Nakhon Ratchasima Travel Information
NAKHON RATCHASIMAThe city of various Khmer ruins and famous statue of Khun Ying Mo named NAKHON RATCHASIMA or commonly known as "KHORAT" is situated on a plateau, about 255 kilometres northeast of Bangkok.
Administration of this province is divided into 22 amphoes and 3 king amphoes. The city itself serves as the gateway to the Northeastern Region of Thailand also known as I-san.
ATTRACTION IN AMPHOE MUANG
THE 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 Vientian. Every year from March 23 to April 2, there is a celebration to honour this statue which draw thousands of people from town and neighbouring provinces.
WAT PHRA NARAI MAHARAT on Prachak Road houses an image of Narayana (Hindu God) made of sand stone. The statue is considered the major sacred object of the city. THE CITY PILLAR is also enshrined in this temple.
WAT SALA LOI is located on the bank of Lam Takhong River about 400 metres off the side-road to 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 Chinese Junk.
KORAT CRAFT CENTER is behind the provincial hall. Various kinds of local products are on sale, such as silk cloth, local weaving cloth, ceramics, plant byproducts, artificial flowers etc.
SUAN KAEW is Situated at kilometer 7 on Nakhon Ratchasima-Pak Thong Chai Road. This recreation place includes flower gardens, a traditional Thai house formed as a cultural and handicraft center where local handicrafts are on sale, and restaurants with convention facilities. For more details, call (044) 211121.
PRASAT HIN PHANOM WAN is located 2() kilometers from town. It can be reached by following Nakhon Ratchasima-Khon Kaen Highway, then turning right at kilometer 14-15 and travelling on for 5 kilometers. This religious place was constructed in the 12th century. Its Khmer style resembles Prasat Hin Phimai but its size is smaller. Its main stupa lacing the east was built of sandstone and connected the Mandapa by a square path of 25.5 meter lenght and 10.20 meter width. The Prasat is surrounded by laterite walls and has Gopuras (entrances) from four directions. Outside the walls, there are a lot of ponds.
MAHA WEERAWONG MUSEUM ,opposite the City Hall. exhibits various arts objects and arti facts donated to Somdet Maha Weerawong, e.g. sandstone Buddha images of Khmer and Ayutthaya period, Bronze Buddha images, different sizes ceramics and wood carvings from ancient monasteries.
WAT PA SALAWAN is located behind Nakhon Ratchasima Railway Station. This monastery houses the relics of Acharn Man and Acharn Tim, two holy well known Buddhist monks.
MISS BOONLUA MEMORIAL is located in Boonlua Vidhyanusorn school, 12 kms. from the city on the highway to Chaiyaphum. The statue is to commemmorate the heroic deed of Miss Boonlua and the people of Nakhon Ratchasima who died in the Battle of Thung Samrit in A.D.1826.
ATTRACTION IN AMPHOE PHIMAI
THE PHIMAI NATIONAL MUSEUM is some 60 kilometers northeast of Nakhon Ratchasima. The museum houses an extensive collection of succeeding eras of Ancient Khmer and Dvaravati artifacts: carved sandstone pediments and lintels from the 6th century Dvaravati Period, and those of Khmer's ranging from the early Koh Ker style from 9th century Dvaravati style to Angkor Wat's Bayon style of the 12th century.
THE PHIMAI HISTORICAL PARK Dotted about Thailand 's great Northeastern plateau are numerous temples of varying sizes; most of these structures are believed to be about a thousand years old. These buildings, built of brick, stone, or combinations of the two materials-are of two types: those built by persons of Brahmanic culture, these have three to five-storied bases surmounted by prominent spires; those constructed by Buddhist patronages, have a low base and their spires are not so tall. The most spectacular of them all is at Phimai, 60 Kms. Northeast of Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat).
Prasat Hin Phimai which is the charmingly amusing 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. Nowadays, the Sanctuary looks magnificiently restored and renovated. The ruins of the facinating ancient Khmer architecture has been preserved as the National Historical Park.
The monument itself is surrounded with two red sandstone walls; the external wall and the gallery. These are puntuated by gatetowers (Gopuras) at four cardinal points, North, South, East and West. The main entrance is decorated with Naga balustrade which faces to the South where there arc ancient routes cut from Angkor.
The main white sandstone Prang has its place in the middle, towers of 28 meters in height, and flanked by two minor buildings, on the left was built in laterite called "Prang Bhramadhat" and on the right was built in sandstone called "Prang Hin Daeng".
