11 Things To Do In Nakhon Ratchasima, Better Known As Korat, Thailand

1. Haew Suwat Waterfall - contributed by Tour Guide, Arnon Aramnun

A wonderful place to visit in Nakhon Ratchasima is Haew Suwat Waterfall. It’s located amidst a lush jungle and is great for escaping the crowded rush at other attractions. Take a dip in its serene waters or simply take Instagram-worthy pictures with the waterfall as your backdrop. Locals also love visiting this waterfall to enjoy the refreshing waters, so it’s a great place to socialize and learn about the daily life of people from this region in Thailand.

2. Wat Phayap Temple

This temple on Chumphon Road is built inside a building and is a surprising attraction for all visitors. It was built as a replacement of the original building that was destroyed and couldn’t be refurbished. Wat Phayap Temple is found in the Korat’s city center and will completely surprise you when you enter. The interior of this temple has been made to look like a cave and it isn’t on the list of top visitor attractions in the area, but the locals consider it a very religious and tranquil temple.

Wat Phayap Temple

Address: 20 ถนน อัษฏางค์ Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Chang Wat Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Website: Wat Phayap Temple

3. Maha Viravong National Museum

The Maha Viravong National Museum is in the style of a local Thai home and located behind the public library in the city center. The museum is quite small yet full of rich Thai history and interesting artifacts. You will find Buddha images from several time frames and also pottery pieces from bygone ages. Although the collection at this infrequently visited museum is quite small, it’s also very good.

Maha Viravong National Museum

Address: Nai Mueang, Muang Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

4. Khao Yai National Park

Located mainly in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, the national park also extends into three other provinces. Some of the wildlife you will regularly see during your visit to the park include gibbons, barking deer, bears, elephants, otters, gaurs, and macaques. There are also approximately 300 species of resident and migratory birds in the park, and it has one of Thailand’s largest populations of hornbills.

Khao Yai National Park

Address: Hin Tung, Mueang Nakhon Nayok District, 26000 Nakhon Nayok, Thailand

Website: Khao Yai National Park

5. Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo (Korat Zoo)

The Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo is one of the finest animal parks in all of Asia, an excellent place to observe wildlife, and a great place to relax and enjoy native wonders such as striking and vivid flowers. A shuttle bus service is provided to visitors for a mobile zoo tour. The zoo is situated in Muang District, Chaimongkol and regular buses from Korat city center provide easy transfers to and from the zoo.

Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo (Korat Zoo)

Address: 111 ซอย ปักธงชัย 4/3 ตำบลไชยมงคล Amphoe Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Chang Wat Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Website: Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo (Korat Zoo)

6. Lamtakhong Dam

The Lamtakhong Dam was constructed specifically to irrigate the surrounding farmlands. Later years saw the dam become the water storage facility of The Lamtakhong Power Plant, whose components were constructed underground to preserve the environment, nature, and scenery of the area; a first for Thailand. The dam and surrounding area is a peaceful, relaxing environment to break away from the life of the city.

7. Phimai Historical Park

The Phimai Historical Park protects one of the most important Khmer Temples of Thailand. Take a stroll back in time and witness ruins from as early as the 11th century. Most of the buildings are from the late 11th century to the late 12th century, and this temple was built as a Buddhist temple, as Buddhism in the Khorat area dated back to the 7th century. The historical park, now managed by the Fine Arts Department, was officially opened by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in 1989.

Phimai Historical Park

Address: Nai Mueang, Phimai District, 30110 Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

8. Korat Zoo Lagoon and Water Park

The Korat Zoo Lagoon and Water Park is a relatively new attraction as part of the zoo in Nakhon Ratchasima. A ticket to the zoo also includes entry to the Lagoon and Water Park. The main attraction is the lagoon, a kind of river surrounding the park that has a small current that makes you move along the lagoon. Visiting the zoo and spending few hours at the lagoon is an excellent activity for a family, and the water park is mostly for children. As it is the largest park of its kind in the northeastern area, you’ll really enjoy spending a few hours here with a relaxing stroll around the zoo and pleasing splash in the lagoon.

Korat Zoo Lagoon and Water Park

Address: 111 Moo 1, Ratchasima-Pakthongchai Rd., Chai Mongkol, Amphur Muang, 30000 Nakhon Ratchasima

Website: Korat Zoo Lagoon and Water Park

9. Korat City Gates

Many years ago, Korat was surrounded by walls and a moat, and there were four gates that allowed entry to the city. Today, only one of the gates is in its original state, while the others have been refurbished and rebuilt. One of the most defining characteristics of the city of Korat is the moat around the Old Town. The most well-known gate is the Chumpon Gate on the west side of town.

Korat City Gates

Website: Korat City Gates

10. O&D Pub & Restaurant

If you’re feeling a bit alienated and desiring familiar, ample portions of Western food, then this is the place. The pub offers a variety of local and international beers to suffocate any homesickness you thought you had! Don’t overlook the Thai food selections though. Every plate is gigantic, so make sure you are hungry and that you don’t fill up on snacks or starters.

O&D Pub & Restaurant

Address: Khok Sung, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, 30310 Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

11. Thao Suranaree Monument

The statue of Thao Suranaree, which stands in the center of Nakhon Ratchasima, is a popular object of devotion among the locals. The monument is certainly worth visiting for a photo opportunity and can be found in Korat near the Chumphon Gate. Thao Suranaree’s statue was placed next to the Chumphon Gate of the city wall on January 15, 1934.

Thao Suranaree Monument

Address: Korat city center

Spectacular national parks, historical areas, religious temples, and people; Korat is unforgettable!

Although this area of Thailand is probably not visited as much as other areas of this magnificent country, it is an area that you definitely should book a visit. The scenery is absolutely spectacular, the attractions seem neverending, and the locals are so friendly and helpful.