national park in Thailand.-Description:Khao Yai National Park is situated in the Sankamphaeng Mountain Range, the southern prolongation of the Dong Phaya Yen Mountains, at the southwestern boundary of the Khorat Plateau....
(อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาใหญ่) is the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range. It covers 4 provinces; Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Saraburi, and Prachin Buri. The jungle here divides the Central Region and the Northeast. Khao Yai became Thailand’s first national park on 18 September 1962 and is an ASEAN World Heritage because of its variety of flora and fauna. The general terrain of Khao Yai National Park consists of mixed forests and rainforests.
- Mueang Sema Historical Site (โบราณสถานเมืองเสมา) The Sema city plan is egg-shaped and is 3 kilometres wide and 4 kilometres long. The city flourished during the Dvaravati period and was built around the 12th Buddhist century. It grew until the 16th-17th Buddhist centuries when it came under Khmer influence. In the area are ruins made of laterite and sandstone and many artefacts have been unearthed here. The most interesting one is the reclining sandstone Buddha image and an old religious relic that is now in Wat Thammachak Semaram.
- Wat Thammachak Semaram (วัดธรรมจักรเสมาราม) The place used to be a religious site in the Dvaravati period. The important artefact here is a huge reclining Buddha image made of red sandstone that stretches from north to south. It is 13.30 metres long and 2.80 metres high. It dates from 657 AD. There is an old sandstone Buddhist symbol in the form of a cartwheel. Other artefacts 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.
- An Ancient Town in Tambon Khorat or Ancient Khorat (เมืองโบราณที่ตำบลโคราชเก่า หรือ เมืองโคราช) 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 (ปราสาทโนนกู่) 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 (ปราสาทเมืองแขก) It comprises a main sanctuary, 2 structures of Bannalai (library), gallery, entrance archways, pond, boundary wall, and a small brick building.
- Prasat Mueang Kao (ปราสาทเมืองเก่า) It can be noticed that the entrance of the temple was constructed similar to the city gate of old Khorat Town and there is a replica Monument of Thao Suranari (Khunying Mo or Ya Mo).
- Dan Kwian Pottery Village
Dan Kwian Village in Amphoe Chok Chai in the Changwat Nakhon Ratchasima is known for its pottery and handicrafts...
(หมู่บ้านทำเครื่องปั้นดินเผาด่านเกวียน) The area used to be a rest area for caravans trading between Khorat and Cambodia. The Mun River flows through it. Villagers use clay from the river banks to make pottery and have continued doing so for many generations. Nowadays Dan Kwian is famous as a crafts center most noted for the production beautiful ceramics in a great variety of designs.
- Ban Prasat Home Stay (โฮมสเตย์บ้านปราสาท) was formally introduced in 1996 and now Ban Prasat is the prototype of home stay programs in other villages around the country. Ban Prasat villagers are like other villagers in the region in that most are farmers. Rice farming is done once a year. Villagers use their free time to create handicrafts to supplement their income. Crafts include weaving reed mats and hats, using some trees to make shoes and bags, breeding silkworm, and making Thai stringed musical instruments like So U and So Duang.
- Phimai National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ พิมาย) The museum collects archaeological artefacts and has exhibits on the past cultural prosperity of the Northeast, especially artefacts found in the lower part of the region. The exhibition is allocated to three different sections, which displays Isan culture and civilization affected from different periods from pre historic period till the present day.
- Phimai Historical Park
The Phimai historical park protects one of the most important Khmer temples of Thailand. It is located in the town of Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima province....
(อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์พิมาย) in Phimai District, has one of the grandest and most important Khmer historical sites in Thailand that is the Phimai sanctuary. 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 laterite, all ornately carved with designs.
- Farm Chokchai (ฟาร์มโชคชัย) 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 (สวนสัตว์นครราชสีมา) The zoo is one of the most modern in Asia. Most of the animals here are from Africa. Of note 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 sections called the Children Zoo. The purpose of setting these sections is to provide children, youth or people the chance to have a close study about animals’ predicament and the new Water park Korat is in around the northeast.
