Nakhon Ratchasima usually referred to as Korat, is the largest city in the Isaan region of Thailand around 260 kilometres from Bangkok. This is a large province which is steeped in history, especially that which relates to the Khmer kingdom. As a result there are numerous sites covering all aspects of Khmer culture. The province is rich in nature with forests, mountains, waterfalls and reservoirs. The province also supports traditional ways of life, especially well reflected at Dan Kwian – a traditional community based around the production of clay pottery products. Nakhon Ratchasima’s museums are excellent, housing findings from a variety of archaeological digs that bear witness to the region’s pre-history and the Dvaravati and Khmer cultures that strongly influenced it. Attractions in the area include Khao Yai National Park – an especially good park protecting birds and animals (tigers, elephants ...) and Prasat Hin Phimai National Historical Park, one of the best in Thailand

Statue of Thao Suranaree: constructed in 1934, "Thao Suraneree" is called "Khun Ying Mo" by Korat peoples who are intimate with her. She was a wife of the Deputy Governor of Korat during the reign of King Rama III. She managed to save the city from the invasion of the Laotian army led by Prince Anuwong of Vientiane. This momument was erected to commemorate her heroic deed. Korat peoples are praying this momument as usual for asking things of her.

Statue of Thao Suranaree

Wat Phra Narai Maharat: is a one of the most famous temples in Korat. This one is notable for its lake and island temple. Within the building is an ancient sandstone staue of the Hindu god Vishnu. You can cross the bridge and walk around the island but can not enter the building which houses Vishnu. Also, you may see huge Water Monitor lizards amongst the undergrowth or in the water. These things are as big as crocodiles, but are generally safe, and provide a surprising photo opportunity in the centre of the city.

Wat Phra Narai Maharat

Wat Sala Loi: is a chapel shape of Chinese Junk. It was found in 1827 by Khun Ying Mo and the main chapel was built in 1967. It received many awards from various architectural associations as a modern leading design of religious building. There are various sizes of Buddha images in the main chapel. The wall of the old chapel which was built about 170 years ago is well kept. There are many Buddha image in this old chapel.

Wat Sala Loi

Prasat  Phanom Wan is located 20 kilometers from town. This religious place was constructed in the 12th century. Its Khmer style resembles Prasat Hin Phimai but its size is smaller. Its main stupa facing the east was built of sandstone an connected the Mandapa by a square path of 25.5 meter length and 10.20 meter width. The Prasat is surrounded by laterite wall and has Gopuras (entrances) from four directions. Outside the walls, there are a lot of ponds.

Khmer architecture temples: Prasat Phanom Wan

Khao Yai National Park: consists of complicated mountains such as Khao Rom, the highest about 1,351 meters, Khao Lam about 1,326 meters, Khao Keaw about 1,292 meters, Khao Sam Yod about 1,142 meters, Khao Far Pha about 1,078 meters, Khao Kampang about 875 meters, Khao Samor Poon about 805 meters and Khao Kaew about 802 meters above sea level. Moreover, the area has vastly grassy field alternating with productive forest. The north and the east part are smoothly sloping down, while the south and the west part are rising up. The area is the source of five main rivers as follows.

Heo Suwat waterfall in Khao Yai National Park

Prasat Nang Rum is the Hospital in Jayavarman VII's construction, who is the last great king of the ancient Khmer 12th century. This place is under the auspices of Buddha Bhaishajyaguru Vaiduryaprabha (The Medicine Buddha), the healer who gives a good health and sickless to human beings. This sanctuary is big, but it is badly ruined by weather. The base and entrances are the only remaining. It is surrounded by a wall with two entrances on the east and west. The sanctuary consists of the main stupa an vihara surrounded by laterite walls. Outside the wall, there is a pond lined with stepped laterite. Far away 80 meters, surrounded by leterite walls and the U-shaped pond are other three stupas assumed to be the residence of medical men.

Prasat Nang Rum

Wat Ban Rai is an important temple for Isan people. It is located northwest of Nakhon Ratchasima close to the village of Dan Khun Thot. Many worshippers come here to pay their respect to Luang Phor Khoon Parisuttho, a well known monk in Thailand. He has helped many people directly and is using the donations from the temple for Universities and Schools. During our visit in 2006 we had to wait for Luang Phor Khoon Parisuttho to come out of his quarters and the following visit went rather quickly for the long line of worshippers.

Wat Ban Rai

Prasat Hin Phimai was the Mahayana Buddhist sanctuary situated at the centre of the city, symbolizes Sumeru Mountain, the center of the universe according to ancient beliefs. The town’s plan was systematically laid out; the main route starts from the south city gate, with a long path leading directly to the principal prasat. It is located at the center of Muang Phimai, an ancient city from the 16th century B.F, along the Mun river. Phimai was an important city on the communication routes among the different regions and with access to Angkor in Cambodia. Near the city is a structure know as the Rishi’s Kuti, which was, in fact the Arogayasala, or the infirmary mentioned in inscriptions.

Prasat Hin Phimai