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Welcome to Korat or Nakhon Ratchasima. This ancient city is not only the largest province in Thailand in terms of area, but also a gateway to Northeastern Thailand. I will show you how Korat is a great place to learn about rich cultural heritage. Please follow me.

Korat was founded by King Narai The Great in 1656 during Ayudhaya period. One of the traces we can see nowadays is the city gate called Chumphon Gate or Pratu Chumphon. This morning, it is an auspicious time for me to pay respect to a statue of Thao Suranaree or Ya Mo, which is located next to Chumphon Gate, in the city centre.

Located in the heart of Korat City, Wat Phra Narai Maharat is one of the 6 temples built at the time that the city was founded. It used to be called ‘Wat Klang”, meaning Central temple due to its location. The statue of Ya Mo was located here before being moved to Chumphon Gate in 1934.

Built in 1679, Wat Boon is located to the east of the city walls. The temple name ‘Boon’ comes from ‘Burapa’, meaning ‘The East’. 14 ancient Khoi books or Samut Khoi are well preserved in perfect conditions here. Khoi books are a type of folding book manuscript widely used in many Asian countries in which Buddhism is main religion including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. Three of the Khoi books contain gorgeous Thai paintings telling the story of the previous lives of the Lord Buddha as known as the Ten Jataka Tales.

In the same area, we will find Kuti Noi, an ancient Thai house with unique architecture that cannot be found anywhere else in Thailand.

Half of Ya Mo’s ashes are embedded in a small stupa here and the other half are at her main statue in the city centre. The temple's award-winning ordination hall from the Siam Architects Society was built in 1967. It holds a large gleaming-white Buddha image in 'calming the ocean' posture.

Next, we’re heading to Phimai Historical Park which is an hour drive from Korat city centre. The ancient city of Phimai dates back to around 1,000 years ago or since the time of the ancient Khmer Empire. Now, the place is under a good care of Thailand’s Fine Arts Department.

When I enter the park, I feel something similar to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. It is a classic example of Khmer architecture. The architects at that time were best known for using sandstones over the traditional bricks and laterite architectures. The temple was built to resemble the universe. There are many lotus-shaped roofs representing Mount Meru.

I love the wooden walkways built for visitors. They are beautifully blended with this historical site and easy to walk on.

From Phimai, we are going to Pak Chong to find a compilation of colonial and traditional houses which have been bought from various regions of Thailand and restored to their original beauty. I have a chance to meet the owner of today – Khun Oak, Athada Khoman – who will tour me around this amazing place, Villa Musée.

Khun Oak would like to showcase this place as a “living museum” which will serve not only as a place for learning and admiring objects of the past, but also as a place to be lived in and to experience the bygone era.

Khun Oak has a genuine interest in Thai history, especially that of the Rattanakosin period. You will find furniture, antiques, books, and photographs not only of Thai origin but also Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Burmese, and European.

This is a place where we can hold special events such as exhibitions and wedding receptions or simply stay in one of the exclusive accommodations surrounded by the beautiful great mountains of Khao Yai.

There are still more Amazing stories from Korat. Click the links below the video to discover more. Wish you a great trip to Korat MICE City!

#Korat #NakhonRatchasima
#โคราช #นครราชสีมา
#AmazingThailand

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