Climate
Activities
There are plenty of activities in Khorat, 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 carting, horse riding, ATV driving, scenery viewing by mini golf vehicle at Thong Sombun Club.
Available golf courses at Khorat are:
- Friendship Meadows Country Club
- Mission Hills Golf Club Khao Yai
- Korat Country Club Golf & Resort
- Voyage Panorama Resort and Golf Club
Spa service is available at some of the leading hotels.
Local Products
Nakhon Ratchasima has a wide variety of local goods that tourists can buy from city markets or production centres. Famous handicrafts are Dan Kwian earthenware, silk and Mat Mi silk from Pak Thong Chai. Products of housewives can be bought from the Khorat Goods Centre near the provincial hall.
Food products include sausages, fermented sausages, Chinese sausages, minced pork that is found everywhere in the city and in Pak Chong, and Khorat noodles that are sold everywhere. The largest fruit market is Klang Dong Market before going up Khao Yai. This is where produce from Nakhon Ratchasima and nearby provinces is sold. The most famous fruit of Klang Dong is custard apple that is sold all year round.
Nightlife
Types of Nightlife in Khorat include:
- Discos are popular with the younger trendier crowd.
- Live Music Joints play either Thai Folk or English classics.
- Karaoke clubs can be found all around and customers can either sing to everyone or rent a private room.
- Barbecues are large restaurants which play music and serve alcohol to the wee restaurants (unlike the other venues).
- Sing-a-Songs are popular with Thai males.
- Thai Pubs are not like Western ones, they are usually huge. Visitors enjoy great live music sung by both female singers and guys.
Lifestyle
Khorat is traditionally an agricultural province where most of the population works in farming such as: rice, sugar cane, tapioca, corn, jute, peanuts, sesame and fruits. In this day and age however, many of Khorat’s younger generation are moving to near-by Bangkok to work.
Since Khorat used to be a former US Airbase during the Vietnam War, there is quite a significant amount of war veteran retirees in Khorat. They simply never did go back ‘home’.
The people of Khorat are a mixed-breed. There are those of Khmer ancestry, Laotian ancestry and Chinese ancestry. In the town areas, most of the people speak standard Thai but in the more rural areas, they speak ‘Khorat’ which is a dialect half way between Thai and Isaan (Laotian).
Festivals and Fairs
Thao Suranari Memorial Fair (งานฉลองวันแห่งชัยชนะของท้าวสุรนารี) is an annual event of the province and is held during 23 March-3 April, the period Khunying Mo was victorious over her enemy. The fair features arts and culture, shops and exhibitions of public and private offices.
Phimai Boat Races (งานประเพณีแข่งเรือพิมาย) 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 (งานเทศกาลเที่ยวพิมาย) is organised to promote tourism activities in the province’s 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.
Art
Pak Thong Chai on the other hand is famed for its high quality hand-woven traditional silk and it is the industry of one whole village there. Then there is Dan Kwian where pottery has been the local’s way of life for centuries.
In Dan Kwian however, the folk have traditionally been working in the field of pottery for centuries.
Learn
People can learn about how to make traditional pottery at Dan Kwiang and learn about making hand-woven silk at Pak Chong.
Universities
There are 4 universities in the area.
- Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University
- Rajamangala University of Technology Isan
- Suranaree University of Technology
The Suranaree University of Techonology is in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. The university was established on July 27, 1990, becoming fully operational in 1993.It is named after Thao Suranaree, the local heroine of Nakhon Ratchasima...
- Vongchavalitkul University
Vongchavalitkul University is a private university located in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. Founded in 1984 as Vongchavalitkul College, it was upgraded to a university status in 1994. Currently the university offers 26 undergraduate degree programs, 5 masters degree programs, and 4 doctoral degree...
