Korat Travel

Best time to visit

Nakhon Ratchasima has a tropical wet and dry climate. There are three seasons:

• The cool dry season from late November till February with temperatures in December averaging around 17 Celsius at night time and going up to around 30 Celsius during daytime with clear sunny skies. The humidity is low then.
• The hot dry season from March till May can see daytime temperatures in the mid 30s to 40.
• The rainy season from June to October has daytime temperatures 30 - 35 with night-time temperatures 20 - 25. Typically the humidity level is high.

The best time for visiting or vacationing in Korat is therefore the cool season November till February. Though most festivals like Thao Suranaree Fair, Songkhran and Khao Pansa are in the hot season, Loi Krathong, Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year can be celebrated in enjoyable weather. Jim Thompson Farm in Pak Thong Chai has its annual Art on the Farm festival always around New Year. In Khao Yai and Tap Lan national parks you can enjoy Flowers in blossom.

The rainy season is hardly time to enjoy Korat as visitor, since flash floods  endanger outdoor activities like hiking, and photographs hardly turn out well, when you can't even see the sky.

Check the below table for the general idea of Korat weather throughout the year.

Korat’s current weather and 7-day forecast

NAKHON RATCHASIMA WEATHER

Nakhon Ratchasima is Thailand’s biggest province. Located in Northeast Thailand, it’s one of Isan’s closest provinces to Bangkok. There are many attractions to suit all tastes and interests, from temples and museums to national parks and quirky places of interest. Planning a trip to Nakhon Ratchasima? Add these 10 attractions to your must-visit list.

Phimai Historical Park

One of the biggest and most-impressive Khmer-era ruined complexes in Thailand, Phimai Historical Park provides a captivating look into the past. Located right in the centre of Phimai town, the large site is surrounded by what remains of the walls, deep foundations, and moats. Inside, there are large courtyards with a number of halls, ponds, and towers. Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, it is thought that the site was mainly dedicated to Buddhism, as that was the area’s main religion. You can see influences from Hinduism too, the religion of the Khmers in the past. The glorious ruins are located at one end of an ancient highway that used to run all the way to the Angkor capital (now Siem Reap).

Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park was Thailand’s first national park and it remains one of the most popular for international and domestic travellers. It is named after the area’s main mountain; Khao Yai means “Big Mountain” in Thai. Within the park, you’ll find well-paved roads and diverse hiking trails to suit all levels of hiking enthusiasts. There are a few campsites if you want to enjoy the great outdoors for longer. The mountainous terrain boasts a number of picturesque waterfalls, such as Heaw Suwat and Heaw Narok, and there are several viewpoints throughout the park that provide glorious vistas over the surrounding areas. Diverse creatures live in the national park, including magnificent elephants, bears, gibbons, monkeys, and deer, and there are many species of birds, insects, and reptiles too. Interesting plants, trees, and flowers grow throughout the park.

Wat Ban Rai

One of the more unusual temples in Thailand, Wat Ban Rai can be found in Dan Khun Thot District. The temple looks much like many other Thai temples when you first enter the grounds, but the real beauty lies towards the rear of the site. A large ceramic-covered shrine in the form of an elephant takes pride of place over the water, with a walkway flanked by two dazzling naga statues. No two parts of the shrine’s outer walls are the same, with scenes of the Lord Buddha’s life and religious symbolism created from tiles and mosaics. There are colourful statues around the building and even the toilet buildings, topped with mermaid-like statues in pink and blue, are stunning. Step inside to see thought-provoking and eye-catching artwork and climb to the top to see a golden statue of the former abbot while admiring the views.

Mister Mushroom

One of Nakhon Ratchasima’s more whimsical and quirky attractions, Mister Mushroom is a farm in Wang Nam Khiao District. Visitors can learn more about the mushroom-growing processes, seeing the conditions needed for different types of the edible fungus to flourish. See mushrooms of all sizes, shapes, and colours, some growing out of bags, some in pots, and others in glass tanks. There are many delightful statues to add to the interest and the farm even has its own catchy song … all about mushrooms, naturally! There’s a large onsite shop where you can buy anything and everything related to mushrooms, including mushroom-themed souvenirs, mushroom paste, mushroom sauce, and an array of mushroom-flavoured treats. How about some mushroom fries or mushroom ice cream?

Wat Dhammachakra Sema Ram

Visit Nakhon Ratchasima’s district of Sung Noen to see a piece of religious history; the town’s Wat Dhammachakra Sema Ram is home to Thailand’s oldest reclining Buddha statue. Made from sandstone, the ancient statue is thought to be around 1,300 years old! Unlike many of the nation’s Buddha statues, it hasn’t been covered with plaster, stucco, or gold, so it really looks its age. Its size is impressive too, with the statue stretching for more than 13 metres. The temple, also known locally as Wat Phra Non (Temple of the Sleeping Buddha), also contains other interesting statues, both ancient and from more modern times.

Lam Takhong Dam

Lam Takhong Dam was built in 1974 to store water and aid with irrigation of surrounding farmlands. Since 2002, its water has also been used to power Thailand’s first pumped storage power plant. Located in Sikhio District, it’s also a popular place for leisure and relaxation. People come to admire the beautiful views and unwind alongside the water. A number of vendors sell refreshments and popular Thai dishes and snacks.

