About
Nakhon Ratchasima, known locally as Korat, is a city in northeastern Thailand and the usual gateway to the Isaan region. It sits in Southeast Asia's Thailand, and for many travellers it is the first place where the country's northeast begins to feel distinct from the better-known south and centre.
A city with a long past
The city's cultural heritage is said to span more than a thousand years, and that history is visible in the places around it. The most rewarding of these is Phimai Historical Park, a short trip away, where ancient Khmer ruins stand as a reminder of the civilisation that once spread across this part of the region. Visitors interested in old stone architecture and quiet archaeological sites will find the park a good reason to make the journey.
Food, craft and everyday life
Korat is also a place to eat well. Authentic Isaan cuisine, with its bold, fresh and often spicy flavours, is central to the local table, and eating at a simple neighbourhood restaurant is one of the easiest ways to understand the area. Traditional silk weaving villages in the surrounding countryside offer another window into local life, where skilled hands still produce textiles in the ways of earlier generations.
Old and new side by side
What gives the city its character is the balance between modern urban life and deep-rooted tradition. Streets carry the rhythm of a working regional centre, while temples, markets and craft villages keep older customs close at hand. A visit suits travellers who want to see Thailand beyond its most famous destinations, combining a little history, good food and time among local craftspeople.
