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Nakhon Ratchasima



The performance of historic drama during the Phimai Festival

    The city of various Khmer ruins and the famous statue of Khun Ying Mo named Nakhon Ratchasima or commonly as "Korat" is situated on a plateau, about 260 kilometers northest of Bangkok. 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 Vientiane. 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.
In 1825 Chao Anuwongse of Loas aimed to free Vientiane from subordination to Bangkok. Upon hearing the wrong news, that there would be a war between Thailand and England. Chao Anuwongse took a chance to rebel against King Rama III; he moved his troops to take over Nakhon Ratchasima. The Deputy Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima and his brave wife named Mo, persuaded people to get together and fight with the Loas troops. They could kill thousands of Vientiane soldiers and helped Thai troops to drive Loas back to Vientiane. King Rama III rewarded Lady Mo by giving the noble title as Tao Suranari

Wat Phra Narai Maharat on Prachak Road houses and 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 arts objects and artifacts donated to Somdet Maha Viravong such as sand stone Buddha images of Khmer and Ayutthaya periods, bronze Buddha images, different sizes ceramics and wood carvings from ancient monasteries. Open everday except Mondays and Tuesdays from 9.00 - 16.00 hrs.

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 magnificiently restored and renovated ruins and has been preserved as a National Historical Park.
The principal sanctuary is a tower (Phrasat) 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 kilometers from town, Prasat Hin Nang Ram Wan located about 80 kilometers northeast of Khorat in Amphoe Prathai, Prang Ban Ku and Prang Sida, all of which are similar to Phimai ruins but somewhat smaller.



Khao Yai National Park

    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, Saraburi, and Phachin 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 near the national park are available.

Kao Yai National Park
Evergreen Forest Hill at Kao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.



A large rariety of Dan Kwian's ceramics

    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 marvellous 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 irresistable.

Lam Phra Phloeng Dam is situated in Amphoe Pak Thong Chai on a side road some 28 kilometers from the main highway. From the Dam, boats can also be hired to go another 23 kilometers up the reservoir to Pak Thong Chai waterfall or Khlong Ki waterfall. Here is another spot for retreat and relaxation.

  • Festival and Celebrations Manual in Nakhon Ratchasima.
     PHIMAI LONG-BOAT RACES & FESTIVAL
    November 13-15, 1998
    At Prasat Hin Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat)
    Featuring a light & sound presentation at Prasat Hin Phimai, local art and cultural performances, cooking and folk-song competitions, local products sales and exhibitions and traditional long-boat races.



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