Nakhon Ratchasima
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Nakhon Ratchasima General Information
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 or Thao Suranari, 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, Buri Ram 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 invader. 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 Janasa 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 Amphoe Sung Noen and Amphoe 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.
Nakhon Ratchasima Festival Information
- Phimai Boat Races
Phimai Boat Races 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
Phimai Festival is organised to promote tourism activities in the provinces 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.
- Thao Suranari Memorial Fair
Thao Suranari Memorial Fair is an annual provincial event that 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.
Nakhon Ratchasima Attactions Information
- Prang Ku
Prang Ku is in Wat Ban Ku School, Tambon Don Tanin. Take Highway No. 2 for about 74 kilometres, then turn left at the highway police kiosk to Ban Non Ta Then for around 6 kilometres and turn right to Wat Ban Ku School. The site is a small Khmer pagoda with a square base, built of layers of laterite from bottom to top. However, much of it is in ruins, only part of the low base remains. Inside the pagoda are 4-5 fired clay Buddha images.
- Huai Yai Waterfall
Huai Yai Waterfall is a tourist destination under the care of Thap Lan National Park. Take Highway No. 304 to the market at Km. 79 for 6 kilometres. The entrance is a sloped walkway about 20 metres long. You will find a small waterfall flowing past 2 large boulders. It has water only in the rainy season around July to September.
- Khao Phaeng Ma Reforestation Project to Honour His Majesty the King
Khao Phaeng Ma Reforestation Project to Honour His Majesty the King is in the southern part of Nakhon Ratchasima. Take Highway No. 304 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Kabin Buri) for 79 kilometres to the market at Km. 79. Take a right on Ro Pho Cho Road (San Chao Pho-Nong Khum) for 11 kilometres. The last part of about 4 kilometres is a dirt road going uphill that is rugged but has good views. Upon reaching the top, you will see some winding mountains. The peak is 850 metres above sea level. The area is under the care of the Wildlife Foundation of Thailand and has an area of 16 square kilometres. Activities include reforestation, trekking, animal watching (particularly some remaining gaurs), and slide shows for interested parties.
- Dan Kwian
Situated on Highway No. 24, about 14 kilometers from the city of Nakhon Ratchasima is a village noted for unique pottery widely used for interior and outdoor decoration. The uniqueness of Dan Kwian clay is its durability, pliability and rusty color. When combined with attractive designs and the proper heating process the products are irresistible.
- Ban Rai Temple (Wat Ban Rai)
This is one of the most famous temples in the province as it is the residence of the revered monk Luang Pho Khun Parisuttho. Many worshippers from all over the country come pay their respect daily. The temple is located in Tambon Kut Phiman, about 60 kilometers from the city. To reach the monastery, take Mitraparp Highway to the 237-km marker, turn right past Kham Thale So and Nong Suang to Dan Khun Thot. From Dan Khun Thot Hospital use Highway No. 2217 and drive for 11 kilometers.
- Chumphon Gate
Pratu Chum Phon is behind the monument. It is an old city gate built during the reign of King Narai the Great in 1656. The king commanded that a strong city wall be built. Engineers from France, then an ally of the country, designed the city plan. Nakhon Ratchasima at that time was an outpost in the shape of a rectangle of 1,000 x 1,700 metres. The western Chum Phon Gate is the only 1 of 4 city gates that still stands. The other three gates have been rebuilt. Chum Phon Gate is built of large stones and bricks and covered with plaster. The top is a watchtower made of wood with a tiled roof and decorated in the Thai style.
- Maha Wirawong National Museum
Maha Wirawong National Museum is in Wat Sutthachinda opposite the provincial hall. It displays items that Somdet Phra Maha Wirawong, the ex-abbot of Wat Sutthachinda, collected, as well as artefacts that the Fine Arts Department found in Nakhon Ratchasima and nearby provinces and donations. Most items are Buddha images, including stone images of the Khmer period, images from the Ayutthaya period, bronze images, earthenware, ancient utensils, and woodcarving.
- Monument of Thao Suranari
Thao Suranari Monument is a memorial to the Thai heroine called Ya Mo by locals. Built in 1934, it is located in the city centre. People from other provinces who visit Khorat and locals usually come to pay homage here and ask for blessings. The statue is made of black copper. It is 1.85 metres high and is dressed in regalia in a standing posture. The right hand holds a sword and the statue faces west towards the capital of Bangkok. The monument base holds her ashes.
