If Khon Kaen is the Northeast's communications centre, Nakhon
Rachasima is its centre of power. Its location has set it astride
history's path, as a strong military and administrative centre. Today the
province continues to be a leading northeastern business centre, with
plenty to do and see. The influence of the old Khmer empire stretched
into Nakhon Ratchasima (commonly known as Khorat), as evidenced
in the magnificent Prasat Hin Phimai, the largest sandstone sanctuary
in Thailand, renovated and restored as part of a Historical Park. With
its strong link to Angkor Wat, including a road, the buildings and
structures at Phimai are a major tourist draw. Khorat also backs onto
Khao Yai National Park, Thailand's first park and a popular place for
trail hiking and bird watching (as well as elephants and gibbons).
Elsewhere , there are important and interesting temples, notably Wat
Phra Narai Maharat and Wat Sala Loi, as well as numerous handicraft
villages like Dan Kwian (pottery) and Pak Thong Chai (silk). |
Location & Access
259 kms north-east of Bangkok.
there a regular daily flights and
trains from Bangkok, as well as a
very fast highway via Saraburi.
Geography
Nakorn Ratchasima is situated on
the north-eastern plateau 200-300
metres above sea level, with 3
major rivers flowing through it.
Borders
North : Chaiyaphum and Khon
Kaen
South : Prachin Buri
East : Buri Ram
West : Lop Buri and Saraburi
Highlights
Attractions: Prasat Hin Phimai,
Wat Phra Narai Maharat, Wat
Sala Loi, Thao Suranari
Memorial, Khao Yai National
Park, Dan Kwian, Pak Thong
Chai.
Souvenirs: Moo yor (Northern
pork sausage), moo yong (dried
pork powder), moo pan (dried
pork), sausages, naam, Chinese
dried sausage, darn quean’s
ceramics and silk.
Festivals: Thao Suranari Fair
(March); Phimai Long-Boat
Races & Festival (November) |
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