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Region: Northeast Thailand> Province: Nakhon Ratchasima>Location: Nakhon Ratchasima

Nakhon Ratchasima sights and attractions

Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo - A fun excursion

Description
Covering some 218 acres, the Khorat Zoo is arguably the best of its kind in Thailand. Every animal's surroundings closely resemble their natural habitat and all have ample room to move around in. Though the vast terrain can be walked, the zoo also has bicycles for hire and a trolley that makes the rounds. Vendors sell bananas which visitors can either throw to elephants or hand-feed to hungry giraffes. Children squeal as giraffes pluck bananas from hands with their long, gluey tongues and you will too. Also of note is the entertaining monkey collection whose acrobatics and antics are sure to please. Lions, zebras, hippos, seals, cheetahs, penguins, crocodiles, rhinoceros, and a variety of reptiles are also on display and an entire children's section makes the trip a full one. Go in the morning to beat the heat. To get there catch a # 4129 songtheaw across the street from The Mall. The journey takes about 20 minutes and costs 15 B.

Opening Hours: Open daily 8:30 -- 17:00

Bungtalua Park - A pretty spot to laze away a day

Description
Head to this scenic park to take a break from the traffic and congestion of the city. Bring your trainers and jog around the track or grab a picnic and a shady spot by the artificial lake. Popular with locals, the park offers prime people-watching opportunities and allows a glimpse into a small slice of Khorat life. A walk around the park offers picturesque views and a breath of fresh air. A green oasis of calm just 10 minutes from the centre of the city, it's quiet, the air feels clean and you leave refreshed. Festivals and celebrations are often held here and it is easily reached via songtheaw #11.

Maha Viravong National Museum - A taste of Thai culture

Ratchadamnoen Rd. just south of the monument

Description
Tucked behind the King Rama IX Commemorative Library, this museum feels like it hasn't been updated since it opened in 1954. The collection of religious statues is interesting but the wood, bronze and stone Buddhas seem to jostle each other for elbowroom. The building was styled after a Thai house -- a one bedroom Thai house. Exhibits of pottery, coins, bullets and other artefacts crowd into glass cases. Nevertheless, as this national museum is only a block from downtown and admission is only 10 baht, a stroll through its rooms may be worthwhile. It will only take you twenty minutes to learn something about the history of the region and see some beautiful artefacts.

Opening Hours: Wed-Sun, 9:00-16:00

Suranari Monument - Khorat's lady

The centre of the city

Description
In 1826, the Lao army invaded Khorat. With the assistant governor away, his wife Khunying Mo, stepped up to lead the defence. She organised Thai soldiers and villagers alike to take up arms and together they defeated the bigger, stronger invaders. The reigning monarch of the time, King Rama III rewarded Khunying Mo's courage by giving her the title

Dan Kwian Village - Unless you're planning on lugging a bas-relief hom

15km southeast of Khorat

Description
About 15 km southeast of the city, the streets are lined with pottery stalls and shops. The clay is harvested from the nearby Mun River, which colours it a rich rusty red. A bit further on, watch the pottery being made in the small village. The larger pieces are impressive, but those tailored to tourists are kitschy and disappointing. The Kwian Museum displays a collection of old bullock-carts and farm equipment from yesteryear. You could spend an afternoon perusing the area, but there are better ways to soak up local culture.

Pak Thong Chai - The place to go for silk

Description
With its many shops and stalls, Pak Thong Chai has an amazing number of goods and souvenirs. You can peruse the wares or venture further into the village and see the renowned silks being made by hand. Local women work the old fashioned looms in a clattery and noisy process using their feet and hands to manipulate threads and position fibres. Products include scarves, picture frames, clothing, fabric, draperies and other decorations. Pak Thong Chai is around 30km from Nakhon Ratchasima and can be easily reached by bus (30B) from Bus Terminal 1.

Wat Phayap - The cave in the city

Centre of town, Nakhon Ratchasima

Description
Khorat is home to many beautiful temples and a few are sure to entice strolling passers-by. For something different, Wat Phayap, boasting the Cave in the City, is home to a cavernous stalactite covered sanctuary. Buddha statues serenely sit and soak up the ambiance. The dear head on the wall further complicates the mysterious vibe. Just a few steps from the centre of the city, this enigmatic place is worth a peek.