TH · Nakhon Ratchasima · 14.97°N 102.08°E

nakhon ratchasima

Korat, the big gateway to Isaan, with Khao Yai and Phimai within reach.

Best time
November to February is cool and dry. March to May is hot, and the rainy season runs from about May to October.
How long
1–2 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Bangkok (about 2 hours), then about 3–4 hours by car, bus or train to Korat.
Save postcard
TH · Nakhon Ratchasimanakhon ratchasima14.97°N 102.08°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Korat, the big gateway to Isaan, with Khao Yai and Phimai within reach.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingNakhon RatchasimaTH, Nakhon Ratchasima
KLnakhon ratchasima
≈ 1,316 km from KL, as the crow flies
Thao Suranaree statue in Nakhon Ratchasima City, Thailand. In the background, the Chumphon Gate.

Photo: Khaosaming · CC BY-SA 3.0

1 / 2

Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Korat, officially Nakhon Ratchasima, is the largest city in north-east Thailand and the gateway to Isaan. The city is busy and practical rather than pretty, but it's a handy base for Khao Yai's forests and the Khmer temple at Phimai. Expect good noodles and big malls.

Makan

  1. Phat mi KoratStir-fried rice noodles in a sweet, sour and salty sauce, the city's signature dish.Map ↗
  2. Isaan staplesSom tam, larb and grilled chicken from the night markets.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Thao Suranari MonumentThe statue of the city's heroine, known locally as Ya Mo, in front of the old west gate.Map ↗
  2. Khao Yai National ParkThailand's first national park, with waterfalls, wildlife and cool hills, about 1.5 hours west.Map ↗
  3. PhimaiThe great Khmer temple, about an hour north-east of the city.Map ↗
  4. Dan KwianA pottery village south of the city known for its rough, rust-coloured ceramics.Map ↗
  5. Wat Sala LoiA riverside temple with a modern ordination hall shaped like a boat.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Khao Yai gets busy with Bangkok crowds on weekends and holidays. Go midweek if you can.
  • Halal food is harder to find in Isaan than in southern Thailand. Look for halal signs or ask your hotel.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.