Nakorn Ratchasima Attractions
Amphoe Muang
Ban Krok Duean Ha
Petrified Wood Park at Ban Krok Duean Ha, Tambon Suranari. Take Highway No. 304 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Pak Thong Chai) for 19 kilometres, turn right into Suranari University of Technology (second gate) and drive for 3 kilometres, turn left onto the Mittraphap-Nong Pling city bypass and drive for 2 kilometres to Wat Krok Duean Ha. The area has a collection of over 10,000 petrified wood pieces. Petrified wood was unearthed here just beneath the surface to 8 metres underground.
The wood is of various sizes from pebbles to rocks with a diametre of over 50 centimetres and some pieces are more than 1 metre long. The wood comes in many colours in the same stone and in different ones. They are aged between 1 to 70 million years old. Provincial authorities plan to make this area a petrified wood park and the first museum of its kind in Asia to conserve these prehistoric treasures for future generations to study.
Chang Phuak Shrine
Chang Phuak Shrine is a small shrine on the northern part of the city moat, at the corner of Manat and Phon Saen Roads. It houses a Takhian Hin tree stump that was the site where the people of Phu Khiao tied elephants for inspectors to look at before presenting them to King Rama I for his transport.
City Pillar
City Pillar is at the corner of Chom Phon and Prachak roads. This Chinese-style shrine houses the city pillar that is worshipped by Thais and Chinese. Built in the reign of King Narai the Great during 1656-1688, both the shrine and city pillar were made of wood. The inner eastern wall is covered with fired clay tiles with raised designs of the battle of Thao Suranari and the way of life of Thais in ancient times.
Maha Wirawong National Museum
Maha Wirawong National Museum is in Wat Sutthachinda opposite the provincial hall. It displays items that Somdet Phra Maha Wirawong, the ex-abbot of Wat Sutthachinda, collected, as well as artefacts that the Fine Arts Department found in Nakhon Ratchasima and nearby provinces and donations. Most items are Buddha images, including stone images of the Khmer period, images from the Ayutthaya period, bronze images, earthenware, ancient utensils, and woodcarving. The museum is open during 9 a.m.-4 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday. It is closed on public holidays. The entry fee is 10 baht. For information, call tel. 0- 4424-2958.
Miss Bun Luea Memorial
Miss Bun Luea Memorial is in Bun Luea Witthayanuson School in Tambon Khok Sung, 12.5 kilometres from the city on the Nakhon Ratchasima-Chaiyaphum road on the left. It was opened on 6 July 1986. The monument is made of bronze and is 175 centimetres high. It was built to honor the heroism of Miss Bun Luea and Nakhon Ratchasima people who gave their lives fighting Chao Anuwong in 1826 at Thung Samrit by tossing lighted coal bundles into a wagon carrying gunpowder of the Lao army and totally destroying it. The explosion killed Miss Bunlua.
Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo
Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo is 18 kilometres south of the city on Highway No. 304 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Pak Thong Chai), then take a left onto Highway No. 2310 for approximately 1 kilometre. If travelling by bus from the city, use air-conditioned bus No. 1415.
The zoo has an area of 545 rai (218 acres) and is one of the most modern in Asia. The enclosures are large and the zoo has landscaped each section so it matches the habit of each animal. Most of the animals here are from Africa. Of note are penguins, seals, African elephants, rhinoceros, cheetahs, lions, zebras, and giraffes. There is also a reptile building and a hornbill garden. The zoo is ideal for biology study and relaxation. The area is decorated with lovely flowers. A trailer takes visitors around the zoo, and there are bicycles for rent. The zoo is open daily during 8 a.m.-6 p.m. The fee is 10 baht for children, 30 baht for adults, and 30 baht for four-wheel cars. For information, call 0 4435 7355, 0 4421 6251-3.
Prasat Phanom Wan
Prasat Phanom Wan is in Ban Makha, Tambon Pho, around 15 kilometres from the city on the Nakhon Ratchasima-Khon Kaen Road. A sign on the right shows the way on a road 5 kilometres more. This is an interesting Khmer sanctuary. It is believed that it was built in the 10th century. Later during the 13th-14th centuries, a stone building was built over it. From inscriptions found at the site, it is known that the sanctuary was used in the Hindu religion and later became a Buddhist site. Although most of it is in ruins, there is a clear form present, like the square main pagoda facing east and a tiered pagoda in front, as well as a path linking the two structures.
