Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Nakhon Ratchasima (นครราชสีมา) 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.

The area around Korat was already an important center in the times of the khmer empire in the 11th century, as can be seen by the temple ruins in the Phimai historical park.

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, 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 ด่านเกวียน.

Tourist Attraction

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.

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 (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาใหญ่) It covers 4 provinces; Nakhon Ratchasima นครราชสีมา, Nakhon Nayok นครนายก, Saraburi สระบุรี, and Prachin Buri ปราจีนบุรี. 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.

Phimai Historical Park (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.

Chokchai Farm (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.

Dan Kwian Pottery Village (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.