Nakhon Ratchasima or "Korat" as it is better known, sits on the SW edge of the NE region, over 250 km from Bangkok. It is Thailand's largest province, covering an area of over 20,500 sq km. Korat is the principal city in the area and is quite prosperous compared to the rest of the northeast region.

The city was established in the 17th century, during the reign of King Narai. At the founding of the city there was two older settlements, Sema and Khorakpura, which were merged together to populate the city. The remains of the old town walls and moat are still in evidence today, as are the rebuilt town gates.

Today the city is the main transportation hub to the northeast region. The railway from Bangkok splits here to follow on to Ubon Ratchatani in the lower northeast and to Nong Khai at the Thai-Laos border. By road the city is linked to Bangkok by Highway 2, which also leads to the Thai-Laos border.

Places of Attraction

Mahawirawong National Museum

The museum is situated in the grounds of Wat Sutchinda on Rachdamnern Rd. It houses a good collection of Khmer artifacts, as well as art objects from other periods.

Thao Suranari Shrine

This bronze monument is located in the centre of town, opposite the Chumpon Gate. It was erected in 1934 in commemoration of Khunying Mo, the wife of a Deputy Governor, who dispelled an invading Laotian army in 1826. She has become a regional heroine, with people coming from all over the district to pay their respects to the monument. In March each year there is a 10 daylong festival in honour of Khunying Mo, with plenty of local entertainment and folk singing around the monument.

Wat Sala Loi

Located in the northeastern part of town, on the banks of the Lam Thakong River. This is a modern Buddhist temple, built in 1973. The bot is shaped like an old Chinese junk, to symbolize a boat taking the faithful to Nirvana.

Pak Thong Chai

This village is situated 30 km south on Route 304. It is a silk weaving village and a major supplier to the silk shops in Bangkok. There are many small factories to visit, where the various processes of production can be observed. High quality silk products are also sold here, though not necessarily cheaper than in Bangkok.

Prasat Hin Phanom Wan

Located on the outskirts of town, on the way to Phimai. This historical Khmer shrine has indications that it was originally built as a Hindu shrine before being converted to a Buddhist temple. Experts are unsure of when it was actually built, though some believe that construction had started in the early 10th century. Some restoration work, though limited, has been carried out on the shrine.

Ban Dan Kwai

The village is located 15 km to the southeast of Korat, on Route 204. Dan Kwai is well known for the distinctive rust-coloured pottery that is produced there. The clay is gathered from the local river, and then shaped into beautiful vases, pots, wind chimes and many other fine objects, including jewelry. Several stalls situated along the main road can be found selling the finished wares.

PHIMAI

Phimai is a small ancient town, 52 km to the northeast of Korat. The town is known for the splendid Khmer sanctuary, Prasat Hin Phimai. It once played an important role for the Khmers, as it marked the western reaches of the kingdom.

Places of Attraction

Prasat Hin Phimai

The building of this magnificent Hindu and Mahayana Buddhist Angkor period Khmer monument was begun by King Jayavarman V towards the end of the 10th century and was not completed until the early part of the 11th century by King Suriyavarman.

Inside the walled compound, which is accessed at the Victory Gate or Pratu chai, are three prangs: Prang Prathon, the largest, is made of white sandstone, the laterite Prang Phromothat and the red sandstone Prang Hin Daeng.

Although dedicated to Mahayana Buddhism the complex shows many Hindu influences. Some scholars believe that Prasat Hin Phimai was the basis for the design of Angkor Wat.

Phimai National Museum

This new museum has many fine exhibits; mainly focusing on sculptures from the Isaan region. It has on display a large collection of lintels and statues from Phimai, Phanom Rung and many of the other Khmer sites in Thailand. The chief exhibit is a stone sculpture of King Jayavarman VII of Angkor.