To the southwest is a building of red sandstone called ’Prang Noi’. Inside is a large stone Buddha image. A roofed sandstone walkway and a laterite wall go around the sanctuary. A Gopura (a sanctuary doorway or porch) in the form of a tall tower is situated in all 4 directions. Around 230 metres east of the sanctuary are traces of a moat and an earth hill that was the site of another Khmer building called ’Noen Oraphim’.
Pratu Chum Phon
Pratu Chum Phon is behind the monument. It is an old city gate built during the reign of King Narai the Great in 1656. The king commanded that a strong city wall be built. Engineers from France, then an ally of the country, designed the city plan. Nakhon Ratchasima at that time was an outpost in the shape of a rectangle of 1,000 x 1,700 metres. The western Chum Phon Gate is the only 1 of 4 city gates that still stands. The other three gates have been rebuilt. Chum Phon Gate is built of large stones and bricks and covered with plaster. The top is a watchtower made of wood with a tiled roof and decorated in the Thai style.
Rajabhat Nakhon Ratchasima Arts and Cultural Centre
Rajabhat Nakhon Ratchasima Arts and Cultural Centre is on Suranarai Road. Upon entering Rajabhat Institute, turn left at the sign to a two-story wooden house and Khorat House where information is collected and kept. Also displayed are tools and artefacts that are used to study the way of life of Khorat and northeastern people of the past. The centre is divided into sections, such as Khorat city, ancient documents, local occupation, Isan fabrics, Khorat goods, music, and Khorat people. It is open on weekdays during public hours. For information, call 0 -4424-6341 ext. 1216 and fax 0-4424-4739.
Thao Suranari Monument
Thao Suranari Monument is a memorial to the Thai heroine called ’Ya Mo’ by locals. Built in 1933, it is located in the city centre. People from other provinces who visit Khorat and locals usually come to pay homage here and ask for blessings. The statue is made of black copper. It is 1.85 metres high and is dressed in regalia in a standing posture. The right hand holds a sword and the statue faces west towards the capital of Bangkok. The monument base holds her ashes.
Thao Suranari was originally Khunying Mo, the wife of the assistant governor of Nakhon Ratchasima. In 1826, Chao Anuwong of Vientiane had Khorat under siege but Khunying Mo rallied villagers to fight againt Chao Anuwong. After the battle was over, King Rama III promoted her to Thao Suranari. Every year during 23 March to 3 April, the people would hold a festival to honour her bravery.
Wat Pa Salawan
Wat Pa Salawan is in the city behind the train station. The temple houses the ashes of the most revered Buddhist monks, Achan Sao and Achan Man, as well as those of Achan Sing, the ex-abbot of the temple who built it.
Wat Sala Loi
Wat Sala Loi is to the northeast of the city, 500 metres from Rop Mueang Road. Thao Suranari and her husband built the temple in 1827. The highlight is the convocation hall that was awarded the prize as the best avant-garde religious building from the Siam Architects Society in 1973. The hall is in an applied Thai style in the shape of a junk riding the waves. Local Dan Kwian clay tiles were used to decorate the building to tell the life of Lord Buddha. The door is made of metal with raised designs of the Buddhist tale. The hall houses a large standing white Buddha image. In front of the door is a plaster sculpture of Thao Suranari sitting praying in the middle of a pond. Beside the building is a small pagoda that formerly housed the ashes of Thao Suranari. A glass wall in the shape of heart-shaped temple boundary markers surrounds the hall.
Wat Sala Thong
Wat Sala Thong is in Tambon Hua Thale, about 1 kilometre southeast of the city. This is temple of the Dhamayuti sect. The area around the temple was originally a dense forest where a large sitting stone Buddha image in the Pa Lelai posture was located out in the open. A convocation hall was later built to cover it. The temple has a large pagoda that was built over a smaller one containing the holy relics of Lord Buddha that were taken from Myanmar’s Chiang Tung.
