Also know as Khorat, Nakhon Ratchasima is the gateway to Thailand’s northeast region-known as I-san in Thai-a largely rural area and the least
changed part of the country. The province has a long recorded history and during the pre-Thai period was an important outpost of the
ancient Khmer civilization centred on Angkor, in Cambodia. The largest and finest of several Khmer sites in the area is Phimai, an 11th
century temple complex that has been well restored. Besides places of historical and cultural interest, Nakhon Ratchasima is also home to
vast tracts of Khao Yai National Park, ranked as one of the country’s finest nature preserves and featuring a great diversity of habitats from
evergreen rainforest to savannah.
•Udon Thani :
Udon Thani is a busy communications and transportation hub and provides ready access to the surrounding provinces of Khon Khan to the south,
and Nong Khai in the north. The province’s biggest attraction for the traveler, however, is the prehistoric site of Ban Chiang where, in the 1970s,
archaeological finds yielded evidence of a civilization dating back more than 4,000 years. Examples of the finds, including skeletons, tools and
distinctively patterned pottery, can be seen in excavation pits that have been left open at the site and which give a good insight into the thrill
of archaeological discovery.
•Nong Khai :
Stretched out along the banks of the Mekong River, opposite the Laotian capital of Vientiane, Nong Khai is an attractive province, fascinating
for its river views. At Nong Khai town the Mekong is spanned by the 1,190-metre Friendship Bridge, opened in 1994, and the charming little
provincial capital, distinguished by a handful of fine temples, serves as a gateway to Laos, as well as being an extremely pleasant spot in its
own right.
•Surin :
For most of the year, Surin is a place of deep rural tranquility, but in late November the provincial capital comes fabulously alive as it hosts
the annual Elephant Round-Up. This exiting and colourful spectacle celebrates the remarkable role elephants have played in Thai history and the
development of the country. It’s a most special occasion and not to be missed.
•Khon Kaen :
Renowed for its I-san food and its hand-woven silk, Khon Kaen lies in the heart of the Northeast. The provincial capital is a large modern city,
where a good choice of hotels and restaurants make it an extremely inviting place for a stopover en route to other destinations to the north
and east.
