 |
Phimai historical park |
| Nakhon
Ratchasima, also known as Khorat, is located 250 km from
Bangkok and serves as the gateway to the Northeast. As
such, the town has become an important transportation
hub; this is where the roads and train lines from Udon,
Ubon, and Bangkok meet Khorat Province is famous for its
pottery and silk, sold in shops around the town. |
|
| |
| The
main focal point of the town is the Suranari memorial
shrine, built in honour of a courageous woman who led
locals against a Lao invasion. Here, one can also see
renditions of the traditional Khorat folk song usually
performed by singers hired by those whose wishes have
been granted by Suranari's spirit. |
| |
| Just
60 km northeast of Khorat is Phrasat
Hin Phimai, an Angkor period Khmer shrine. The
temple, which predates the Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia,
was originally begun in the 10 th century when much of
northeastern Thailand was part of the Khmer empire. The
lintels of the main prang are particularly impressive
and depict scenes from the Ramayana epic as well
as Hindu deities. Other examples of Khmer sculpture can
be found in Phimai's open air museum. |
| |
| Khao
Yai National Park, established in 1961, was Thailand's
first national park. With five different vegetation zones,
the park contains some of the most striking scenery in
the country. The natural environment of thickly forested
hillsides, rushing streams, and cascading waterfalls provides
a haven for numerous species of flora and fauna including
elephants, bears, tigers, leopards, and tropical birds.
In recognition of its unique natural character, Khao Yai
has recently been declared a World Heritage Park. |
| |
|
|
|