Thao Suranari was originally Khunying Mo, the wife of the assistant governor of Nakhon Ratchasima. In 1826, Chao Anuwong of Vientiane had Khorat under siege but Khunying Mo rallied villagers to fight against Chao Anuwong. After the battle was over, King Rama III promoted her to Thao Suranari. Every year during 23 March to 3 April, the people would hold a festival to honour her bravery.
- Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo
Covering an area of 545 rai (218 acres), the zoo is one of the most modern in Asia. The enclosures are large and landscaped by section to match the habitat of each animal most of which have come from Africa. The most popular animals are penguins, seals, African elephants, rhinoceros, cheetahs, lions, zebras, and giraffes. There is also a reptile building and a hornbill garden. In addition to being an ideal place to study biology, the zoo is a great place for relaxation as the grounds are decorated with lovely flowers.
- Farm Chokchai
Farm Chokchai is a fully integrated dairy farm perched on a vast stretch of plains amidst a scenic surrounding. An agro-tourism farm where visitors can learn about milking, making of fresh milk ice cream, animal feed plant, and several other activities. Superb tourist facilities provided.
The farm opens on Saturdays, Sundays and Official holidays.
Open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for a group visit of at least 30 persons. There are 3-5 rounds of tours, each taking approximately 3 hours.
- Khao Yai National Park
The park, which covers an area of 2,168 square kilometers in the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range, stretches over 4 provinces including Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Saraburi, and Prachin Buri. Khao Yai became Thailands first national park on 18th September 1962 and is also originally recognized as the National Park Heritage of Asian Group Countries.
The park is comprised of mixed forests and rainforests with some wide plains and grasslands interspersed with verdant forests. There are many valuable plants, including commercial plants, scented plants and herbs. In addition, there are several mountains with peaks ranging from 800 to 3,000 meters above sea level making Khao Yai a cool climate area, even in summer.
The most popular time to visit Khao Yai is during the cool season or from October to February. In the rainy season, the area is refreshingly green with overflowing waterfalls, sending echoes all around.
Popular activities in the park include butterfly and bird watching, animal watching and trekking. The Park has numerous butterflies and birds as surveys indicate that over 293 species of birds use Khao Yai as a feeding ground while Khao Yai is the habitat of over 200 species. In addition, the park is home to an abundance of wildlife. The most frequently spotted animal is the deer that grazes on grass plains and sometimes come to be fed around the park office. Other animals spotted include elephants, sun bears, wild boars, monkeys, tigers, gaurs, and mountain goats. To facilitate animal watching the park built 2 wildlife watchtowers at Mo Singto and Nong Phak Chi. Visitors are allowed up there between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. In addition, those who want to go on a night safari by car must contact the park office before 6 p.m. Moreover, Khao Yai has over 20 trekking trails for visitors to choose from, each different in natural beauty and distance. While some trails like the Kong Kaeo trail and the Kilometer 33 trail (Thanarat Road-Nong Phak Chi) take 1-2 hours to complete, other trails like the Nang Rong-Khao Yai trail, Samo Pun trail or Kho Yo 4 Unit-Wang Heo waterfall trail require overnight stays. Information and guides can be obtained from the tourist service centre.
- Kong Kaeol Waterfall (Namtok Kong Kaeol)
This is a low waterfall, which is especially lovely in the rainy season originated from Huay Lam Takhong that divides Nakhon Nayok and Nakhon Ratchasima Provinces. The waterfall can be reached by a walking distance of 100 meters from the tourist service center. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the waterfall or taking short nature trips on nearby nature trails.
- Heo Suwat Waterfall (Namtok Heo Suwat)
This is a famous waterfall that cascades from a 20-meters high cliff. The waterfall, which is located at the end of Thanarat Road and being accessible by car, is only 100 meters by foot from the parking lot or a 3-kilometer walk from Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall. Visitors can view the falls from a distant viewpoint that offers a high-angle view of the waterfall through the trees or from the waterfall itself. However, please note that in the rainy season the water flows rapidly and caution should be taken.
