Nakhon Ratchasima: For When You've Run Out of Places to See
Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat): Rice Fields, Temples, and The Kingdom of Moo
Welcome to Nakhon Ratchasima, aka Korat, a province that is much cooler than its "just a stopover on the way to Isaan" reputation suggests. It’s not the trendiest spot on your Thailand itinerary, but it's got a certain charm. Think of it like that reliable friend who might not wear the latest trends but will always bring you back to earth and somehow end up with the best snacks.
If Thailand’s a buffet, Nakhon Ratchasima is the giant bowl of jasmine rice. It’s essential, it’s hearty, and it’s the base of everything else. Known for its massive, sprawling plains, it’s home to ancient Khmer ruins, an undeniable food culture, and some of the best Thai food you’ve never heard of. So, buckle up as we embark on the somewhat chaotic, but totally rewarding journey that is Korat.
How to Get There
By Bus
From Bangkok’s Mo Chit Terminal, get on the bus that will take you straight to Korat.
Duration: 3–4 hours
Fare: 150–250+ THB
Choose a VIP or standard, depending on whether you need your seat to recline or just need to feel alive for the duration of the ride. The views? Fields. And more fields. It’s like watching grass grow, but slower.
By Train
From Bangkok’s Central Station (weirdly named Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal - a name which some taxi drivers might not even know).
Duration: 4–5 hours
Fare: 250–400 THB depending on your class of comfort (VIP is just a fancy name for more leg room). The train ride is a blend of rural scenery, gentle rocking, and an occasional "Is that a cow on the track?" moment.
By Car
If you’re feeling adventurous and don’t mind the long stretch of road:
Duration: 2.5–3 hours
Fare: Free if you just drive, but gas will cost you about 400–600 THB each way. Let’s be honest, you’re gonna stop for snacks. That’s the real trip.
Where to Stay
Budget
Charming guesthouses, often with the kind of owners who will ask if you need more pillows, and if you’re interested in chatting about local life for hours. It's either those or decrepit bland hotels that look more like a prison than a hotel.
Price: 300–600 THB/night
Perks: Free snail Wi-Fi (but who needs Wi-Fi when you've got a local SIM card), random souvenir trinkets, and bed linen that might be slightly questionable, but you’re on a budget, okay?
Mid-Range
Hotels with a proper lobby, maybe a pool that’s a bit too small to do laps, but big enough to pretend you’re having a luxurious dip.
Price: 800–1,500 THB/night
Perks: Air-con, breakfast (but don’t get too excited), and a staff that totally speaks English, or at least tries to.
Luxury
Just a few swanky resorts. We’re talking 5-star, "Where's the spa?" kind of luxury.
Price: 2,500+ THB/night
Perks: Large pools, breakfast buffets that involve the word "gourmet" (even if you’re mostly grabbing cereal), and the occasional, “Wow, this is really fancy for Korat” moment.
What to See
Khao Yai National Park
Entry: 400 THB (foreigners)
The first of many “nature is everywhere” moments. This UNESCO World Heritage site is perfect for nature lovers who think they’ve seen it all. Warning: you might just stumble upon a wild elephant. Actually, you will. No one is truly prepared for that. Best to arrange a driver to get there.
Phimai Historical Park
Entry: 100 THB (foreigners)
The most impressive Khmer ruins outside of Angkor Wat. This ancient temple complex is way cooler than it sounds, mostly because there are actual stone walls you can’t walk through, which a rare thing in Thailand. Explore and feel like Indiana Jones without having to dodge boulders.
It's about 60 clicks northeast of Khorat, so either go on a day trip by bus or pack your belongings and stay overnight in Phimai.
The Big Korat Buddha
Entry: Free (but don’t forget to donate 20 THB for good karma)
It’s an enormous statue that overlooks the city. And while it’s not quite on the level of Big Buddha in Phuket, it’s big enough that you’ll feel really tiny, and possibly inspired to meditate in front of it for way too long.
Nong Rawiang Lake
Entry: Free
Perfect for strolling or pretending you’re a photographer taking artsy pictures of ducks. The park around it is peaceful, with a cool breeze off the water and a great place to unwind after a day of exploring ancient temples and eating far too many sausages.
What to Do
Eat Street Food Like a Local
This is not a suggestion. This is your reason for living in Korat.
Korat Sausage (Sausage Town) is a must. You’ll find it everywhere. And when you find it, it’s probably better than any sausage you’ve ever eaten, and you’ve eaten a lot of sausages. Price: 30–60 THB
Som Tum (Papaya Salad): Spicy, tangy, and completely capable of rearranging your insides. Make sure you watch the vendor prepare it and marvel at how casually they handle those chillies.
Sticky rice with mango: It’s the thing dreams are made of. And after all that spice, this is your sweet, sweet reward.
Hit the Local Markets
Nakhon Ratchasima Night Market or the Pak Thong Chai Market
Get your fill of food, handmade goods, and an inexplicable number of cheap plastic toys.
Price: 30–100 THB for food, 50–200 THB for clothes.
Perfect for picking up souvenirs that make you wonder, Why did I buy this?
Ride a Bicycle Around the City
The roads are nice and wide, and Korat is shockingly bike-friendly. Get on your rental and go through the town like you’re a 1970s European tourist with no agenda. Stay vigilant though, as Thailand isn't known for being a cyclist-friendly country.
Nightlife
Bar Scene
Spoiler: Nakhon Ratchasima doesn’t do wild nightlife. But it does offer the kind of bars where everyone knows each other’s name.
Beer: 60–100 THB
Cocktails: If you can find one, 150–200 THB
Karaoke is big here. If you don’t know Thai pop songs, just wave your arms and pretend you’re really into the beat. They’ll never know.
Late Night Food
Want to experience the nightlife Korat style? Stay up and eat more. Street food doesn’t close at 10 PM here, and the vendors are all really okay with that. Enjoy some late-night noodle soup that will make you forget about any other food you’ve had before.
Excursions
Prasat Hin Phanom Rung (not really near)
Entry: 200 THB (foreigners)
One of the most stunning Khmer ruins you’ll ever see, set on top of a hill with an impressive gateway. You’ll definitely get that “I’m in Cambodia, but I’m not” feeling here. Go early to avoid the heat and the crowds. It's not nearby (about 100 clicks), so better decide if you prefer a day trip or take your road trip to Buriram, the nearest city to Phanom Rung.
Tung Bua Tong Flower Field
Entry: Free (except for your pride when your photos don’t look as good as you thought they would)
A beautiful site during the blooming season (November–December). Think sunflower fields but more “Hey, I might be in a Japanese anime scene right now.”
Final Thoughts
Korat isn’t your party town, and it isn’t your tourist trap. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, rice grows taller than your expectations, and life moves at a pace you forgot you were capable of. It’s rustic, it’s real, and most importantly, it’s still undiscovered enough for you to feel like you found a little piece of old-school Thailand.
So go ahead, take that detour to Nakhon Ratchasima, and immerse yourself in the heart of the Isaan region. Your stomach will thank you, and your Instagram followers will never understand.
Comments
Post a Comment