One of the problems with "exotic" destinations like Thailand is that the more popular they become, the less exotic they get. On the surface at least, the capital of Bangkok could be just about any modern city. Other major tourist destinations are often not much better. I know of at least one destination beach resort in the South of Thailand that seems to have gone out of its way to look and feel like it could just as easily be in the South of France.
Fortunately, there are still a lot of places where you can escape the tourist crowds and see something of the "real" Thailand. The Northeastern town of Nakorn Ratchisima, commonly known as Korat, is one such place. Located about 250 kilometers (160 miles) from Bangkok, Korat is essentially the gateway to a region Thais refer to as Isan, an area with its own distinct culture and cuisine. The city was also home to a major US Air Force base during the Vietnam war era. Thus there are a suprising number of expats around, as well as businesses that cater to them.
The two big draws to the province are the huge national park of Khao Yai, and the ancient Khmer-era temple of Phimai.
Some of my own treasures from Dan Kwian.
A few miles south of Korat is the "land of ceramics" at Dan Kwian. The village has become famous, at least in Thailand, for its pots made of fired clay from the banks of a nearby river. The grandiose name actually describes a market of many small shops lining either side of a wide spot in the road. There are similar markets along many roads in Thailand, where ever there is a local specialty.
Nakorn Ratchasima is something of a transportation hub for Northeastern Thailand, which means there are quite a few options for getting there. Unfortunately, flying isn't one of the options. Commercial flights have been tried in the past, but apparently they weren't viable, since Korat is just too close to Bangkok.
This leaves you with the options of bus or train, unless you want to opt for a private transfer. Buses leave Bangkok's New Mor Chit station for Nakorn Ratchasima practically every few minutes.
There are not very many hotels in Korat, but what there are offer good value for money.
We've listed a few selected hotels below.
Dusit Princess Korat Hotel The Dusit Princess is probably the best that Korat has to offer, although it's a little ways away from the center of town. Hermitage Hotel & Resort Curiously designed hotel just outside of town, on the road to Dan Kwian. Sima Thani Hotel Also a bit out of town, but probably good value for money.
Thailand's first national park was established in 1962. It covers 1,268 square kilometers spread over four provinces. The park encompasses a large important watershed. It is mostly forested and is one of the few places where you can hope to see wild animals such as bears, gaurs and leopards.
Twelve marked trails criss-cross the park, and generally take one to six hours to walk. Visitors planning to hike any of the trails should check in with the park office and let the rangers know your itinerary.
The Northeastern town of Nakorn Ratchisima, commonly known as Korat, is located about 250 kilometers (160 miles) from Bangkok, Korat is essentially the gateway to a region Thais refer to as Isan, an area with its own distinct culture and cuisine. The city was also home to a major US Air Force base during the Vietnam war era, and over the years since, a lot of veterans have returned to the area to retire.
At the height of the Khmer empire whose capital is known to the West as Angkor Wat, much of what is now Thailand was under their influence. Temples and other structures dating from this era are dotted all around the Northeast of Thailand, an area Thais refer to as Isaan. The region was far from being a backwater. The area around the modern town of Nakorn Ratchisima, commonly known as Korat, was in fact the birthplace of a whole succession of Angkor's kings throughout the 12th century, a period which many consider the height of the empire's power.
Like all of Thailand, Nakorn Ratchasima is subject to an annual monsoon. Here in the northeast, the difference is quite pronounced, with a cool dry season in December and January, when on average no rain falls, which is followed by a short hot season from March to May, and then a long, but not necessaily wet rainy season from May to October.
Historical Weather Patterns for Nakorn Ratchasima Average Monthly High & Low Temperatures (°C)