Evidences of the main sanctuary reveal that all the external lintels including pediments involve Hinduism, such as the carvings of Ramayana Story, figures of Hindu Gods like Shiva and Vishnu whereas the internal lintels involve typically masterful religious art of Mahayana Buddhism. Though, it can be concluded that Phimai Sanctuary was built for the worship of both Mahayana Buddhism and Hinduism: one of' the internal lintels represents Trilokayavichaya Buddhism who standing on Hindu Gods, Shiva and his wife, seems to mean that Buddhism becomes more significant than Hinduism.
Two stone inscriptions encountered, the first mentions the name of King Suriyavoraman I (1002 A.D.-1050 A. D.) while the second at the door frame of the Southern gallery describing the name of King Dharanindharavoraman I (1107 A.D.-1 113 A.D.) These inscription of different period also coinsides with thc characteristics of' the artifacts found inside the main prang, therefore, the well restored ruins of' Phimai Sanctuary may have been built in between late 11 th-mid 1 2th centuries A.D.
The Phimai Historical Park opens everyday from 7.30-18.00 hrs. Admission fee is 20 Baht per person.
SAI NGAM or "Beautiful Banyan Trees " is another two kilometers from Phimai. It is a recreation place which provides more than 15,000 square feet of shady area. Food stands for snacks and drink are also available.
ATTRACTION IN AMPHOE PRATHAI
PRASAT NANG RAM is located 80 kilometers far from town on the route No.2 by driving 74 kilometers to the crossroads of Ban Wat, then turning right along the highway No.207 to Ban Nang Ram and finally turning left with travelling further for 3 kilometers. Prasat Nang Ram, or Nang Ram Castle, was built in Khmer style during the 1 2th century to be a nursing place. The castle consists of the main stupa and vihara surrounded by laterite walls. Outside the walls, there is a pond lined with stepped laterite. Far away 80 meters, surrounded by laterite walls and the U-shaped pond are other three stupas assumed to be the residence of medical men.
ATTRACTION IN AMPHOE BUA YAI
PRANG BAN KU is located at Tambon Dan Tanin, 90 kms. away from Nakhon Ratchasima. The ancient Khmer style spire of square-shape foundation piled up to the top with sandstone houses an earthen Buddha image.
PRANG KU BAN SIDA another Khmer ruin, is located at Tambon Sida, about 10 kms. far from Prang Ban Ku.
ATTRACTION IN AMPHOE NON SUNG
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE AT BAN PRASAT is located at Ban Prasat Tai, MU 7, Tambon Than Prasat, Amphoe Non Sung, 42 kms. far from Nakhon Ratchasima on the Nakhon Ratchasima-Phimai route with a 2 km. Ieft turn.
There are 2 excavating sites, each with 3 pits, with the following discoveries:
At the depth of 3.50-4.50 meters, lie human skeletons and various kinds of artifacts including an ancient weapon shaped like a discus made of white marble-like stone, huge animal bones, ornaments made of animal bones and shells, and an ancient axe-like weapon. The discoveries in this layer are beleived to be of pre-historic period, about 3,000 years ago.
At the depth of 2.30-3.0 meters, ancient bronze weapons such as a sharp lance-like weapon, stone beads of many strange colors, red and black painted pottery with incised decorations, as well as golden wrist and ankle bracelets bel ieved to be of Dvaravati period (1,600-1,800 years ago) have been unearthed .
At the depth of 1.50-2.0 meters, the discoveries include a kiln and color glazed pottery of mixed Khmer and modem styles, containers similar to those of modern times, as well as swords and weapons like those of contemporary period. They can be dated back to at Ieast 600 years ago up to now.
According to an exploration by the Division of Archaeology back in 1977, Ban Prasat is an enclosed site of irregular shape with surrounding moat and mound measuring 700x450 meters. The area slopes southwards with its highest point rising some 4 meters from the surrounding rice fields. The site is believed to be an agricultural community of pre-historic period in the southern Northeast with its own typical civilization differing from that of Ban Chiang, Changwat Udon Thani, which dated back some 500-1,000 years younger.
ATTRACTION IN AMPHOE PAK THONG CHAI
PAK THONG CHAI SILK VILLAGE Khorat silk had been a favourite fabric for Bangkok high society during the '30s, when the men-about-town on social calls, and the high of ficials still donned the Panung, a dhoti-style wear. At that time, Khorat silk was the ultimate fabric for a formal dress. Now that trousers and polyesters have arrived, the Korat silk factories has been on a decline. However, there remains the silk weaving village of PakThong Chai which has carried on producing beautiful Khorat-texture silk. Now, many famous Bangkok Thai-silk houses set up their factories here. The factory products are all sent over to Bangkok. The independent local weavers still turn out hand-woven Khorat silk for souvenir item, which is a great favourite with Khorat tourists. Pak Thong Chai is 32 kms. out of Khorat on Highway 304.