- Heo Narok Waterfall (Namtok Heo Narok)
This is the largest and highest waterfall in the park with 3 levels. The first level is about 60 meters high and water from this level flows straight down to the second and third levels, with a total drop of at least 150 meters. The water has considerable strength in the rainy season and is quite dangerous, but refreshing, when it comes splashing down on rocks at the bottom. The area around the waterfall is the usual feeding grounds of wild elephants. There have been occasional accidents when elephants drop from the cliff and die. For a beautiful view of the waterfall, visitors can walk 1 kilometer from the main road to a viewpoint. The waterfall itself is located to the south of the Park Office on the way to Prachin Buri.
- Lam Takhong Dam
The Dam is located 62 kilometers 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 cubic meters of water and irrigates 238,000 rais of paddy field.
- Lam Phra Phloeng Dam
Lam Phra Phloeng Dam can be reached by taking Highway No.304 past the district for 4 kilometres then turn right and drive for 28 kilometres. The dam is under the Royal Irrigation Department. Locals come here to relax, eat, fish, and enjoy the scenery of the reservoir. There are lodges for rent. For information, contact the Lam Phra Phloeng Water Supply and Maintenance Project at tel. (044) 373184 ext. 114. Tourists can rent a long-tail boat to tour the reservoir, travel to Khlong Ki waterfall or Khun Chon waterfall.
- Phimai Historical Park
Within the Park is the Phimai Sanctuary, one of the grandest and most important Khmer historical sites in Thailand.
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 referred to a religious figure or site.
The Phimai Sanctuary is rectangular in shape and is 565 meters wide and 1,030 meters long. It consists of ornately carved sandstone and laterite structures. The most special characteristic of the sanctuary is that it is the only one that faces south while the others usually face east. This is probably because it was built to face the route that the Khmers traveled from the capital of the empire, to the south of Phimai.
From stone inscriptions and the architectural style, the Phimai Sanctuary was most likely built at the end of the 11th century during the reign of King Suriyaworaman I. The architectural style is that of the Baphuon style that prospered at the time. However, some characteristics are similar to that of Angkor Wat, which became popular at a later period. Some additions were made to the site in the early 18th Buddhist century during the reign of King Chaiworaman VII when Phimai had close relations with the Khmer Empire. The sanctuary was always a religious site of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism because King Suriyaworaman I and King Chaiworaman VII were followers of the sect.
Important Structures in Phimai Sanctuary:
The Naga Bridge is the first part you pass when visiting the site. The bridge and lion figures stand in front of the Gopura (porch) south of the main pagoda. The intention may have been to build a link between earth and heaven according to both Hindu and Buddhist beliefs concerning the universe.
The Gopura was adapted as the wall around the sanctuary and the four entering porches. There is a large corridor connecting the outer and inner areas of the main sanctuary. Above each porch is a lintel of various designs.
The Main Prang or pagoda is on an open area in a curved walkway. It is the centre of the site and is made entirely of white sandstone and is different from the porches and walls that are made primarily of red sandstone. This is because white sandstone is more durable than red sandstone. The pagoda is 28 meters high, has a square base, a portico and stairways and doors in all 4 directions.
The pagoda consists of a base, outer walls, columns, and porches with beautiful designs. Of vital importance are the lintels that mostly recount the tale of Ramayana from Hinduism and tales of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. The lintels above the 4 doorways of the main pagodas inner chamber, the most important room of the pagoda, are all about Buddhism reflecting the Buddhist influence that eventually surpassed that of Hinduism. The carvings are of the Baphoun style and the Angkor Wat style leading to the belief that the main pagoda was built at the end of the 12th century.
There are other pagodas, which are Prang Brahmadat in front of the main pagoda, Prang Hin Daeng and Ho Phram (Brahma Hall) to the right.
The park is open daily from 7.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The admission is 40 baht. There are youth guides available to provide visitors with information about the site for free.
Historical Sites Outside Phimai Sanctuary:
Phimai City Gate and City Walls were built during the reign of King Chaiworaman VII. Of the 4 gates, the south gate is the most important because the road from the ancient Khmer capital to Phimai runs through it. The sanctuary can be seen when looking straight through the gate.
The Men Brahmadat is southeast of the walls and is made entirely of bricks. Its present form is a huge and round earth hill that is about 30 meters high. The site is believed to have been the place where a king was cremated. However, the style of construction suggests it was built in the late Ayutthaya period.
Other sites to the south are Tha Nang Sa Phom, Kuti Rusi and Arokhayasan.
