Things to do and see in Nakhon Ratchasima: While most people visit temples in Nakhon Ratchasima city, the province offers many other interesting treasures. For example, the Khmer Temple in Phimai or the Phanom Rung Temple in the neighboring province of Buriram. Those who enjoy a lively atmosphere in the evening can find good food at the 100 Pee Muang Ya Market, not far from the train station. At the end of this page, you will also find a list of recommended tours, excursions, and activities to take in or from Nakhon Ratchasima. Click here to view them.

Sights in Nakhon Ratchasima: Phimai Temple (ปราสาทหินพิมาย) My rating: 5/5 stars. Just 60 kilometers from Nakhon Ratchasima lies the town of Phimai, home to one of Thailand's most beautiful Khmer temples. Prasat Hin Phimai (located in Phimai Historical Park) shares many similarities with Angkor Wat, although it is significantly smaller. Khao Yai National Park (เขาใหญ่) My rating: 5/5 stars. The country's most famous national park, one of the most beautiful in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. Since it is about 100 kilometers away, it's not very practical to visit it and return to Nakhon Ratchasima on the same day. It is recommended to stay overnight in Pak Chong, the nearest town. Wat Simalai Songtham (วัดศิมาลัยทรงธรรม) My rating: 4/5 stars. This unique, multi-story temple, built on a mountain 12 kilometers from the northern entrance of Khao Yai National Park, impresses with its stunning architecture, featuring many details and unusual elements. Wat Ban Rai (วัดบ้านไร่) My rating: 5/5 stars. This temple boasts some of the most impressive and striking architecture in Thailand. Its photogenic hall, completely covered in mosaics and built over a pond in the shape of a giant elephant, has made it a major tourist attraction in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

Other places worth seeing in Nakhon Ratchasima include Wat Phra Narai (two parts), especially the temple overlooking the pond and the Khmer sculpture of Vishnu, which gives it its name and charm. Wat Pa Salawan (located just outside the city, behind the train station and surrounded by nature) is one of the city's most important Buddhist sites. The ashes of three highly revered monks rest here. The Thao Suranaree Monument (a statue honoring the heroine who may have mobilized her villagers in the fight against the invader Chao Anuwong) and the Chumphon Gate (directly behind the Thao Suranaree Monument) are the only two of the four city gates that still stand. The Ban Tha Chang Spring (a small, shady stretch of river near Khao Yai National Park) invites visitors to swim in a natural pool. The water is crystal clear and an intense sapphire blue. This is due to a natural phenomenon, similar to that found at Emerald Lake in Krabi. Wat Phayap is a completely man-made, yet surprisingly impressive cave temple. Its boat-shaped main building is also worth seeing. Wat Sala Loi is probably the most famous temple in Nakhon Ratchasima, known for its architecture, which reinterprets traditional building regulations. Wat Pa Phuphachan isn't a must-see, as it's somewhat remote. However, if you're driving between Khao Yai and Nakhon Ratchasima, you should visit it and admire the Buddha statues carved into the rock faces. Phu King Fah Monastery is a high-altitude forest temple that, despite its location, isn't particularly noteworthy and is somewhat hidden. The journey there is quite long, with the last stretch along a dirt track. It offers a pleasant atmosphere with magnificent views of the surrounding area. Wat Khao Wan Chainawarat (*) This temple has become more popular with tourists since 2006, the year its unique sandstone hall over a blue pool was completed. It's a very photogenic feature for a temple located near Pak Chong Station, the arrival station for excursions to Khao Yai National Park. City Pillar Shrine (*) Built in the Chinese style, it consists of a small altar and a large wall relief. Wat Isan (*) A small temple with little of interest beyond the statues surrounding a tree in the courtyard. The 100-Year-Old Wooden Bridge (*) is a long wooden bridge, said to be at least a century old, spanning the rice paddies. In my opinion, it's most beautiful at the beginning of the rice harvest when the rice is being transplanted and the fields are still quite wet. After that, it's considerably less photogenic.

Other excursion tips in Nakhon Ratchasima: Wat Bun, located in one of the two night markets, has no particular architectural value apart from its wooden structure. Maha Wirawong Museum: This museum houses objects from the province, including wood carvings, bronze or stone Buddha sculptures from the Ayutthaya or Khmer periods, and various everyday objects (Wat Suchinda, Tel.: 044 242 958 – open Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Dan Kwian Pottery Village: The villagers use clay from riverbanks and traditional techniques to produce their pottery. It is located about 15 kilometers from Nakhon Ratchasima.

Tours in Nakhon Ratchasima and surrounding areas: This selection includes tours, excursions, and activities in Nakhon Ratchasima that I have personally tested or that have been tested by people I fully trust. You will also find offers from agencies and websites known for their reliability and quality. Korat City Walking Tour Like a Local (English-speaking): Experience the city like a local! Visit the Mo Monument, enjoy the panoramic view from the observation deck, and visit the Korat Fossil Museum. Afterward, we'll sample local specialties and stroll through a night market. Details & Booking: Khao Yai from Bangkok: Relaxing Nature Tour through Khao Yai National Park (English-speaking): Relax in nature and visit Khao Yai National Park and the Haew Suwat Waterfall. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant with a nostalgic atmosphere. Afterward, you can choose between visiting the Chokchai Farm, a chocolate factory, or a sunflower farm! I'm very flexible! Details & Booking Visit the wonders of Phimai Historical Park (Offered in English) Visit the ancient Khmer-era Phimai Temple and the Dan Kwian pottery village Details & Booking arrow_circle_right Activities and excursions in Nakhon Ratchasima

Other sights in Thailand: Nong Bua Thai Dessert Market. This traditional dessert market, held once a week, is worth a visit to discover flavors and unique knowledge passed down through generations. It's also very popular with Thais, some of whom travel specifically for this purpose… (arrow_circle_right) View details about Nong Bua Thai Dessert Market. Diving at the Koh Haa Islands: One of Thailand's most popular diving areas with underwater caves. The largest cave is called "The Cathedral" due to its shape. Koh Haa consists of five islands in Mu Koh… (arrow_circle_right) View details about diving at the Koh Haa Islands. Pink Dolphins: When you talk about Khanom in Thailand, pink dolphins are usually the first thing that comes to mind. They are unique to Thailand and quite rare worldwide, so seeing them is an unforgettable experience… (arrow_circle_right) View details about pink dolphins. Amphawa Floating Market: This is the main reason why visitors from Bangkok come here. It takes place from Friday to Sunday at midday and is especially worth seeing in the evening. At night you can also admire the famous fireflies. [arrow_circle_right] More information about the Amphawa Floating Market can be found here.