Monument of Thao Suranari
Or Khun Ying Mo is situated in front of the old gate of "Prau Chumpon" on the
west side of the city. This monuments 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 Vientiane. Every year
from March 23 to April 3, there is a celebration 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 arts objects and
artifacts donated to Somdet Maha Viravong such as sand stone Buddha images of Khmer and
Ayutthaya periods, bronze Buddha images, different sizes ceramics and wood carvings from
ancient monasteries. Open every day 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
side-road to 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
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 Lam Takhong and Nakhon Nayok, with many rare species
of fauna and flora and over 20 waterfalls. Accommodations near the national park are available.
Wat Khoa 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
3,000 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 1,200 BE. There are various evidences of archaeology found within
the area such as bronze Buddha images, Buddha terra-cotta printing images, glass beads
and inscribing stone.
Prasat Hin Phima 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 magnificiently restored and renovated ruins and has been
preserved as a National Historical Park.
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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 s supported by Garudus, guardian
figures, are interspersed with Nagas.
Of special interest is a carved stone door-lintel depicting a divine figure, dressed n 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 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
kilometers from town. Prasat Hin Nang Ram some 80 kilometers 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 kilometers from Phimai. It is a recreation place which provides
more than 15,000 square feet of shady area. Food stands for snacks and drink 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 Dam 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 earthwards are irresistible.
Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo
About 13 kilometers 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 kilometers 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 Ddam
Situated n Amphoe Pak Thong Chai on a side rode some 28 kilometers from the main highway.
From the Dam, boats can also be hired to go another 23 kilometers up the reservoir to Namtok Pak
Thong Chai 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
Kratong Festival (October or November), draws thousands of tourists both from Khorat city and
neighbouring provinces.
Ban Prasat Archaeological Site Is 42 kilometers away from Nakhon Ratchasima along the
Nakhon Ratchasima - Khon Kaen route. Skeletons, ornaments, and artifacts.
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