Located in Northeast Thailand, this major city has roots in the 7th century Dvaravati period. Locals call it Korat, and it sits near Khao Yai National Park and ancient Buddhist temples.
Nakhon Ratchasima, known locally as Korat, is Thailand's third-largest city. Walk through the 11th-century stone corridors of Phimai Historical Park, spot wild elephants in Khao Yai National Park, or admire the ceramic elephant-shaped temple at Wat Ban Rai. The city serves as a gateway to Thailand's northeastern Isan region, where you'll taste fiery som tam and watch silk weavers at work in village workshops.
Getting Around Korat
You can walk through the city center easily, but you'll need transport for outer areas. Catch a songthaew (shared pickup truck) along major routes for 10-20 baht per ride, or flag down a tuk-tuk for shorter trips. Many locals zip around on motorbikes, which you can rent from shops near the clock tower. The new motorway to Bangkok takes just over two hours by car or bus.
Exploring Khao Yai National Park
Hike through 300 square kilometers of mountain forests, ranging from 400 to 1,000 meters in elevation. Wild elephants often cross the main road at dusk, while gibbons swing through the canopy at dawn. Watch for hornbills among the park's 320 bird species. Walk to the 80-meter Heo Narok waterfall as it thunders into a gorge, or visit Heo Suwat waterfall, which appeared in Leonardo DiCaprio's "The Beach". Drive or hike along the park's road network to reach viewpoints and trails.
Ancient Architecture at Phimai Historical Park
Walk through this 11th-century Khmer temple complex, which rivals Angkor Wat in size. Stone walls display intricate Buddhist carvings around the central sanctuary tower. The site once marked the northern terminus of the ancient Khmer Highway. Stop by the on-site museum to learn about construction techniques and the temple's role in the Khmer Empire.
Local Food Scene
Smell the chilies and fresh herbs at street markets where cooks prepare regional specialties. Try som tam (green papaya pounded with lime, chilies, and dried shrimp) or larb (minced meat mixed with roasted rice and herbs). Find food stalls and restaurants around Save One Market serving both Isan and central Thai dishes. Join locals at the train station night market after sunset.
Wang Nam Khiao District
Drive through mountain roads south of the city to reach organic farms and vineyards. Pick strawberries between November and February, when cool weather brings ideal growing conditions. Stop at coffee plantations to taste locally grown beans, or pull over at roadside viewpoints to look across the valley.
Wat Ban Rai Temple Complex
Step inside this elephant-shaped temple covered in millions of ceramic tiles. Study the detailed murals depicting Buddhist teachings and monk Luang Phor Khun's life story. Walk through gardens with meditation spaces and small shrines. The temple sits on a lake - come early in the morning when the water is still to see the structure reflected on the surface.
