South East Asian Trips

Known locally as "Khorat", Nakhon Ratchasima is a large north-eastern province in the heart of 'Issan'. Around 260 Km from Bangkok, this is a large province which is steeped in history, especially that which relates to the Khmer kingdom. As a result there are numerous sites covering all aspects of Khmer culture. The province is rich in nature with forests, mountains, waterfalls and reservoirs. The province also supports traditional ways of life, especially well reflected at Dan Kwian - a traditional community based around the production of clay pottery products. Nakhon Ratchasima's museums are excellent, housing findings from a variety of archaeological digs that bear witness to the region's pre-history and the Dvaravati and Khmer cultures that strongly influenced it. Attractions in the area include Khao Yai National Park - an especially good park protecting birds and animals (tigers, elephants, etc.) and Prasat Hin Phimai National Historical Park.

Attractions in Nakhon Ratchasima

Dan Kwian

Known as the 'land of ceramics', Dan Kwian is Nakhon Ratchasima's main ceramics centre. Previously an area where bull-carts would stop on their way to nearby Khorat, generations of Dan Kwian residents have been involved in making the local pottery which is famed for a rough texture and a rust-like colour. The geographic particularities of this district mean that it is the only place in the country this type of pottery is produced. Aside from the usual bowls and dishes, the pottery is shaped in a variety of everyday implements such as utensils and tools. As interest in the area's pottery has grown, more 'artisitic' items have been produced - jewelry, chimes, figurines and vases are all now firmly on the craftsmen's menu. The pottery is not just here for tourists, the international sales of the craftsmen's work plays an important contribution to the local economy. Virtually everywhere you go ceramics are on sale.

Details - Demonstrations of the potters' art can be arranged for a small contribution. There are also displays of the bull-carts from around the country that stopped at the site in days gone by. A trip to the Moon River on the east the village is also worthwhile while you are here.

How to Reach - Dan Kwian is in Tambol Dan Kwian of Chokchai District on Route No.224, 15 Km south-east of Korat. The best way to get there is Songtaew from Khorat's south or east city gates and the fare in 10 Baht.

Khao Yai National Park

Thailand's first National Park is also its second largest, and certainly one of its best! Khao Yai National Park spreads to four different provinces with the bulk of its 2,100 square Km in Nakhon Ratchasima. The park has a variety of terrains from deciduous forest to savannah and houses some 3,000 species of plant. Wildlife in the park is as varied as its terrain and it is home to around 200 wild elephants. The park also houses tigers, gibbons, bears, deer, bats, wild pigs, and a major bird population including a wide variety of hornbills. The park is 400 metres above sea level and as a result reasonably cool all year round. (During the dry season (winter) temperatures can drop to 4 degrees Celsius. Because of its cool conditions Khao Yai's 50 Km of hiking trails are a favourite and the park receives a lot of birdwatchers. The park also sports some breathtaking waterfalls and the best time to see them is the rainy season from May to October. 80-metre-high Nam Tok Hew Suwat a particular favorite with visitors and featured in the film"The Beach". Overnight stays in the park are permitted and a number of different types of accommodation are available. Lodging houses come in at around 1,200 Baht per person, per night, and 'Youth Camps' are available at 10 or 20 Baht a night. Camping is permitted at only 5 Baht per person, per night if you bring your own tent. Renting a tent for 4 people costs 150 Baht per night, for 8 people 300 Baht/night. Sleeping bags and blankets cost 50 Baht and 15 Baht a night respectively.

Details - The admission fee for the park is 200 Baht for adults and 100 Baht for children. Rangers can act as guides for 200 Baht a day, which is a good idea as the trails can be a bit confusing. The park is open during the rainy season, and if you intend to do some hiking then you should take raingear and leech preparations. Booking accommodation in the park can get difficult. It might be best to stay at surrounding hotels and resorts and jaunt into Khao Yai on day trips.

How to Reach - Khao Yai National Park is located around 200 Km from Bangkok and is easily accessible by bus, train, and car. However, with accommodation, etc. there might be a lot to organize. A number of tour companies provide both accommodation and tours of the park and this might be the best approach, especially if you have children.

Prasat Hin Phimai National Historical Park

At the height of the Khmer era Nakhon Ratchasima was an important route into the Khmer kingdom. This fact is reflected by Prasat Hin Phimai National Historical Park. Parts of the park are actually older than Angkor Wat in Cambodia. It features a huge Angkor white sandstone shrine (around 30 metres tall) which is surrounded by smaller pink-coloured shrines. The park also houses Thailand's largest number of Khmer buildings. Four gateways are visible in the compound and there are a number of sculptures leading to the shrine. The site is currently being restored to its former glory, but as it stands it is still very impressive - aside from Angkor Wat, Prasat Hin Phimai National Historical Park offers some of the best examples of Khmer architecture. The park also has a modern museum with a small gift shop and restaurant where some of its more precious artifacts are shown.

How to Reach - You can pick up a bus to Phimai every half hour from Khorat bus station. The journey takes around 90 minutes. Songtaews take you to the museum from Phimai bus station.

Details - Prasat Hin Phimai National Historical Park opens daily from 07:30 to 17:00 and admission is 40 Baht.

Contact - Tel: (044) 471-167