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Nakhon Ratchasima at a glance
 Nakhon
Ratchasima, generally known as "Khorat", is Thailand's
largest province situated on sprawling northeast plateau. Located
approximately 260 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, the city itself
serves as the gateway to the lower northeastern region.
Covering an area of 25,494 square kilometers that is mainly plateaus
and mountainous terrain, Khorat has fascinating traditions, charming
hospitality, splendid natural scenery and awesome historical sites.
Some of the main attractions in Khorat are Khmer ruins. Scattered
around the province, these products of ancient wisdom shines through
time. One of the Thailand's finest Khmer ruins can be seen here
next to Mon and Lao sites. In addition, Khorat has an abundance
of natural attractions in its forests, hills, wildlife and waterfalls
that are easily accessible in locations such as Khao Yai National
Park.
Apart from the famous statue of Khun Ying Mo, Khorat is most well
known for silk weaving (in Pak Thong Chai) and a variety of top-notch
quality handicrafts such as clay pottery products of Dan Kwian.
Geographically, Nakhon Ratchasima borders on Chiyaphum and Khon
Kaen Provinces in the north, Buriram Province in the east, Chiyaphum
and Saraburi Provinces in the west and Nakhon Nayok and Prachin
Buri Provinces in the south.
Khorat is also the largest northeastern province. Inhabitants of
the province are mainly engaged in agricultural activities that
include farming of rice and other crops such as sugar cane, tapioca,
corn, jute, peanuts, sesame and fruits. There are more than 100
savings and agricultural cooperatives in the province, 35 irrigation
projects and 7,122 industrial factories. Most of the factories are
rice mills, tapioca product manufacturers, and industrial factories.
Khorat's most popular annual event is the Thao Suranari Festival,
a celebration of Thao Suranari's victory over the Lao. It's held
from late March to early April and features parades.
Looking back
Khorat used to be the site of several ancient prehistoric communities.
Little is known about the early history of Khorat, except that it
used to be part of a kingdom called Sri Janas (Si Janat) an empire
that extended its power to the entire Khorat Plateau.
Initially the predominant cultural influence in the city was that
of the Dvaravati culture, however, it was later replaced by the
Khmer culture. The prehistoric site of Ban Prasat is an evidence
of this occurrence while traces of both the Dvaravati and Khmer
cultures are scattered throughout the province, particularly at
Amphur Sung Noen and Amphur Phimai.
Once an administrative and cultural center, Khorat's role today
remains unchanged as it is currently the main transportation, industrial
and economic hub of the Northeast.
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