1 day3 stops
Merit-making in Korat: temples in a day
One day around the city's temples, for blessings and good fortune — the ones you should not miss, all in a single run.
Ban Rai Temple → Salaloi Temple → Thao Suranari Monument
Official Tourism Portal · Nakhon Ratchasima
Wondering what Korat holds? Start here
Attractions, food, stays and festivals from all 32 districts of Nakhon Ratchasima.
20,494sq km
Thailand's largest province
2.6million people
2nd most populous province
32districts
More than any other province
3UNESCO titles
World Heritage · Biosphere · Geopark
Popular right now
Suggested itineraries
1 day3 stops
Korat's three World Heritage sites
Following Korat's World Heritage listings — one natural, one geological, one historical.
Khao Yai National Park → Petrified wood → Phimai Historical Park
Festival calendar
* Approximate timing
Late Mar – early Apr
Thao Suranari Victory Celebration
The province's biggest annual celebration — processions, performances at the Yamo plaza, and stalls along Ratchadamnoen Road.
Mueang
Around July
Korat Candle Festival
Carved Buddhist Lent candles from temples across the province parade through the old town.
Mueang
Around November
Phimai Festival
Light-and-sound shows at Phimai's Khmer sanctuary, alongside the annual long-boat races.
Phimai
Around December
Pak Thong Chai Silk Fair
A silk and craft market from one of Isan's most important weaving districts.
Pak Thong Chai
Five things you must eat
- 01
Pad Mi Korat
Korat's own rice noodles stir-fried with palm sugar — the signature dish every local has a favourite shop for.
All over town - 02
Khanom Chin Pradok
Fresh rice vermicelli from the Pradok neighbourhood, eaten with fiery jungle curry and a full plate of greens.
Mueang - 03
Som Tam Korat
Halfway between the Thai and Lao styles — some shops toss in Korat noodles too.
Province-wide - 04
Isan Sausage & Mu Yo
The souvenirs that rarely survive the drive home.
Along Mittraphap Road - 05
Wang Nam Khiao Coffee & Salads
Some of Thailand's freshest air — and greens cut from the plot beside the café.
Wang Nam Khiao
The whole province, one map
332 pins, from the Good Goods of Korat programme by the Chamber of Commerce
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About Korat
Nakhon Ratchasima is the largest province in Thailand and holds more districts — 32 — than any other. Most people call it Korat. Drivers heading north-east tend to see only the gateway, and miss that one province holds a World Heritage forest, thousand-year-old Khmer sanctuaries, and cool highland air in the south.
No other province in Thailand holds all three UNESCO designations at once. A World Heritage Site, a Biosphere Reserve and a Global Geopark, all inside the same province.
This site gathers attractions, suggested routes, local specialities and provincial events in one place. Place data comes from the Tourism Authority of Thailand; events come from the organisers themselves.
Before you go
Are Korat and Nakhon Ratchasima the same place?
They are. Nakhon Ratchasima is the official name; Korat is what nearly everyone says, locals included. Both refer to the same province.
How many days do I need in Korat?
Two days covers the city and Phimai. Add Khao Yai or Wang Nam Khiao and you want three, because Phimai lies north of the city while both of those are south — opposite directions from the same base.
When is the best time of year to visit?
November to February is cool and dry — the easiest stretch for hiking and camping. The rains, roughly June to October, are when the waterfalls in Khao Yai are actually running.
What is UNESCO-listed in Korat?
Three sites — Khao Yai National Park as a Natural World Heritage Site, the Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, and the Khorat UNESCO Global Geopark. Nakhon Ratchasima is the only Thai province with all three designations.
Can I visit Korat without a car?
In the city, easily — trains and buses run from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima. Outside it, Khao Yai, Phimai and Wang Nam Khiao sit far apart, and renting or chartering a car buys back most of a day.
What should I eat in Korat?
Phat mi Korat is the dish the province is known for — chewy rice noodles, leaning sweet. Beyond it: khanom chin Pradok, Korat-style som tam, and the Isan sausage and mu yo you can buy to take home anywhere in the province.
Supported by
Organizations across Nakhon Ratchasima driving VISIT KORAT
Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau
Rajamangala University of Technology Isan
Nakhonratchasima Digital Association
Nakhon Ratchasima Tourism & Sports Office
Nakhonratchasima Chamber of Commerce
Nakhon Ratchasima Province