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You might have heard about Nakhon Ratchasima and considering a short trip here. But being not so popular you might also be thinking “what are the topmost things to do in Nakhon Ratchasima after reaching?”

As almost unknown to many visitors, as many foreigners prefer Bangkok or Pattaya, Nakhon Ratchasima also known as Korat, is actually the sixth largest city in Thailand. This destination offers a varied range of things to do in Nakhon Ratchasima which can make your short trip a worthwhile journey!

Best Things To Do In Nakhon Ratchasima

Nakhon Ratchasima is situated in Northeast Thailand and covers almost 20,500 square km; the area mixes artistic nature with impressive Khmer-era history and culture. With lots to view and enjoy, here is the list of best things to do in Nakhon Ratchasima.

1. Maha Viravong National Museum
2. Khao Yai National Park
3. Wat Phra Narai Maharat
4. Night Ban Koh
5. Korat Zoo Lagoon and Water Park
6. Rafting at Lam Takhong
7. Prasat Phanom Wan
8. Khorat City Gates
9. Petrified Wood Museum
10. Wat Ban Rai
11. Celebrate Korat Festival

1. Maha Viravong National Museum

Maha Viravong

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This museum was made around the craftsmanship of a vital Monk from the region and other cultural arts from historic locales. You’ll discover Buddha pictures from various time periods and earthenware pieces from past times. The gallery is very small yet offers the rich Thai history and fascinating visuals. The Museum is situated close to Klang Plaza 2 and is created in a Thai style house.

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2. Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park

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Khao Yai National Park is one of the well-known spots in Nakhon Ratchasima and a must for the travelers who want to try jungle trekking. The stunning Khao Yai National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. You can witness many animals such as macaques, elephants, gibbons, deer, bears, and reptiles. If you’re a bird watcher you can also enjoy seeing various species of birds at this park. Many waterfalls within the Khao Yai National Park make the background of this park more amazing.


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3. Wat Phra Narai Maharat

Wat Phra Narai Maharat

Image Credit: José Eduardo Santos Martins for Pixabay

Wat Phra Narai Maharat is a substantial Theravada Buddhist sanctuary soaring from the center of a pond in a serene corner of the old quarter. A wihaan with gabled rooftop towers at the middle houses a huge settled Buddha bordered by an old wood roof and white walls.
Also, a few meters down a path edged by small houses on one side and a pond at the other side takes you to the Naranya Temple which is a haven to four old Khmer-style Hindu images.

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4. Night Ban Koh

Night Ban Koh

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Want to shop, eat or wander in a true style of locals? Head to the Ban Koh.This place is a famous hangout spot for local Korati children, you can witness how it starts bustling in the evening. It’s likely the best spot to enjoy the nightlife in this town in its own unique way! The place offers a one of a kind local cultural experience, to try out shopping, local food or simply to know the lifestyle of Nakhon Ratchasima town and its people. You can also relish culinary delights at a host of outdoor eateries, from food courts to local Isaan meal and Moo Kata grills.

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5. Korat Zoo Lagoon and Water Park

Korat Zoo Lagoon and Water Park

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Arranged inside Korat zoo you’ll discover a unique water park to chill out oneself. Being one of the biggest parks of this kind in the Northeastern territory, you’ll certainly like to burn a couple of hours here by relaxing in its splash or wandering into the beautiful park. If you’re planning a family trip, then kids will definitely adore it!

6. Rafting at Lam Takhong

Rafting at Lam Takhong

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The Lam Takhong River flows through assorted landscape including orchards, forests, and farmland. A soothing river offers a simple rafting adventure for novice rafters as well as for families. A great fun activity amid the stunning environment truly needs to be given a shot! The best time to opt for rafting at the Lam Takhong river is during the rainy season as the river is to its fullest and active.

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7. Prasat Phanom Wan

Prasat Phanom Wan

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This is a small yet impressive archaeological place. It was a Hindu temple built in the 11th century but later converted into a Buddhist temple. Nowadays almost all the buildings are nothing more than ruins but the two main pagodas are still intact. Phanom Wan is a quiet location to spend some time in isolation. It is located 20 km from the city of Nakhon Ratchasima.

8. Khorat City Gates

Khorat City Gates

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Many years back the old city of Khorat in Thailand used to be encompassed by walls and a canal. Today just a single of the four entryways that used to lead into the old town is still in its real state, while the others have been redesigned and rebuilt. This real gate is called Chumpon Gate and is found on the west part of the city near the Thao Suranaree statue.
Wander around the gate to watch this unique gate! Old stories say that any if outsiders stroll through these gates they wind up remaining in Korat for an elongated time.

Suggested Read: 8 Museums In Thailand That Will Walk You Through The Lesser Known Historical Past

9. Petrified Wood Museum

Petrified Wood Museum

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A whole museum is devoted to petrified wood, fundamentally it would appear that they are various types of marble or stone works. The museum is much bigger than anybody would even expect with two vast display houses, research buildings, an amphitheater, as well as a fossil excavation pit. Don’t miss to explore the building housing the dinosaurs and fossilized creatures here.

10. Wat Ban Rai

Wat Ban Rai

Wat Ban Rai is often also called the Elephant Temple because the structure is created in a form of an enormous Elephant. The interiors are also majestic in terms of the architect where sculptures, contemporary paintings, and aesthetics are established to know about legendary Buddhist pedagogy.
You will really get some lovely scenes from the temple’s roof which are spread out to the neighboring rice fields of Isaan.

11. Celebrate Korat Festival

Celebrate Korat Festival

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If you are visitng Korat, you are in for a cultural treat. The city keeps organizing events and celebrate a variety of festivals throughout the year. So, keep an eye on all the events happening during your visit. It will be a unique Thai experience for you. Do not miss The Thao Suranaree-, Phimai Boat- and Phimai Festivals which are the main celebratory events of the city. Regale and rejoice in the Thai festivities and celebrations.

Further Read: 6 Best Things To Do In Udon Thani For A Blissful Thailand Vacay

Many foreigners rush to Thailand simply to tour Bangkok and Pattaya. But it’ a smart move to choose Korat, the gem of Thailand’s north-east having a plenty to offer and amaze anyone. In case you are looking for a place that personifies the ‘true Thailand’ Nakhon Ratchasima is for you. Book your Thailand trip with TravelTriangle now and soak in the most exquisite Thai vibes in this city!

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Category: Thailand, Things To Do

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