Phimai National Museum
The museum houses collections of archaeological artifacts especially those found in the lower part of the region and has exhibits on the past cultural prosperity of the Northeast. There are several sections as follows:
Local Northeastern culture
Daily utensils like mortars, cotton chests, carts and monk items lintels from sanctuaries in Nakhon Ratchasima and the Northeast prehistoric artifacts such as ancient pottery, skeletons, tools, and bronze and stone ornaments.
The history of Phimai
Early history that includes Dvaravati-style temple boundary markers and Khmer-style items like columns and parts of buildings, as well as sculptures like Buddha images, god figures and a figure of King Chaiworaman VII made of sandstone found at Phrommathat Pagoda in Phimai sanctuary.
The second floor is devoted to the past cultural glory of the Northeast, early Northeastern communities and Khmer cultural influence.
The Museum is located at the base of Tha Songkran Bridge just before Phimai Sanctuary. From Nakhon Ratchasima, take Highway No. 2 for 50 kilometers, then turn on Highway No. 206 and proceed for 10 kilometers. If taking a bus from Nakhon Ratchasima, visitors can take a bus from Bus Terminal 2 in the city. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The entry fee is 30 baht. For information, call 0 4447 1167.
Sai Ngam
Sai Ngam is on the bank of the Mun River near Phimai Dam. Cross Tha Songkran Bridge into the town and take a branch road to the dam for 2 kilometres. The place is so named because of the abundance of banyan trees here, all originating from a single tree, which is about 350 years now. The tree gave birth to many smaller ones covering the entire area. Nearby are souvenir shops and several restaurants. The most popular dish for tourists is Phimai noodles.
Thung Samrit Memorial
This wide field was a battleground between Khorat people and Lao soldiers during the reign of King Rama III. A shrine was constructed by villagers in 1988 to pay homage to the fighters. The memorial is located at Moo 1, Ban Samrit Tawan Ok, Tambon Samrit, 46 kilometers from the city. Take Highway No. 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Khon Kaen) to the 43-44 kilometer markers (opposite the entrance to Ban Prasat), turn right and proceed for about 3 kilometers.
- Prang Sida
Prang Sida is similar to Prang Ku at Tambon Don Tanin, but this pagoda is closed on all 4 sides. It was a Brahman religious site, dated from around the 12th-13th Buddhist centuries, that was constructed entirely of laterite in the ancient Khmer style with sculpted plaster designs facing the east and an outer wall surrounding the site. From the Khorat city, take Highway No. 2 for about 84 kilometers to Sida intersection and turn right onto Highway No. 202 (to Amphoe Prathai) for about 1.5 kilometers, then take a left and proceed for about 2 kilometers to the temple.
- Lam Takhong Dam
Lam Takhong Dam is at Tambon Lat Bua Khao, around 62 kilometres from the city. A road branches off Highway No. 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Saraburi) at Km. 193-194 and drive for about 2 kilometres. The dam is an earth-filled dam across the Lam Takhong River that flows through a crevasse. Built in 1974, its primary purpose is to divert water from above the dam for irrigation. Visitors can walk on the dam to enjoy the view of the reservoir with a beautiful background of mountains. The dam is suitable for relaxation when it is not hot. It is open during 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Chom Tawan Beach (Hat Chom Tawan)
This is a large beach by the lake, under the office of the 5th Thap Lan National Park Management Area (Lam Plai Mat) that is responsible for jungles in the park in Soeng Sang, Khon Buri and Wang Nam Khiao Districts. A rest area has been developed for the public around the reservoir and plots of land have been designated for locals to make a living and reduce the problem of illegal logging. Tourists normally come to this beach to swim, dine, camp and enjoy the scenery. Long-tail boats can be hired to go on the reservoir. Trekking to various spots like Wang Phi Sua (where a lot of butterflies can be seen in winter), Phra cave, Communist cave and the gigantic Takhian Thong tree that is believed to be over a thousand years old are also popular activities.
- Muang Sema Historical Site
Mueang Sema Historical Site is in Tambon Sema, about 37 kilometres from the city. From Amphoe Sung Noen go across Lam Takhong River past Ban Hin Tang to Sema 4 kilometres away. The Sema city plan is egg-shaped and is 3 kilometres wide and 4 kilometres long. You can still see evidence of city moats and some earth walls. 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.
**Information Reference : tourismthailand.org
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