Discover Nakhon Ratchasima

In Nakhon Ratchasima, travel experiences range from nature and hiking in Khao Yai National Park to cultural history in Phimai, as well as crafts, farm visits, and animal experiences. The following differences provide a guide without turning the individual places into a single route.

Nature and Hiking in Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park is a World Heritage Site and an ASEAN Heritage Park. It is located in the provinces of Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi, and Nakhon Nayok. The park protects habitats where visitors can often spot wild elephants, gaurs, gibbons, hornbills, and macaques. Nature enthusiasts will find both a protected habitat and the opportunity to observe a range of wildlife here.

For hiking, the national park has seven short nature trails. They range from 1.2 to 8 kilometers in length, with walking times of 45 minutes to six hours. The trails therefore differ in both distance and time required. Overnight stays along the routes are not provided for; the walking times help with planning a hike without an overnight stay on the trail.

Farm and Seasonal Experiences

Farm Chokchai offers an experience where visitors can drive their own vehicle around the farm and explore the farm, flower fields, and seasonal activities. The farm is open daily. Since activities are seasonal, it is worth checking which offerings are available at your preferred time before visiting. This helps you plan your visit around your actual interest in the farm, flower fields, or seasonal experiences.

Crafts, Architecture, and History

The weaving village at Jim Thompson Farm is an active production site with looms and silk-weaving processes. The Isan village on the same farm currently comprises 40 houses. Examples there showcase regional Isan architecture and cover almost all building types. The two areas have different focuses: the processes involved in silk weaving in one, and Isan building forms and architecture in the other.

Phimai National Museum collects archaeological and art-historical objects and presents the fundamentals and development of the culture of Thailand’s Lower Northeast. Phimai Historical Park was the site of the city of Phimai. There, King Suryavarman I had a Khmer-style sanctuary built in the 16th Buddhist century, about 1,000 years ago, surrounded by walls and moats. The museum and historical park thus offer different cultural focuses: collections and cultural development on the one hand, and the history of the city and sanctuary on the other.

Getting There

Khorat, also known as Nakhon Ratchasima, serves as the main transport hub in northeastern Thailand. A train ride to Khorat passes through impressive scenery and offers views including the large white Buddha statue at Wat Theppitak on a densely forested hillside. Train services and visibility may vary; check the timetable when planning and bear in mind that the view depends on visibility.

Discover More Destinations

Nai Muang, Amphoe Pak Chong, Muang Nakhon Ratchasima, Phimai Historical Park, Amphoe Wang Nam Khiao, Nong Bua, Nok Ok, Mittraphap, Hua Thale, Khok Kruat, Mu Si, Makha, Huai Bong, Mueang Khong, Dan Khun Thot, Takhop, Maklua Kao, Thepharak District, Sung Noen District, Khon Buri District, Huai Thalaeng District, Wang Katha, Lam Nang Kaeo, Ban Mai, Khanong Phra, Sung Noen.

For the broader travel overview: Thailand.