Sai Ngam

Sai Ngam Phimai, the beauty of ancient banyan trees along the Mun River

Honestly, mr.hotsia only got to know this “Sai Ngam” when arriving at Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, about 60 kilometers from Korat city center. It is not a famous tourist spot like other well-known places in Korat such as Phimai Historical Park, which I have written about before (Read travel info about Phimai Historical Park) or Wang Nam Kiew, which is increasingly popular (See story about Wang Nam Kiew) but Sai Ngam has its own unique charm that anyone visiting Korat and stopping by Phimai should definitely not miss.

Many might confuse the name Sai Ngam because it sounds similar to Sai Thong National Park in Chaiyaphum Province and mistakenly think Sai Ngam is a national park. Actually, it is not. Sai Ngam is a tourist spot with a long history and reputation spanning hundreds of years but is still rarely mentioned. It is a peaceful and interesting place for those who want to experience nature and local culture deeply.

Atmosphere and history of Sai Ngam

Sai Ngam is located on the banks of the Mun River near Phimai Dam, close to the junction before crossing the Tha Songkran Bridge into Phimai District, about 2 kilometers from the dam. This area is full of large banyan trees, including a mother tree nearly 350 years old! This banyan tree spreads its branches in many directions with numerous aerial roots, forming many intertwined banyan trees over an area of about 15,000 square feet. It can be described as a small banyan forest providing natural shade and tranquility.

What I like most is the history here. It was recorded that during King Rama V’s reign, Queen Saovabha Phongsri visited Phimai on January 21, 1911, and bestowed the name “Sai Ngam” on this place, reflecting the importance and beauty recognized by people of that time. Although many years have passed, the beauty of these banyan trees still impresses visitors.

Travel and exploring around Sai Ngam

For those with private cars, traveling from Korat to Phimai and Sai Ngam is straightforward. I drove to Korat in the afternoon, then continued about 1 hour to Phimai District. Upon arrival, before crossing the Tha Songkran Bridge, there is a junction to Phimai Dam where Sai Ngam is located. If you don’t drive, you can take a bus from Bangkok to Korat, then transfer to a local bus (Por 2) to Phimai easily, with buses departing every 20 minutes—very convenient.

After exploring the banyan trees at Sai Ngam, I recommend visiting Phimai Evening Market. This local market offers a close-up experience of Phimai’s local food, goods, and lifestyle (Watch video of Phimai Evening Market). The market is full of interesting local dishes, especially Phimai Pad Mee, also known as Korat-style stir-fried noodles, which I tried myself. The noodles are chewy, soft, and flavorful, comparable to Chan noodle dishes.

Must-try delicious food in Phimai

Speaking of food, if you come to Sai Ngam, don’t forget to try Phimai Pad Mee at several nearby restaurants, each with its own recipe. The noodles are chewy and blend well with the fragrant spices and fresh vegetables. There are also small souvenir shops to buy local products. I often buy Pad Mee to take back to my hotel. For those wanting a deeper taste of Phimai’s lifestyle, I recommend trying “Yam Mae Peng,” a spicy salad made with female red ants, offering a bold and unique flavor.

Connecting your Korat trip around Sai Ngam

If you have more time, Korat has many attractions worth visiting, such as Phimai Historical Park with its long history and beautiful architecture (Read travel info about Phimai Historical Park) or if you enjoy nature and cool weather, you can drive to Wang Nam Kiew, which has a pleasant climate year-round and many resorts to choose from (Story about Wang Nam Kiew). For those who prefer a big city atmosphere and cultural experiences in Korat city, don’t forget to visit the Ya Mo Monument and Chumphon Gate. Visiting Sai Ngam allows you to plan a continuous trip covering all styles of Korat tourism.

Summary of mr.hotsia’s impression of Sai Ngam

For me, mr.hotsia, Sai Ngam is a captivating spot where you can experience the peacefulness and shade of ancient banyan trees with magnificent branches and aerial roots, the quiet atmosphere along the Mun River, and a feeling of stepping back over 100 years when royalty once visited. Plus, you get to taste the delicious local Phimai Pad Mee that’s worth sharing.

If you plan to visit Korat and enjoy deep cultural experiences, I recommend adding Sai Ngam to your list. I believe you will have a unique and memorable experience comparable to other tourist spots in the province.