Schools
International schools
- St.Stephen's International School (SIS) (Khao Yai Campus)
- Adventists International Mission School (AIMS) (Nakhon Ratchasima Campus)
Mueang District
- Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima General Hospital
- Nakhon Ratchasima General Hospital (Khok Kruad sub-district)
- Bangkok-Ratchasima Hospital
- Fort. Suranari General Hospital
- St.Mary Hospital
- Korat Memorial
- Por-Phat Hospital
- The Golden Gate Hospital
- Wing 1 Hospital
- Hua Ta Lae Hospital (Hua Ta Lae sub-district)
Mueang District
- The Sima Thani Hotel
- Dusit Princess Korat (Royal Princess)
- Ratchaphurk Grand Hotel
- Hermitage Resort Hotel
- Sri Pattana Hotel
- V One Boutique Hotel
- Sa Bai Hotel
- The Iyara Hotel
- City Park Hotel
- Raya Grand Hotel
- K.S. Pavilion Hotel
- Picasas Hotel
- Chao Praya Inn. Hotel
- The Airport Hotel
- Panjadara Hotel
- Assadang Hotel
- Jomsurang Hotel
- Korat Hotel
- The Riche Hotel (Boss Hotel)
- Dara Buri Hotel
- Orcid Hotel
- Best Hotel
- Starwell Bali Resort Motel
- Vienna Garden Hotel
- Golden Land Resort Hotel
Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima
- Big C Supercenter. Located on Mittraphap-Nong Khai Road.
- Klang Plaza
Klang Plaza is the local department store in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. It has 2 branches which are Asadang and Jomsurang. It was founded by local businessman, Mr. Paisarn Manasilp...
Asadang. Located on Asadang Road.
- Klang Plaza
Klang Plaza is the local department store in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. It has 2 branches which are Asadang and Jomsurang. It was founded by local businessman, Mr. Paisarn Manasilp...
Jomsurang. Located on Jomsurangyatr Road.
- IT City. Located on Mittraphap Road
Mittraphap Road or Thailand Route 2 is one of the four major highways in Thailand, along with Phahonyothin Road , Sukhumvit Road , and Phetkasem Road . It runs from Saraburi to Nong Khai...
.
- Makro
Makro is a Dutch chain of Warehouse clubs, also called cash and carries. The first one opened in 1968 in Amsterdam. In the following years more stores opened in the Netherlands and in several other countries within Europe. In the 1970s and 1980s Makro extended its business to the Americas and...
. Located on Mittraphap-Nong Khai Road.
- The Mall Department Store
The Mall Nakhon Ratchasima, opened in 2000, is the biggest shopping center in the North-eastern area of Thailand, located on Mitraphap Road in Nakhon Ratchasima , Thailand...
including Home Pro, EGV CinemaMajor Cineplex Group Public Co. Ltd. is the largest operator of movie theaters in Thailand. Combined with its subsidiary, EGV Entertainment, the company has 258 screens in 32 locations. Among its properties is Thailand's largest multiplex, the Paragon Cineplex at Siam Paragon, with 16 screens and...
and Fitness FirstFitness First is the largest privately owned health club group in the world with over 540 Fitness First clubs worldwide reaching over 1.7 million members in 21 countries...
. Located on Mittraphap Road.
- Tesco Lotus
thumb|right|200px|Tesco Lotus Hypermarket, Lat Phrao Branch]]Tesco Lotus is a hypermarket chain in Thailand, Cambodia and China . In Thailand, the stores are operated by Ek-Chai Distribution System Co., Ltd....
Hypermarket. Located on Mittraphap Road.
Communications
- Landlines provided by TOT and TT&T
- IDD phones provided by CAT
- Mobiles provided by AIS GSM, DTAC, TRUE and HUTCH
- Internet / High-speed internet (ADSL) provided by TOT, CAT and TT&T. Internet cafes can be found everywhere in the town/markets
- Post offices are available in every districts of Nakhon Ratchasima.
External links