Nakhon Ratchasima,
or “Khorat,” is a large province
on the northeastern plateau and is like
the gateway to other provinces in the
Northeast. It is 259 kilometres from Bangkok
and has an area of around 20,494 square
kilometres. The province is rich in Khmer
culture and has a long history. It is
famous for the highly revered Khun Ying
Mo (Ya Mo) statue in the middle of town.
It also has beautiful nature, with many
forests, mountains, waterfalls, and reservoirs.
Furthermore, it is well known for a variety
of quality handicrafts that visitors can
choose from, particularly the popular
clay pottery products of Dan Kwian.
Nakhon Ratchasima used to be the site
of several ancient prehistoric communities that
continued to grow when the Dvaravati culture
came in and later when the Khmer culture replaced
it. An important prehistoric site is Ban Prasat.
Traces of Dvaravati and Khmer cultures are scattered
throughout the province, particularly at Amphoe
Sung Noen and Amphoe Phimai. Nakhon Ratchasima
has been a key city since ancient times as an
administration centre. It was responsible for
many northeastern cities in the past. Even now,
its status has remained unchanged in that it
is the Northeast’s main transportation
hub and economic centre.
Boundary
North borders Chaiyaphum and Khon Kaen
South borders Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri
East borders Buri Ram
West borders Chaiyaphum and Saraburi
