House of Phraya Kamthon Phayapthit
Attraction in 379 ถนนอัษฎางค์ Tambon Nai Mueang.
Thailand
Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)
CityCulture
Nakhon Ratchasima, commonly known as Korat, is one of the largest cities in Isan and, for travellers, primarily the gateway to the region. It lies beyond the ascent to the Khorat Plateau and is well-connected by train, bus, and road.
by Felix Gillen
Nakhon Ratchasima, commonly known as Korat, is one of the largest cities in Isan and, for travellers, primarily the gateway to the region. It lies beyond the ascent to the Khorat Plateau and is well-connected by train, bus, and road.From the historic city centre, parts of the city wall, the moat, and the Chumphon Gate are preserved. In front of it stands the Thao Suranari Monument, dedicated to a local heroine who is said to have organised resistance against troops from Vientiane in 1826. Here, she is honoured daily with flowers, incense sticks, and music.Korat is a good starting point for excursions: northeast to the Khmer complex Phimai, southwest to Khao Yai National Park. South of town, Dan Kwian village produces ceramics from iron-rich clay.Culinarily, the city is known for Pad Mi Korat, fried rice noodles. The easiest way to try them is at the night markets in the centre.
Sights in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Wat Sala Loi
The Ubosot of this temple is built as a ship, with a hull in the shape of a Chinese junk and a facade made of ceramic tiles from Dan Kwian. The complex dates back to Thao Suranari and her husband; within the grounds stands a Chedi that preserves their ashes. The modern structure dates from the 1970s.
Maha-Wirawong National Museum
Small regional museum on the grounds of Wat Sutthachinda, showcasing Khmer sculptures, lintels, and artifacts from the surrounding area. It's easily explored in an hour and offers good preparation before heading to Phimai.
Wat Phra Narai Maharat
City temple in the historic core, named after a Vishnu figure (Phra Narai) of sandstone from the Khmer era, worshipped here. The present-day buildings are more recent; the complex is an everyday temple with continuous activity.
Essen & Trinken
Essen und Trinken
Korat kocht an der Nahtstelle zweier Küchen: Isan-Gerichte mit Klebreis, Grillfleisch und Chili treffen auf zentralthailändische Milde und eine ausgeprägte sino-thailändische Nudelkultur. Ein Gericht trägt den Namen der Stadt und wird hier anders gemacht als überall sonst.
Pad Mi Korat
Gebratene Reisnudeln mit einer Soßenbasis aus Palmzucker, Tamarinde und Sojasauce, dazu Sojasprossen und Schnittlauch. Süßer und dunkler als Pad Thai und das Gericht, das man mit der Stadt verbindet.
Larb und Nam Tok
Fleischsalate mit gerösteten Reiskörnern, Minze und Limette — Larb aus gehacktem, Nam Tok aus gegrilltem und geschnittenem Fleisch. Beide werden lauwarm mit Klebreis gegessen.
Som Tum
Papayasalat, in Korat häufig etwas milder abgestimmt als weiter nördlich im Isan. Wenn du es scharf willst, musst du das hier ausdrücklich sagen.
Kuai Tiao Mu
Schweinefleisch-Nudelsuppe, die Grundlage der Nudelshops im Zentrum. Morgens und mittags geöffnet, mild, günstig und die verlässlichste Wahl, wenn dir Chili zu viel wird.
Sai Krok Isan
Kurze, saure Reiswürste, fermentiert und dann gegrillt, dazu rohe Chilis, Ingwer und Kohl. An den Marktständen überall zu finden.
Nachtmärkte im Zentrum
Am Abend bauen im Stadtkern Garküchen und Stände auf: Grillspieße, Papayasalat, Nudeln, Rotis und Säfte. Der einfachste Ort, um sich durch die regionale Küche zu probieren, ohne eine Karte zu brauchen.
Culture and History
Korat was for a long time the gateway between central Siam and the Northeast. In its current form, the city developed in the 17th century under Ayutthaya as a fortified outpost with a wall, moat, and four gates. Only the Chumphon Gate remains in its original state.The defining figure is Thao Suranari, known as Ya Mo in everyday life. According to tradition, in 1826 she organized resistance against the troops from Vientiane who had occupied the city. In her honor, a city festival takes place every year from late March to early April. Her ashes rest in a Chedi in the Wat Sala Loi temple.In Korat, a distinct dialect is spoken, blending Central Thai and Isan. The province is home to numerous Khmer-era sites, with artifacts displayed at the Maha-Wirawong National Museum.Artisanally, the province is known for Dan Kwian pottery with its rust-brown surface and for hand-woven silk.
Exploring locally
The historic core is walkable: From Chumphon Gate, it's just minutes to the monument, temples, and museum. Otherwise, the city is car-centric.Songthaews run on numbered lines; if unsure, ask if it goes to your destination. Motorcycle taxis, tuk-tuks, and ride-hailing apps are also available.Phimai is reachable by bus or minibus from the bus station in about 90 minutes. For Khao Yai and Dan Kwian, a rental car or driver is more practical.Korat is on the railway line from Bangkok to Isan, with connections to Ubon Ratchathani and Nong Khai. Buses run from two terminals; the larger is outside the center. Scheduled flights are few, so plan by train or bus. By car, allow about three to four hours from Bangkok.
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