Amphoe Bua Yai
Prang Ku
Prang Ku is in Wat Ban Ku School, Tambon Don Tanin. Take Highway No. 2 for about 74 kilometres, then turn left at the highway police kiosk to Ban Non Ta Then for around 6 kilometres and turn right to Wat Ban Ku School. At the site is a small Khmer pagoda with a square base, built of layers of laterite from bottom to top. However, much of it is in ruins, only part of the low base remains. Inside the pagoda are 4-5 fired clay Buddha images.
Amphoe Chok Chai
Dan Kwian Earthenware Village
Dan Kwian Earthenware Village is 15 kilometres from the city on Highway No. 224 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Chok Chai). The area used to be a rest area for caravans trading between Khorat and Cambodia. The Mun River flows through it. Villagers use clay from the riverbanks to make pottery and have continued doing so for many generations. Nowadays Dan Kwian is famous as a centre that produces beautiful pottery that has a variety of strange designs. However, the locals still retain the original techniques of making pottery and using a type of black clay that is the identity of the area.
Prasat Phakho
Prasat Phakho is an ancient Khmer sanctuary at Tambon Krathok, 29 kilometres from the city on Highway No. 224. Continue on to Highway No. 2021 for 3 kilometres and you will see the site on the right. This Hindu religious place is made of white sandstone and originally had 3 buildings, but only 2 remain today. A horseshoe-shaped moat surrounds the site. The entrance is in the east. A lintel influenced by the Baphuon culture of ancient Khmer was found here, dating from around the 11th century. It is now in Phimai National Museum.
Amphoe Dan Khun Thot
Wat Ban Rai
Wat Ban Rai is in Tambon Kut Phiman, about 60 kilometres from the city. Take Mittraphap Road to the 237-km marker, turn right past Kham Thale So and Nong Suang to Dan Khun Thot. From Dan Khun Thot Hospital use Highway No. 2217 and drive for 11 kilometres. Wat Ban Rai is a famous temple of the province as it is the residence of the revered monk Luang Pho Khun Parisuttho. There are many worshippers who come to see him daily.
Amphoe Non Sung
Ban Prasat Archaeological Site
Ban Prasat Archaeological Site is at Moo 7, Ban Prasat Tai, Tambon Than Prasat. From the city, take Highway No. 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Khon Kaen) for 44 kilometre and turn right for 1 kilometre. If going by bus from Bangkok or Nakhon Ratchasima, take a line going to Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, or Kalasin. Get off at the 44-km marker and take a hired motorcycle into the village.
Ban Prasat is the second archaeological site (the first was Ban Chiang) to be set up as an outdoor museum. Findings indicate that the area was once inhabited by a prehistory to early history community. A community of the Dvaravati and Khmer periods thrived here 1,500-3,000 years ago. There are 3 pits that have been landscaped and open to the public. Discoveries include human skeletons and many pottery pieces that were dug up from various levels. They tell us about human evolution and community beliefs and culture of generations of people living in the same area through the years.
Ban Prasat Home Stay
Ban Prasat Home Stay was formally introduced in 1996 and is now the prototype of home stay programs in other villages around the country. Groups have been sent from villages to study the operations of Ban Prasat Tai so they can also implement a similar program to increase local income and develop the community way of life. The best time to stay is during October-December when the climate is cool.
Ban Prasat villagers are like other villagers in the region in that most are farmers. Rice farming is done once a year. Villagers use their free time to create handicrafts to supplement their income. Crafts include weaving reed mats and hats, using some trees to make shoes and bags, breeding silkworm, and making Thai stringed musical instruments like So U and So Duang. The area around the village is full of paddy fields. A river called Than Prasat is considered a sacred river that divided Ban Prasat Nua and Ban Prasat Tai. For more information on home stay programs, contact the village headman Mr. Thiam Laongklang, tel. 0-4436-7075 or Mr. Charan Chomklang, tel. 0-4436-7062.
Amphoe Pak Chong
Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park has an area of about 2,168 square kilometres in the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range. It expands over the 4 provinces of Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Saraburi, and Prachin Buri. In the past when there were no roads through the area, Khao Yai was regarded among travellers as a wild and dangerous place. The jungle here divides the Central Region and the Northeast. Khao Yai became Thailand’s first national park on 18th September 1962 and is an ASEAN World Heritage because of its variety of flora and fauna.
