Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Khorat, is the largest and most populous province in northeastern Thailand. It is often considered as the gateway to the region, as it connects the central plains with the highlands of Isan. Nakhon Ratchasima has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Khmer Empire and the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It is also home to diverse and beautiful landscapes, ranging from mountains and forests to rivers and lakes.
Nakhon Ratchasima offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors, such as historical and cultural sites, natural and wildlife attractions, religious and spiritual places, shopping and nightlife, and food and drink. In this article, we will explore Nakhon Ratchasima in detail, and show you why it is a destination worth visiting.
What to See and Do in Nakhon Ratchasima
Nakhon Ratchasima has a lot to offer for visitors, as it has a wide range of attractions and activities that cater to different interests and preferences. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Nakhon Ratchasima, divided into sub-sections by district or theme.
1. Historical and Cultural Sites
Nakhon Ratchasima has a rich and diverse history and culture, as it was once part of the Khmer Empire and the Ayutthaya Kingdom, and later became a stronghold of the Thonburi and Rattanakosin Kingdoms. You can learn more about the past and present of Nakhon Ratchasima by visiting some of its historical and cultural sites, such as Phimai Historical Park, Prasat Hin Phanom Wan, Thao Suranari Monument and Maha Viravong National Museum.
2. Natural and Wildlife Attractions
Nakhon Ratchasima has a diverse and beautiful natural environment, as it has mountains and forests, rivers and lakes, waterfalls and caves, and flora and fauna. You can enjoy the scenery and the wildlife of Nakhon Ratchasima by visiting some of its natural and wildlife attractions, such as Khao Yai National Park, Lam Takhong Dam, Thap Lan National Park and Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo.
3. Religious and Spiritual Places
Nakhon Ratchasima has a rich and diverse religious and spiritual heritage, as it has been influenced by Buddhism, Hinduism, and animism. You can experience the faith and the culture of Nakhon Ratchasima by visiting some of its religious and spiritual places, such as Wat Ban Rai, Wat Phra Narai Maharat, Wat Sala Loi and Wat Luang Phor Toh.
4. Shopping and Nightlife
Nakhon Ratchasima has a vibrant and lively shopping and nightlife scene, as it has many markets, malls, bars, and clubs. You can enjoy the local and international products, services, and entertainment of Nakhon Ratchasima by visiting some of its shopping and nightlife venues, such as Khorat Night Bazaar, The Mall Nakhon Ratchasima and Save One Night Market.
5. Food and Drink
Nakhon Ratchasima has a delicious and diverse food and drink culture, as it has a mix of influences from the central and northeastern regions of Thailand, as well as from neighboring countries, such as Laos and Cambodia. You can taste the flavors and the spices of Nakhon Ratchasima by trying some of its food and drink specialties, such as Grilled chicken, Papaya salad (som tam), Sticky rice (khao niaw), Khorat noodles (kuay tiao khorat) and Sato (rice wine).
When to Visit Nakhon Ratchasima
Nakhon Ratchasima has a tropical climate, with three seasons: hot, rainy, and cool. The temperature and rainfall vary by season, and affect the scenery and the activities of the province.
Here are some of the characteristics and recommendations of each season:
Hot season: This is the hottest and driest season of the year, lasting from March to May. The average temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius, but can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius in some days. The rainfall is low, and the humidity is high. This is a good time to visit the historical and cultural sites, as they are less crowded and more comfortable to explore.
Rainy season: This is the wettest and greenest season of the year, lasting from June to October. The average temperature is around 28 degrees Celsius, but can drop to 20 degrees Celsius in some nights. The rainfall is high, and the humidity is low. This is a good time to visit the natural and wildlife attractions, as they are lush and vibrant, and the animals are more active and visible.
Cool season: This is the coolest and most pleasant season of the year, lasting from November to February. The average temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius, but can drop to 15 degrees Celsius in some nights. The rainfall is moderate, and the humidity is medium. This is a good time to visit any of the attractions and activities, as they are all enjoyable and accessible.
Where to Stay in Nakhon Ratchasima
Nakhon Ratchasima has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels and resorts to budget hostels and guesthouses. You can find the best place to stay in Nakhon Ratchasima, based on your budget, location, amenities, and reviews. Here are some of the best areas and hotels to stay in Nakhon Ratchasima, divided into different price ranges:
Luxury: If you want to splurge and enjoy the comfort and convenience of a high-end hotel or resort, you can choose from some of the luxury options in Nakhon Ratchasima, such as Dusit Princess Korat and Balios Resort Khaoyai.
Mid-range: If you want to save some money and still enjoy the quality and comfort of a decent hotel or resort, you can choose from some of the mid-range options in Nakhon Ratchasima, such as Kantary Hotel Korat, Phuwanalee Resort.
Budget: If you want to spend as little as possible and still enjoy the basic and essential amenities of a cheap hotel or hostel, you can choose from some of the budget options in Nakhon Ratchasima, such as Hop Inn Nakhon Ratchasima, Baan Suan Rim Nam Resort.
How to Get to Nakhon Ratchasima
Nakhon Ratchasima is located about 260 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, and can be easily reached by car, bus, train, or plane. Here are some of the options you can choose from:
By car: Driving to Nakhon Ratchasima from Bangkok takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic and the route. You can take Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road) or Highway 2 (Mittraphap Road), which are both well-maintained and have toll booths along the way. You can also take the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima Motorway (Route 6), which is faster and more convenient, but has a higher toll fee.
By bus: Taking a bus to Nakhon Ratchasima from Bangkok is a cheap and comfortable option, as there are many buses that depart from different terminals in the city, such as Mo Chit, Ekkamai, and Sai Tai Mai. The bus journey takes about 4 to 5 hours, and costs around 200 to 300 baht per person. The buses will drop you off at the Nakhon Ratchasima Bus Terminal, which is located in the city center.
By train: Taking a train to Nakhon Ratchasima from Bangkok is a scenic and relaxing option, as you can enjoy the views of the countryside along the way. The train journey takes about 5 to 6 hours, and costs around 100 to 500 baht per person, depending on the class and the seat. The trains will stop at the Nakhon Ratchasima Railway Station, which is located near the city center.
By plane: Flying to Nakhon Ratchasima from Bangkok is a fast and convenient option, as it only takes about an hour, and costs around 1,000 to 2,000 baht per person. You can book your flights online or at the Don Mueang International Airport or the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, and choose from different airlines, such as Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, or Nok Air. The flights will land at the Nakhon Ratchasima Airport, which is located about 26 kilometers south of the city center.
Nakhon Ratchasima is a province that has something for everyone, as it has a rich and diverse history, culture, nature, and cuisine. You can discover the hidden gems of Nakhon Ratchasima, and experience the charm and the excitement of the gateway of northeastern Thailand. Whether you are looking for historical and cultural sites, natural and wildlife attractions, religious and spiritual places, shopping and nightlife venues, or food and drink specialties, you will find them all in Nakhon Ratchasima. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Nakhon Ratchasima today, and enjoy a thrilling and memorable holiday.
