Nakhon Ratchasima Tourist Attractions
No one will call the city of Nakhon Ratchasima a prime sightseeing destination in Thailand – and with abundance of interesting sights scattered throughout the province the capital city does look rather modest. Yet if you find yourself spending there a day or two, a couple of interesting temples and museums will do the trick for you.
Thao Suranaree Monument
Thao Suranaree, known to everyone as Ya Mo (grandma Mo), is the biggest heroin and pride of Khorat. In 1827, when the Laotian Prince Anuwong invaded the city, she was able to organize a successful revolt and give freedom back to Nakhon Ratchasima. The statue itself is nothing really notable, but extraordinary is the way that it is revered by Thai people, especially local citizens, who often come to kneel and pray in front of it before donating incense and flowers. As a sign of respect remember to take off your shoes before walking up the steps.
Ya Mo functions as the main landmark in the city centre and the majority of songthaews will stop here. Otherwise just say Ya Mo to any tuk-tuk driver and you can be sure they will understand you. The monument can be visited any time and if you want a professional picture, several photographers will offer to take one and print it for you on the spot.
Behind the monument you can have a look at the only original city gate, Pratu Chumphon, which was built in 1656 as part of the perimeter wall that once surrounded the city. Three more gates are visible in other parts of the old town but they are all reconstructions of the original ones.
Wat Phayap Temple
Wat Phayap is a modern large temple which hides a pleasant surprise to visitors who decide to go past the dull exterior appearance and pop in anyway for a quick visit. The interior of one of the chambers was decorated to look like a cave and the result is quite impressive. Despite the construction being totally artificial, you could find yourself wondering whether you’ve been magically transported to some mountain cave. The place is highly respected and revered by the Buddhist. It is located on Chumphon Road three minutes walking from Ya Mo.
Wat Sala Loi
Wat Sala Loi is a temple built in 1827 by Thao Suranaree and her husband. After a major renovation in 1973 the Siam Architecture Society recognized it as the best avant-garde religious building in the country. Outside the temple there’s a sculpture of Thao Suranaree with a small pagoda preserving her ashes. Sala Loi is located in the northeastern side of town along the Lam Takong River, three km away from Ya Mo and can be visited every day from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
Maha Viravong National Museum
Maha Viravong is a small but still interesting museum located close to Ya Mo. It is based on the personal collection of the monk Maha Viravong and all the exhibits have been found in Khorat province. Among them you’ll find Buddha’s statues, tools and pottery dating back to the Deravati period. Useful information boards explain in English the history of the province and its evolution throughout the centuries. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm and it’s located 300 m south of Ya Mo, behind the public library.
Korat Fossil Museum and Petrified Wood Museum
A quick trip out of town and you’ll immerge yourself into the prehistoric age. The Fossil Museum is divided into three zones and among others has a diamond dating back 320 million years ago, elephants’ fossils with useful information about the history of the species and dinosaurs’ fossils. Everything on display was found and collected in the province over the last century and put together when the museum was opened in 2008.
ThePetrified Wood Museum is actually a part of the Fossil Museum but located a separate building. It displays pieces of petrified wood – a very popular motif in Thailand – and the main objective of the museum is to create awareness on the problem of illegal smuggling of these fossils.
The entrance fee to the both museums is THB100; open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm. The museum is located 25 km south of town close to Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University.