The general terrain of Khao Yai National Park consists of mixed forests and rainforests. Some parts have wide plains interspersed with verdant forests. There are many valuable plants, including plants that are traded, scented plants and herbs. There are several mountains, with peaks ranging from 800-3,000 metres above sea level. Due to its altitude and the lush jungles here, Khao Yai has a cool climate even in summer, with an average temperature of 23 degrees Celsius. Khao Yai gets the most visitors in the cool season from October to February. In the rainy season, trekking is not as convenient, but the area is refreshingly green and all the waterfalls are full of water, sending echoes all around and creating a lively atmosphere for visitors.
Wild animals that can be frequently seen include deer that graze on grass plains and sometimes come to feed around the park office. Other animals are elephants, sun bears, wild boars, monkeys, tigers, gaurs, and mountain goats. The park built 2 wildlife watchtowers at Mo Singto and Nong Phak Chi. Visitors are allowed up there during 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. Those who want to go on a night safari by car can contact the park office before 6 p.m.
Khao Yai is also suitable for butterfly and bird watching. Surveys found that there are over 200 species of birds here that use Khao Yai as a feeding ground and as a permanent home.
Jungle Trekking - There are more than 20 trails to choose from, each different in natural beauty and distance. Some trails take 1-2 hours to complete like the Kong Kaeo trail and the Km. 33 trail (Thanarat Road-Nong Phak Chi). Some trails require overnight stays like the Nang Rong-Khao Yai trail, Samo Pun trail or Kho Yo 4 Unit-Wang Heo waterfall trail. Information and guides can be obtained from the tourist service centre.
Places of Interest in the Park:
Kong Kaeo Waterfall is a low waterfall that originates from Huay Lam Takhong that divides Nakhon Nayok and Nakhon Ratchasima. It is especially lovely in the rainy season. It is suitable for swimming and can be reached by walking from the tourist service centre for about 100 metres. A rope bridge spanning the waterfall gives the area a natural feel and short nature trails are located nearby.
Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall is a medium-size waterfall in Huay Lam Takhong, about 7 kilometres from the park office. It can be reached by car and by foot. In the area visitors can find the Red Dendrobium orchid that is the symbol of the waterfall. The waterfall has two separate bodies of water flowing down rock levels to merge at the bottom. A trail leads to Heo Suwat Waterfall.
Heo Suwat Waterfall is a famous waterfall at the end of Thanarat Road. It is accessible by car. The waterfall is only 100 metres by foot from the parking lot, or a 3-kilometre walk from Pha Kluai Mai waterfall. The water falls from a cliff about 20 metres up. A distant viewpoint offers a lovely high-angle view of the waterfall through trees, or you can walk down to the waterfall itself. However, please note that in the rainy season the water flows rapidly and caution should be taken.
Heo Narok Waterfall is the largest and highest waterfall of the park. It is south of the park office on the way to Prachin Buri. You can walk 1 kilometre by foot from the main road to a viewpoint where you can see the beautiful waterfall. The waterfall has 3 levels. The first is about 60 metres up. Water from this level flows down to the second and third levels straight down below, with a total drop of at least 150 metres. The water has considerable strength in the rainy season and is quite dangerous, but refreshing, when it comes splashing down on rocks at the bottom. The area around the waterfall is the usual feeding ground of wild elephants. There have been occasional accidents when elephants drop from the cliff and die.
There are also other lesser waterfalls in the park like Mai Plong Waterfall, Heo Sai Waterfall and Heo Prathun Waterfall. For more information, contact the park’s tourist service centre.
Getting There - Khao Yai National Park is only about 205 kilometres from Bangkok. There are 2 ways of getting there; from the 56-km marker of Mittraphap Road, go onto Thanarat Road for about 23 kilometres or at Hin Kong intersection, go onto Highway No. 33 (Nakhon Nayok-Prachin Buri) to Noen Hom intersection and take Highway No. 3077 to the park. The second route is rather steep and is more suitable for the return trip.
