Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Geography
Khmer ruins and the The city of various famous statue of Khun Ying Mo named Nakhon Ratchasima or commonly known as Khorat is situated on a plateau, about 259 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. Administration of this province is divided into 26 Amphoes and 6 King Amphoes. The city itself serves as the gateway to the Northeastern Region.

Attractions:

Monument of Thao Suranari or Khun Ying Mo is situated in front of the old gate of ''Pratu Chumpon'' on the west side of the city. This monument was erected in 1934 to commemorate the heroic deed of Khun Ying Mo, wife of the Deputy Governor of Khorat during the reign of King Rama III, who managed to save the city from the invasion of the Laotian army led by Prince Anuwong of Vinentianne. Every year from March 23 to April 3, there is a cerebration 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 art objects and artifacts donated to Somdet Maha Viravong such as sandstone Buddha images of Khmer and Ayutthaya periods, bronze Buddha images, different sized ceramics and wood carvings from ancient monasteries. Open everyday 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 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 a 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: Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Sara Buri and Prachin Buri. The Park comprises various mountains, two important rivers of Lom Takhong and Nayok, with many species of fauna and flora and over 20 waterfalls. Accommodations near the national park are available.

Wat Khao 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 3000 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 1200 B.E. There are various evidences of archaeology found within the area such as bronze Buddha images, Buddha terracotta printing images, glass beads and inscribing stone.

Ban Prasat Archaeological Site is 42 kilometers away from Nakhon Ratchasima along the Nakhon Ratchasima-Khon Kaen route. Skeletons, ornaments, and artifacts and potteries were discovered here. It is presumed that this area has continuously been inhabited during the past 3,000 years up to present.

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 magnificently 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 is supported by Garudas, guardian figures, are interspersed with Nagas.

Of special interest is a carved stone door-lintel depicting a divine figure, dressed in 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 objects and archaeological remains found in the region.

Other Khmer ruins within Nakhon Ratchasima include Prasat Hin Phanom Wan located about 20 kilometres from town, Prasat Hin Nang Ram some 80 kilometres 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 kilometres from Phimai. It is a recreation place which provides more than 15,000 square feet of shady area. Food stands for snacks and drinks 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 Dan Kwian has a 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 earthwares are irresistible.

Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo About 30 kilometer 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 kilometres 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 is situated in Amphoe Pak Thong Chai on a side road some 28 kilometres from the main highway. From the Dam, boats can also be be hired to go another 23 kilometres up the reservoir to Namtok Pak Thong Chai (waterfall) 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 Krathong festival (October or November), draws thousands of tourists both from Khorat city and neighbouring provinces.


How to get there:
Air-conditioned buses to the Northeast:
Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima

Nakhon Ratchasima to Bangkok

By Car
Traveling by car from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima is most convenient, and there are three alternative routes to choose depending on the starting point in Bangkok. Description of each route is as follow:

First Route : Taking Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin) passing Don Muang Airport, Wang Noi, till arriving Saraburi. At Saraburi, turn right along Highway No. 2 (Mittraphap Highway) which finally leads to Nakhon Ratchasima. The total distance of this route is 259 kilometers.

Second Route: This alternative route is a little longer in distance but interesting town and city passing is a worth compensation. The direction is along Highway No. 304 via Min Buri, Chachoengsao, Phanom Sarakham, Kabin Buri, Pak Thong Chai and finally Nakhon Ratchasima. The total distance is 273 kilometers

Third Route : Taking Highway No. 305 passing Thanyaburi, Ongkharak to Nakhon Nayok. From Nakhon Nayok, take Highway No. 33 to Kabin Buri an turn left along Highway No. 304 passing Pak Thong Chai to Nakhon Ratchasima.

By Rail
Trains leave Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) many times daily. For further information please call (02)-223-7010,(02) 223-7020