PAK THONG CHAI SILK AND CULTURAL CENTER Pak Thong Chai Silk and Cultural Center is located on Highway No.304 between Km.107-108 31 kilometers away from Nakhon Ratchasima. The center managed by Silk Weavers' Association of Nakhon Ratchasima, provides to visitors various kinds of silk fabrics and silk products in very reasonable price. Visitors could also observed the process of silk production in complete circle e.g. raising silk worms by mulberry, threading, weaving etc.
WAT NA PHRA THAT is located only 4 kilometers from the Pak Thong Chai district Office. There is an old chapel inwhich 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 on a side road some 28 ki lometers from the main highway. From the Dam, boats can also be hired for going another 23 kilometers up the reservoir to Pak Thong Chai Waterfall or Khlong Ki Waterfall. Here is another spot for treat and relaxation.
ATTRACTION IN AMPHOE CHOK CHAI
DAN KWIAN CERAMIC VILLAGE just 15 kilometers far from Nakhon Ratchasima on the way to Amphoe Chok Chai.
In the olden time, Dan Kwian was the cross-road for traders travelling in bull carts from Nakhon Ratchasima en route to Buriram, Surin and further on to lower Khmer. At first, KHAH, local people of the district made different types of bowls and jars for preserved fish (Plara), of grinding bowl for local salad cooking (Somtam) or other purposes alike and of containers for local furmented liquor. All these products were made in great quantity and bartered for food or neccessary materials as well as sold in other regions. It happened in this way from generation to generation. The rusty color of the earth ware or ceramic seemed less attractive for the olden people, especially Bangkokians, and enjoyed only small popularity just about 10 years ago, new tendency in art and decoration was introduced from abroad. Bangkokians are influenced by western design and imitationism is established. Anything natural and primitive became fashionable and Dan Kwian ceramic turned out to be very popular. Modern architects move to the province and share skillful techniques on improvement of design and types of products. There are now ash trays, vases, patterned bottles, flower bowls, bases and covers of lamps, garden sculptures and so on, in modem people's residence both in and outside the houses or around the gardens. However, they are still hand-made and of course, unique.
The manufacturing process at Dan Kwian takes time to prepare for one oven heating and needs careful attention to do so. First of all, the clay is taken from the banks of Moon River at the point where it passes through Dan Kwian, which is called "Din Fark Moon " (it is very tough and dark brown) and mixed with the yellow sand-clay. The mixed clay will be watered wet all the time and left at least for a night under some cover. A day after, the clay will be kneaded for 2 hours until it develops good texture. The well mixed left dried for around 15 days with plastic cover and under the roof for protection and further 15 days without the cover. After that, the raw product will be baked in the earthen oven and the heating system is started. Firstly it is warmed at 0-50 C for 24 hours and the temperature will be raised up to 1250 C for 19 hours.
The oven must be left unopened for at least 24 hours. A small window is provided at the oven to check the products whether they are well-heated and how many are misshapen or broken. It really takes months to get it done properly.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has alotted a budget from ISAN GREEN REVOLUTION PROJECT to facilitate the construction of the exhibition hall and to provide convenience for the tourists at dan Kwian Village. This project is built in an area 80rai,just one kilometer far from the village. It consists of one main building for the exhibition of Dan Kwian ceramics from the past to the present. Outside the building are souvenir shops and the residence of the village potters where tourists can see moulding demonstration.
ATTRACTION IN AMPHOE SUNG NOEN
MUANG KHORAT an ancient town of Khmer period, is located some 32kilometers southwest of Nakhon Ratchasima on the way to Amphoe Sung Noen with 3 kilometers right turn at Wat Yan Sophit Wanaram. The ruins comprise Prasat Hin Non Ku ,Prasat Hin Muang Khaek and Prasat Hin Muang Kao which have been already restored by the Fine Arts Department.
MUANG SEMA is located at Tambon Sema, 4 kilometers away from Sung Noen Market. It is also the deserted town of oval shape,1,400 meters wide and 2,000 meters long, surrounded by laterite wall. A lot of artifacts were found in the excavation. These include a 11.7 meter long sandstone reclining Buddha Image in Wat Thammachak Semaram and pieces of ancient sema stones (that mark the sacred area of a Buddhist temple). It is believed that the town was built in Dvaravati period.
