NAKHON RATCHASIMA
and the Khmer Temples

The city of various Khmer ruins and the famous statue of Khun Ying Mo named Nakhon Ratclusima or commonly known as "Korat" is situated on a plateau, about 260 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. The city itself sexes as the Gateway to the Northeastern Region.

Prasat Hin Phimai
is the largest sandstone sanctuary in Thailand almost situated in the center of Phimai Ancient city which carries a rectangular shape of 665 meters wide and 1,030 meters long. The Sanctuary has been magnificently restored and renovated ruins and has been preserved as a National Historical Park.

The principal sanctuary is a tower (Prasat) surrounded by four porches with an ante-chamber leading into each porch. On the terraces of the pyramidal roof, which is supported by Garudas, guardian figures, are interspersed with Nagas. Of special interest is a carved stone door – lintel depicting a divine figure, dressed in an elephant skin worn upside down, who dances on a pair of prostrate figures, on either side of this figure are rows of seated Buddha images dressed in royal attire, while below them are rows of dancing celestial figures.

Other Khmer ruins within Nakhon Ratchasima include Prasat Hin Phanom. Wan located about 20 kilometers from town, Prasat Hin Nang Ram some 80 kilometers northeast of Khorat in Amphoe Prathai, Prang Ban Ku , all of which are similar to Phimai ruins, somewhat smaller.

Buri Ram,
known as the City of Pleasantness, is one of the largest and most populated provinces in I-san. About 410 km from Bangkok, it has a number of leading attractions, including the Prasat Hin Phanom Rung

Phanom Rung Historical Park
is located between Amphoe Nang Rong and Amphoe Prakhon Chai at the right-turn on Km. 83-84 of Highway No. 24 and twelve kilometers further on, The well-known Prasat Hin Phanom Rung is on the top of the Phanom Rung Mount. It is a walled-in enclosure, with both the door frames and walls carved in beautiful designs of Lopburi Period style with Khmer influence. It is thought that it was originally built as an idol temple according to Brahminic belief. Within the Prasat, or castle, is a throne hall built in the 12th century A.D. The beauty of the main prang of Phanom Rung lies not only in its plan, but in the vibrant stone carvings which cover large parts of the temple. Many lintels and pediments depict episodes from Indian texts such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas.

SURIN
Surin Elephant Show is held in the third weekend of November. Internationally famous, this annual event brings crowds of visitors to the provincial capital of Surin, where over 100 trained elephants are assembled. Among the spectacular features are wild elephant hunts, tugs of war, demonstrations of log hauling skills, and a parade of elephants outfitted for medieval warfare.

Hotel :
Rachaphruk Grand Hotel