If taking a bus, get off at Amphoe Pak Chong and continue on a mini-bus up Khao Yai. The bus will take you up to the gate only. The fare is 15 baht and services run during 6 a.m.-5 p.m. From there, you must flag a passing car to the park office or you can rent a car direct from Pak Chong. The park fee for a foreign adult is 200 baht and a foreign child is 100 baht. Each car is 50 baht.
Accommodation and Facilities - There is a campsite at Pha Kluai Mai that can accommodate up to 1,000 visitors. The fee is 10 baht for children and 20 baht for adults per night. There is a restaurant and tents and sleeping bags for rent. Moreover, there are 2 more service areas at Kong Kaeo and Yaowachon that can accommodate up to 250 tourists altogether. The fee is 30 baht each, though sleeping gear is not provided. You can obtain permission from the park before 6 p.m. For more information, call the National Parks Division, Royal Forest Department, tel. 0-2579 -7223 and 0-2579-5734, or contact the park office at P.O. Box 9, Amphoe Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130.
Lam Takhong Rest Area
Lam Takhong Rest Area, also known as ’Suan Na Chat’, is a car rest area for drivers to relax from driving. It is on Highway No. 2 between the 193-194-km markers (Saraburi-Nakhon Ratchasima) on an area of 16.89 square kilometres. This place offers the most beautiful view north of Lam Takhong reservoir. It has a complete range of services and facilities. It is an example of a modern rest area and is called the gateway to the Northeast.
The Information Centre in the area provides tourist information about the northeastern provinces, accommodation, viewpoints, a garden, food and beverage stores, a convenience store, restrooms, and public telephones. In addition, there is also a sculpture of General Chatchai Choonhavan, a former prime minister, in a standing position with arms folded and leaning against his favorite motorcycle. It measures 3.40 metres high and is made from green sandstone.
Military Dog Academy
Military Dog Academy is under the Department of Veterinary, Royal Thai Army. It is Thailand’s largest dog training centre. It is at Tambon Nong Sarai beside Highway No. 2, between the 183-184-km markers. Most of the dogs trained here are German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers. There is also a club that trains dogs for the public. To promote tourism in military areas, the army allows visitors to see a museum inside that displays mines, weapons from battlefields and dog equipment. The museum is open only on days when there are dog shows. Each show features dog obedience training at the beginner and intermediate levels, explosive and drug detection, maneuvering over obstacles, etc. Shows are held on Sundays during 9.30 -11.30 a.m. (only during November-May). The fee is 40 baht for adults and 20 baht for children. For information, contact the centre at tel. 0-4431- 1990, 0-4431-2809 ext. 9007 or contact the Military Dog Battalion at tel. 0-4431-3666.
Rafting on Lam Takhong
Rafting on Lam Takhong This route takes you past homes, orchards and green trees. The difficulty level is at 1-2, which is not too hard for rafting novices. The area is good for family outing. The best time to come is during May-September because there is lots of water that can create some excitement that is not dangerous. There is too little water in the dry season to do rafting. Each rafting trip takes about 2 hours and tourists can add to their enjoyment by taking an elephant ride afterwards. For information, contact Pang Chang Khao Yai on Thanarat Road, Km. 19.5, tel. 0 4429 7183.
Wat Thep Phithak Punnaram
Wat Thep Phithak Punnaram is at Khao Si Siat A in Tambon Klang Dong. Take Highway No. 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Saraburi) at the 150-km marker and go on an asphalt road for 3 kilometres. The temple houses a huge sitting Buddha image, called ’Luang Pho Yai’ by locals. It is 27 metres wide and 45 metres high. It is made of steel-reinforced concrete and sits majestically on a mountaintop 112 metres up. The stairway up divides into 2 sides that are curved like the edge of a bo leaf (a symbol of Buddhism). There are altogether 1,250 steps, signifying the number of monks that gathered without prior appointment on Makha Bucha Day.
Amphoe Pak Thong Chai
Huay Yai Waterfall
Huay Yai Waterfall is a tourist destination under the care of Thap Lan National Park. Take Highway No. 304 to the market at the 79-km marker for 6 kilometres. The entrance is a sloped walkway about 20 metres long. You will find a small waterfall flowing past 2 large boulders. It has water only in the rainy season around July to September.