ATTRACTION IN AMPHOE SIKHIU
LAM TAKHONG DAM ,is located between KM.193 and KM.194 on Highway No.2, about 62 kilometers from Nakhon Ratchasima. The construction of the dam had started in 1964 and finished in 1968. The lake-like reservoir can contain up to 3,000 million cu.m. of water and irrigates to 238,000 rais* of paddy field.
KHAO CHAN NGAM CAVE located at Ban Loet Sawat kilometers away from Nakhon Ratchasima on Highway No.2 with 4 kilometer left turn at KM .198. The cave is famous for pre-historic colour paintings.
LANG HIN TAT is 50 kilometers far from town, at kilometer 205 on Highway No.2 (Nakhon Ratchasima -Pak Chong). The traces of stone carving in various square shapes have appeared on the white sandstone hill. It is assumed that sandstone in this area was taken to build stone castles in adjacent area, such as Prasat Muang Chalk, Prasat Non Ku and Prasat Muang Kao in Amphoe Sung Noen, 40 kilometers away.
ATTRACTION IN AMPHOE PAK CHONG
THE KHAO YAI NATIONAL PARK about 200 kilometers away from Bangkok along Highway No.2 with 40 kilometer right turn at KM.165.5. The tourists who travel by public transport can take the bus from Bangkok's Northeastern Bus Turminal to Amphoe Pak Chong and hire local mini-bus (Song-Taeo) at Pak Chong Market to Khao Yai.
The Khao Yai National Park is covering an area of 2,168 square kilometers in four provinces: Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Saraburi, and Prachin Buri. The Park comprises various mountains, two important rivers of Lam Takhong and Nakhon Nayok, with many rare species of fauna and flora and over 20 waterfalls.
Accommodations in the national park are not yet allowed due to environment concerns. Visitors will have to take a one day trip and, if wish to, spend the night at the hotels in Amphoe Pak Chong or the resorts near the park.
FESTIVAL
THAO SURANARI COMMEMORATION (MARCH23 - APRIL 2) This annual event is held to commemorate the victory of Thao Suranari, the Heroine who saved Nakhon Ratchasima from invaders in the Reign of King Rama III. Cultural displays, exhibitions and fireworks are the highlight.
PHIMAI BOAT RACES (THE SECOND WEEKEND OF NOVEMBER) These popular races take place on the Mun River near the old Khmer city of Phimai. Besides the regatta there will be competitions of boats decorated to resemble the famous Royal Barges, entertainments, and stalls selling local produce.
HOW TO GET TO NAKHON RATCHASIMA By Car Travelling by car from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima is most convenient, and there are three alternalive routes to choose depending on the starting point in Bangkok. Description of each route is as follow:
FIRST ROUTE: Taking Highway No. I (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 256 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, PakThong 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 and turn left along Highway No.304 passing Pak Thong Chai to Nakhon Ratchasima.
By Bus
There are several buses both air and non air-conditioned leaving from the Northeastern Bus Terminal. Non air-conditioned buses leave every 15 minutes, throughout 24 hours. Fare is 64 baht (Tel: 271-0101-5) and air-conditioned buses leave every 30 minutes, starting from 04.00-24.00 hrs. Fare is 115 baht (Tel: 279-4484-7).
By Train
Trains leave Bangkok Railway Station (Hua-Lum-Phong) many times daily. For further information please contact Rail Travel Aids. (Tel: 223-7010, 223-7020)
By Plane Thai Airways operates daily flights to Nakhon Ratchasima. Call 280-0070 and 280-0080 for futher information.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION IN NAKHON RATCHASIMA
There are local buses leaving Nakhon Ratchasima Bus Terminal for every districts (Amphoes) in its provincial area.
TRANSPORTATION FROM NAKHON RATCHASIMA TO OTHER PROVINCES
There are two bus stations in Nakhon Ratchasima City. The first one is located on Burin Lane, Suranari Road. The buses from this station leave for:
NORTH: Nakhon Sawan,Phetchabun, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phitsanulok
EAST: Chon Buri, Pattaya and Rayong
CENTRAL: Lop Buri and Saraburi
NORTHEAST: Surin, Buri Ram, Chaiyaphum, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen and Udon ThaniThe second bus station is located on Mittraphap Road. The buses from this station leave for
EAST: Rayong and Pattaya
NORTHEAST: Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Mukdahan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Ubon Ratchathani, Loei, Maha Sarakham, Roi et, Yasothon, Si Sa Ket and Kalasin