
Monument of Thao Suranari
or Khun Ying Mo is situated in front of the old gate
of ''Pratu Chumpon'' on the west side of the city. This
monument was erected in 1934 to commemorate the heroic deed
of Khun Ying Mo, wife of the Deputy Governor of Khorat during
the reign of King Rama III, who managed to save the city
from the invasion of the Laotian army led by Prince Anuwong
of Vinentianne. Every year from March 23 to April 3, there
is a cerebration to honour this statue which draws thousands
of people from town and neighbouring provinces.
Wat Phra Narai Maharat on Prachak Road houses an
image of Narayana (Hindu God) made of sandstone. This statue
is considered the major sacred object of the city. The City
Pillar is also enshrined in this temple.
Maha Viravong National Museum opposite the city
hall, exhibits various art objects and artifacts donated
to Somdet Maha Viravong such as sandstone Buddha images
of Khmer and Ayutthaya periods, bronze Buddha images, different
sized ceramics and wood carvings from ancient monasteries.
Open everyday except Mondays and Tuesdays from 9.00-16.00
hrs.

Wat Sala Loi
is located on the bank of Lam Takhong River, about 400
meters off the Northeast of the town. The main chapel, which
received many awards from various architectural associations
as a modern leading design of religious monument, is constructed
in the shape of a Chinese Junk.
Lam Takhong Dam lies 62 kilometres before reaching
the town on Highway No.2. The construction had started in
1964 and finished 4 years later. The lake-like reservoir
can contain up to 300 million cu.m. of water and irrigates
238,000 rais of paddy field.
Khao Yai National Park at km.165.5 on Highway No.
2. covers an area of 2,168 sq.km. in four provinces: Nakhon
Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Sara Buri and Prachin Buri. The
Park comprises various mountains, two important rivers of
Lom Takhong and Nayok, with many species of fauna and flora
and over 20 waterfalls. Accommodations near the national
park are available.
Wat Khao Chan Ngam is 58 kilometers from Khorat
on Highway No. 2 and 3 kilometers on a side road after turning
left at Km 198. The monastery is famous for the pre-historic
colour paintings on a huge rock depicting human and animal
figures in various movements. It can be dated to about 3000
years ago.
Phra Non Sema located 4 kilometers from Amphoe Sung
Noen, is a Reclining Buddha image made of red sand stone
which is the most ancient and largest in Thailand. The image
is assumed to be built since 1200 B.E. There are various
evidences of archaeology found within the area such as bronze
Buddha images, Buddha terracotta printing images, glass
beads and inscribing stone.
Ban Prasat Archaeological Site is 42 kilometers
away from Nakhon Ratchasima along the Nakhon Ratchasima-Khon
Kaen route. Skeletons, ornaments, and artifacts and potteries
were discovered here. It is presumed that this area has
continuously been inhabited during the past 3,000 years
up to present. |

Prasat
Hin Phimai is the largest sandstone sanctuary
in Thailand almost situated in the center of Phimai Ancient
city which carries a rectangular shape of 665 meters wide
and 1,030 meters long. The Sanctuary has been magnificently
restored and renovated ruins and has been preserved as a
National Historical Park.
The principal
sanctuary is a tower (Prasat) surrounded by four porches
with an ante-chamber leading into each porch. On the terraces
of the pyramidal roof, which is supported by Garudas, guardian
figures, are interspersed with Nagas.
Of special interest
is a carved stone door-lintel depicting a divine figure,
dressed in an elephant skin worn upside down, who dances
on a pair of prostrate figures, on either side of this figure
are rows of seated Buddha images dressed in royal attire,
while below them are rows of dancing celestial figures.
Also on the way
to Phimai is the Phimai National Museum housing valuable
historical objects and archaeological remains found in the
region.
Other Khmer ruins
within Nakhon Ratchasima include Prasat Hin Phanom Wan
located about 20 kilometres from town, Prasat Hin Nang
Ram some 80 kilometres northeast of Khorat in Amphoe
Prathai, Prang Ban Ku and Prang Sida all of
which are similar to Phimai ruins but somewhat smaller.
Sai Ngam
or "Beautiful Banyan Tree" is two kilometres from
Phimai. It is a recreation place which provides more than
15,000 square feet of shady area. Food stands for snacks
and drinks are also available.
Dan Kwian
situated on Highway No. 24, about 14 kilometers from the
city of Nakhon Ratchasima is a village noted for the
unique pottery widely used for interior and outdoor decoration.
The clay at Dan Kwian has a specially marvelous quality
of tough, ductile texture and the color of rust which are
beyond comparison and the quantity is fantastic. Such clay
cannot be found anywhere else but Dan Kwian and when added
with proper heating process and attractive design, the earthwares
are irresistible.
Nakhon Ratchasima
Zoo About 30 kilometer from town along the Khorat-Pak
Thong Chai route, covers a vast stretch of land comprising
a reservoir and habitation areas for animals amidst the
surrounding nearest to their natural environment. Open daily
between 8.30-16.30 hrs.
Amphoe Pak
Thong Chai itself is also noted for its finest silk.
The town is situated about 32 kilometres from Nakhon Ratchasima
along Highway No. 304
Wat Na Phra
That is located four kilometers from the Pak Thong Chai
District office. The temple has an old chapel in which beautiful
mural paintings of the Early Rattanakosin period can be
seen on the walls. The door of "Ho Trai" or the
hall for keeping the scripture is also elaborately carved.
Lam Phra Phloeng
Dam is situated in Amphoe Pak Thong Chai on a side road
some 28 kilometres from the main highway. From the Dam,
boats can also be be hired to go another 23 kilometres up
the reservoir to Namtok Pak Thong Chai (waterfall)
or Namtok Khlong Ki. Here is another spot for retreat
and relaxation.
Phimai Boat
Racing, an annual festival held for over a hundred years
in Amphoe Phimai, now takes place during Loi Krathong festival
(October or November), draws thousands of tourists both
from Khorat city and neighbouring provinces. |