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
I-San 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 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 I-San’s largest 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
evidence of this occurrence while traces of both the
Dvaravati and Khmer cultures are scattered throughout the
province, particularly at Amphoe Sung Noen and Amphoe
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.