Khao Phaeng Ma Reforestation Project to Honour His Majesty the King
Khao Phaeng Ma Reforestation Project to Honour His Majesty the King is in the southern part of Nakhon Ratchasima. Take Highway No. 304 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Kabin Buri) for 79 kilometres to the market at the 79-km marker. Take a right on Ro Pho Cho Road (San Chao Pho-Nong Khum) for 11 kilometres. The last part of about 4 kilometres is a dirt road going uphill that is rugged but has good views. Upon reaching the top, you will see some winding mountains. The peak is 850 metres above sea level. The area is under the care of the Wildlife Foundation of Thailand and has an area of 16 square kilometres. Activities include reforestation, trekking, animal watching (particularly some remaining gaurs), and slide shows for interested parties.
There is accommodation in the form of 3 bamboo lodges that can each accommodate 10-20 people. Advance reservations can be made at the project in Moo 5, Tambon Wang Nam Khiao, tel. 0- 1976-9130.
Lam Phra Phloeng Dam
Lam Phra Phloeng Dam can be reached by taking Highway No.314 past the district for 4 kilometres then turn right and drive for 28 kilometres. The dam is under the Royal Irrigation Department. Locals come here to relax, eat, fish, and enjoy the scenery of the reservoir. There are lodges for rent. For more information, contact the Lam Phra Phloeng Water Supply and Maintenance Project at tel. 0-4437-3184 ext. 114. Tourists can rent a long-tail boat to tour the reservoir, travel to Khlong Ki waterfall or Khun Chon waterfall. Each round-trip journey is about 3-4 hours. For more information about the boat trips, contact Lam Phra Phloeng Dam Club at tel. 0-4437-3184 ext. 117.
Sakaerat Environmental Research Station
Sakaerat Environmental Research Station is a research centre of plant species in the northeastern jungles and is open to groups interested in organising eco-tours. It is located beside Highway No. 304 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Kabin Buri) and is 57 kilometres from the city. It has an area of about 78 square kilometres (48,750 rai). The area is mainly dry jungles and hardwood forests. Many animals are found here, including wild boars, pheasants and a variety of birds. If you go up a tower built by the station over the treetops, you will see a vast green jungle around you, as well as Khao Phaeng Ma further away. The climate is cool all year round. There are several nature study trails that can take from 1.5 hours to 3 hours. There are 3 houses available that can accommodate 20 people each. For information, call 0 4425 8642 or contact the Station Management Department of the Science and Technology Research Institute of Thailand, tel. 0-2579-1121-30, 0-2579-0160 ext. 4401 or fax 0-2561-4771.
Wat Na Phra That
Wat Na Phra That is at Moo 1, Tambon Takhu. From the city, take Highway No. 314 for around 30 kilometres (past Pak Thong Chai intersection). Then take a right turn onto Highway No. 2238 to Ban Takhu 4 kilometres away. The temple is on the left. This old temple was probably built during the reign of King Rama III. In the compound are some interesting structures including a pagoda, a convocation hall and a scripture hall in the middle of a pond that is well preserved. The temple has a number of local arts. The old convocation hall has wall murals from the early Rattanakosin period that is almost complete on the outer front wall and all 4 sides of the inner walls. The murals tell the story of the Buddhist tale and show people paying homage to Lord Buddha’s footprint. Furthermore, there are images of the daily life of locals in the past like farming and fishing. In front of the old convocation hall is a rectangular pool where the scripture hall is located. The hall is a low structure, like other northeastern halls, and it has exquisite lacquered designs on the door. Between the hall and the old convocation hall is a Laotian pagoda built by migrants from Vientiane.
Amphoe Phimai
Phimai Historical Park
Phimai Historical Park is in Phimai District. It contains the Phimai Sanctuary, one of the grandest and most important Khmer historical sites in Thailand. The word ’Phimai’ appears in an inscription on a stone slab at the front doorway of the building as well as in many other structures. It is believed that the word ’Phimai’ meant a religious figure or site.
The Phimai Sanctuary is in the shape of a rectangle and is 565 metres wide and 1,030 metres long. It consists of structures made of sandstone and laterite, all ornately carved with designs. The most special characteristic of the sanctuary is that it is the only one that faces south while others usually faces east. This is probably because it was built to face the
