Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) Travel Guide: Khmer Temples and Isan

Nakhon Ratchasima at a glance

Nakhon Ratchasima — universally called Korat — is the largest city in northeastern Thailand by area and the western gateway to Isan. At 250km from Bangkok, it’s closer to the capital than most Isan cities and works well as a first stop in the northeast. The city itself is a large provincial capital with busy markets, a statue of the revered local heroine Thao Suranari, and some of the best day-trip access in the region.

Phimai Historical Park

The finest Khmer temple accessible from Bangkok and significantly more impressive than Prasat Hin Phnom Rung (though both are worth visiting). The main tower at Phimai is built from white sandstone and pink laterite — its light colour distinguishes it from the darker temples of Cambodia. The site was connected by a royal road directly to Angkor, 225km to the east.

A museum adjacent to the site displays lintel carvings, Buddha images, and architectural fragments. The surrounding town of Phimai is quiet and has one or two good restaurants near the entrance. Getting there: bus from Korat’s Bus Terminal 2 (1.5 hours, ฿60).

Khao Yai National Park

Thailand’s oldest national park (established 1962) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex. The landscape ranges from dry deciduous forest in the lower elevations to montane evergreen forest at the peaks (1,351m maximum).

Wildlife: wild elephants are regularly seen on the main road through the park at dusk. Sambar deer, white-handed gibbons, great hornbills (reliably seen at the fruiting trees along the access road), and Asiatic black bears. Gaur (Indian bison) are present but rarely encountered.

The park has a network of hiking trails from 3km to 8km. Night safaris (฿800–1,500 with a guide) are the best option for spotting nocturnal animals. A waterfall (Haew Narok, 150m) is the park’s most dramatic natural feature, requiring a 3km walk.

Best visited on weekdays — weekend and holiday crowds are significant.

Prasat Hin Phnom Rung

150km southeast of Korat (can be combined with Phimai on a 2-day trip). A 12th-century Khmer temple on the rim of a dormant volcano, with a long approach stairway and some of the finest lintel carvings in Thailand. The Narai lintel (depicting the Hindu creation myth) is particularly celebrated. Entry: ฿100.

Practical information

Getting there — Bus from Bangkok Mo Chit (3–4 hours, ฿200–250). Train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong (5 hours). Korat is the main overland route into Isan.

Getting around — Songthaews and tuk-tuks in the city. Hire a driver or rent a car for Phimai and Khao Yai — the national park is not accessible by public transport.