 Nakhon
Ratchasima, or “Khorat,” is a large province on the northeastern
plateau and is like the gateway to other provinces in the Northeast. It is 259
kilometres from Bangkok and has an area of around 20,494 square kilometres. The
province is rich in Khmer culture and has a long history. It is famous for the
highly revered Khun Ying Mo (Ya Mo) statue in the middle of town. It also has
beautiful nature, with many forests, mountains, waterfalls, and reservoirs. Furthermore,
it is well known for a variety of quality handicrafts that visitors can choose
from, particularly the popular clay pottery products of Dan Kwian.
Nakhon
Ratchasima used to be the site of several ancient prehistoric communities that
continued to grow when the Dvaravati culture came in and later when the Khmer
culture replaced it. An important prehistoric site is Ban Prasat. Traces of Dvaravati
and Khmer cultures are scattered throughout the province, particularly at Amphoe
Sung Noen and Amphoe Phimai. Nakhon Ratchasima has been a key city since ancient
times as an administration centre. It was responsible for many northeastern cities
in the past. Even now, its status has remained unchanged in that it is the Northeast’s
main transportation hub and economic centre.
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