Hotel & Tours Group

Nakhon Ratchasima is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand collectively referred to as Isaan and lies around 260 kilometers from Bangkok. The capital city, also called Nakhon Ratchasima, is commonly referred to as Khorat and is a well developed city with a population of around 150,000 (see map Nakhon Ratchasima). There are hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima that cater for business guests as well as apartment-style lodgings for budget travelers.

Khorat is an ancient city with strong Khmer influences. Wat Phra Narai Maharat in the city center houses a Khmer sandstone sculpture of Vishnu, while the ruins of Phimai Historical Park (see map Nakhon Ratchasima) constitute some of the oldest examples of Khmer architecture in Thailand, even older than Cambodia's Angkor Wat. Maha Weerwong National Museum also offers a glimpse into the region's past with archeological artifacts and Ayutthaya-era Buddha images on display.

Khao Yai National park draws many visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima, attracted to its waterfalls and diverse ecosystem. Nature tours trekking are popular exploits through the park, where deer, monkeys, bears and bats can be viewed in their natural habitat. Nature lovers can also visit Korat Zoo, a landscaped park that houses elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards (and more) and conducts a night safari on the weekends.

Nakhon Ratchasima can be accessed via road or rail, with trains stopping at Thanon Jira Railway Station. The closest airport is in Buriram (see airports of Thailand).