Nakhon Ratchasima

Nakhon Ratchasima, located in northeastern Thailand, is the gateway to 20 provinces in the northeast from central Thailand. It is about 259 km from Bangkok and situated in the western part of the Khorat Plateau. Here are some recommended tourist attractions in Nakhon Ratchasima: History and Culture - Phimai Historical Park: Built between 968 and 1001 AD, covering an area of 57,000 square meters, it is a Khmer-style Brahman architectural complex from the Angkor period. It features four walls and a moat, with three towers in the center. Known as the "Angkor Wat of Thailand," it is an important part of the Angkorian architectural sequence. - Maha Vira Wong National Museum: Located within Wat Sutthachinda, opposite the Nakhon Ratchasima City Hall, the museum exhibits items collected by the former abbot of Wat Sutthachinda, Somdet Phra Maha Wirawong, as well as artifacts discovered and donated to the Fine Arts Department in Nakhon Ratchasima and nearby provinces. Most of the exhibits are Buddha images, along with Khmer-era stone statues, Ayutthaya-era Buddha images, bronze statues, pottery, ancient tools, and wood carvings. - Wat Changphuak: This is a small temple north of the moat. Inside the temple, there is a Takhian Hin tree stump. In the past, the people of Phukhiao used to tie elephants to this tree for inspection before presenting them to Rama I for transportation. Nature - Khao Yai National Park: Thailand's first national park, it became part of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, in 2005, along with other parks and reserves. The park is home to valuable trees such as Dipterocarpaceae and Rosewood, as well as animals like water monitors, reticulated pythons, king cobras, gaurs, and Asian black bears. - Petrified Wood Park: Located in Ban Krok Duean Ha, this park houses a collection of over 10,000 pieces of petrified wood excavated from the surface down to 8 meters underground, dating back 1 to 70 million years. City and Leisure - Nakhon Ratchasima Night Market: Here, you can savor authentic local cuisine, such as rich curries, fresh seafood, and delicious desserts. You can also purchase various handicrafts and souvenirs, experiencing the unique charm of the local culture. - Nakhon Ratchasima Arts and Culture Center: Located on Suranarai Road, the center is divided into several sections, such as Nakhon Ratchasima City, Ancient Documents, Local Occupations, Isan Textiles, Nakhon Ratchasima Products, Music, and Nakhon Ratchasima People. The center exhibits tools and artifacts used to study the past lifestyles of the people in Nakhon Ratchasima and the northeastern region.