Korat Travel Information

Travel to Korat with Mr.Hotsia

Korat, or Nakhon Ratchasima Province, is a large city that requires several days to explore fully. The last time I, Mr.Hotsia, drove into Korat in the late afternoon, I must say it was not easy to find my way to the Ya Mo Monument, which is a symbol and sacred landmark of the city. I believe that in every city I visit, I never miss paying respects to the local sacred sites first, and Korat is no different. Besides the Ya Mo Monument, I also had the chance to pay respects at the “Rod Pratu Chumphon,” which is said that anyone who passes through this gate will become a son-in-law of Korat. So I definitely didn’t miss it.

Korat is not just a big city but a city full of stories.

Nakhon Ratchasima has many districts, from Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Buri, Soeng Sang, Khong, Ban Lueam, Chakkarat, Chok Chai, Dan Khun Thot, to Phimai and Pak Chong. Each district has its own charm and unique attractions. For this trip, I haven’t fully explored Korat city itself because I wanted to visit the outskirts first, such as Wang Nam Khiao, Khao Yai, and Palio Pak Chong, which are must-try destinations. And of course, I didn’t miss having steak at the famous Chokchai Steakhouse, renowned for its quality beef and impressive farm-style atmosphere.Read more about Chokchai Steak

Stop by Phimai Historical Park, a heritage site you must visit

When talking about Korat, it’s impossible not to mentionPhimai Historical ParkI, Mr.Hotsia, really enjoyed walking around this ancient castle, which is over a hundred years older than Angkor Wat. It’s located in Phimai District, about 60 kilometers from Korat city. The journey is easy, and if you have time to stay overnight in Phimai, I recommend staying at “Phimai Paradise Apartment,” which is clean, has Wi-Fi, and is reasonably priced.

After touring the castle and experiencing history, I also had the chance to stroll through the Phimai evening market, tasting local delicacies like the famous Phimai-style stir-fried noodles and fried sticky rice, as well as “Yam Mae Peng,” a dish that might confuse those who haven’t tried it before because it uses female red ants, but it’s truly delicious. To get to know Phimai more deeply, I recommend chatting with the locals, who speak with a charming accent and have an interesting way of life.Read the story of Sai Ngam, PhimaiAnother interesting natural attraction if you have time

Wang Nam Khiao and Khao Yai: Destinations for nature lovers and cool weather

After exploring Korat city, I drove to Wang Nam Khiao, a destination I, Mr.Hotsia, really like because of its cool weather all year round. It’s known as one of the best ozone areas in the world. Although Wang Nam Khiao is partly in Prachinburi Province and partly in Nakhon Ratchasima, the Korat side offers many beautiful accommodations and resorts. For those who want a quiet and nature-close retreat, I recommend visiting in the winter when everything is ready, accommodations are open, and flowers are in full bloom.Read more about Wang Nam Khiao

From Wang Nam Khiao, I continued driving to Khao Yai and stopped atPalio Pak Chongwhich is a European-style shopping and photo spot on the mountain. It’s a great place for photography and relaxation before heading back, or just enjoying a leisurely coffee.

Food is a big deal in Korat: Korat stir-fried noodles and local dishes you must try

Speaking of Korat, we must talk about its unique food. Korat stir-fried noodles or Phimai stir-fried noodles are dishes I, Mr.Hotsia, have tried many times, both at Phimai market and restaurants on the outskirts of Korat. The flavor is rich, fragrant with spices and local herbs made by the locals. It’s so delicious that I have to recommend it.

Besides stir-fried noodles, the Phimai evening market offers many interesting snacks and local foods, such as fried sticky rice and “Yam Mae Peng,” which I have never encountered anywhere else. Walking through the market, tasting food, and chatting with locals truly gives a sense of Korat’s way of life.

Travel and accommodation tips in Korat

For those planning to visit Korat and its surroundings, I, Mr.Hotsia, strongly recommend booking accommodations online in advance because prices are cheaper than walk-in, and you can be sure there is a place to stay, especially during peak seasons like winter or festivals.

If you have limited time, Phimai District is easy to visit as a day trip from Korat. But if you have more time, you should allocate time to explore Korat city and the surrounding districts because each place has its own charm and unique stories, such as Dan Khun Thot, Chok Chai, Pak Thong Chai, or even Soeng Sang, which I plan to revisit.

Summary of Mr.Hotsia’s Korat trip

Korat is a big city that I, Mr.Hotsia, have fallen in love with for its diversity—from the ancient Phimai Historical Park, charming local markets, the cool climate of Wang Nam Khiao, the modern attractions of Khao Yai like Palio, to local dishes you must try like Korat and Phimai stir-fried noodles. Traveling in Korat requires some patience with parking and traffic, but it’s definitely worth it. This trip, I focused on the outskirts; next time, I plan to leave the car behind and explore Korat city fully by foot, day and night.

Leaving Korat for now, I will come back to share more stories again.
Mr.Hotsia, April 2012