Wat Sala Loi

Wat Sala Loi is in Nakhon Ratchasima city. One of the city’s main temples, it dates back to the early 1800s. Local legends say that it was built by a heroine from the city, and there is a statue of the revered lady, Thao Suranari, on the grounds. The most striking feature is the ordination hall, which was built to look like a traditional Chinese sailing junk. The principal Buddha image is, fittingly, in the position of “calming the ocean”. Locally made pottery decorates the temple’s buildings and there are interesting shrines and statues throughout the complex. The pond offers a peaceful place to sit deep in thought.

Thongsomboon Club

A family-friendly attraction in Pak Chong, Thongsomboon Club is an exciting adventure park with a Wild West theme. On entering the park, the buildings have been designed to resemble those found in the American lands of Cowboys and Indians from times gone by. The diverse rides and activities are split between two levels, connected by an old-fashioned steam train. The rural views from the train’s carriages are scenic, and you can also soak up splendid vistas from the ski lift. The flying fox, dry sledge, go karts, zorb balls, ATVs and log flume provide an adrenaline boost, while the luge, bumper boats, and buggies can be as thrilling or as sedate as you want them to be. Pit your wits against your family and friends in the BB Gun field and laser tag area, try your hand at horse riding, and watch entertaining shows. Don’t want the fun to end? You can book one of the park’s cool accommodations, including wigwams, wagons, caravans, and chalets.

Korat Fossil Museum

Korat Fossil Museum is a must for anyone interested in natural history. Located in the provincial capital, the museum is actually a collection of several museums dedicated to different themes. There’s a garden with many interesting pieces of petrified wood, some of which almost look like gemstones. The main part of the museum exhibits fossils that have been found all around Northeast Thailand. A separate area is dedicated to elephant fossils, bones, and remains, because of the huge number of ancient elephant fossils that have been found in the area. Nakhon Ratchasima and surrounding areas were also once prime stomping grounds for dinosaurs. The museum has a comprehensive collection of dinosaur fossils and bones discovered in Isan. The museum aims to be educational as well as interesting, and there are video explanations as well as information boards in both English and Thai.

Jim Thompson Farm

Combining nature and culture with a dash of mystery and intrigue, Jim Thompson Farm is a great family-friendly eco-attraction in Nakhon Ratchasima. Many people have heard of Jim Thompson, the American expert in Thai silk who disappeared without a trace when walking in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. The farm tells the story of Mr. Thompson and provides insights into the production of delicate Thai silk. Silk worms and weaving looms aren’t all you’ll see here, though; the large farm has an organic vegetable and herb garden where you can pick your own fresh produce, an impressive field of giant pumpkins, a maze, many flowers in all colours of the rainbow, a gift shop, and more.

Budget options

Hop Inn Nakhon Ratchasima 

Add: 624 Suebsiri Road, Nai Mueang Sub District, Mueang, 30000 Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Hop Inn Nakhon Ratchasima is located in Nakhon Ratchasima. Free WiFi access is available.

Each room here will provide you with a flat-screen cable TV, air conditioning and a refrigerator. The en suite bathroom comes with a shower. You can enjoy city view from the room.

At Hop Inn Nakhon Ratchasima you will find a 24-hour front desk and a daily maid service. The property offers free public parking.

Local restaurants are a short drive away.

Sirin Boutique 

Add: 1113 Sueb Siri Road, 30000 Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Set in Nakhon Ratchasima, 5 km from The Mall Korat, Sirin Boutique offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and valet parking, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is allergy-free and is situated 7 km from Terminal 21 Korat.
All guest rooms at the hotel come with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a shower. All rooms at Sirin Boutique feature air conditioning and a desk.

A buffet breakfast is available every morning at the accommodation. 

Triton Place 

Add: 111/10 Soi Mittraphap 20/4, Pru Yai, Muang district, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand 
Triton Place offers accommodation in Nakhonratchasima.

Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV. Some rooms feature a seating area for your convenience. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom equipped with a shower.

There is a 24-hour front desk, a shared lounge, room service and shops at the property.

Mid-range options

Grand Ever 9 Condotel 

Add: 9/9 Soi Saothong. Mitraparp Rd., Naimuang, Muang, 30000 Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Located in Nakhon Ratchasima, Grand Ever 9 Condotel is a self-catering accommodation with free WiFi.
The apartment will provide you with a flat-screen cable TV, air conditioning and a sofa. There is a full a kitchenette with a microwave and a refrigerator. Featuring a shower, the private bathroom also comes with free toiletries and slippers. You can enjoy city view from the balcony.

At Grand Ever 9 Condotel you will find a restaurant that serves Thai cuisine and international favourites. Other facilities like a shared lounge and laundry services are offered. The property offers free parking.

Moonlight House 

Add: 224 Jomsurangyard Rd.Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Set in Nakhon Ratchasima, 1.6 km from Terminal 21 Korat, Moonlight House offers accommodation with free bikes, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is located less than 1 km from Thao Suranari Monument and 2.5 km from Nakhon Ratchasima Bus Terminal 2.

At the inn, each room comes with a balcony. At Moonlight House Nakhon Ratchasima all rooms are fitted with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV.

Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Nakhon Ratchasima, like cycling.

Leosor Hotel 

Add: 555 ถ.สุรนารี ต.ในเมือง อ.เมือง จ.นครราชสีมา, 30000 Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Set in Nakhon Ratchasima, 2.5 km from Terminal 21 Korat, Leosor Hotel offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking and a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can enjoy city views.

At the hotel, the rooms are equipped with a wardrobe. All guest rooms at Leosor Hotel feature air conditioning and a desk.

Buffet and à la carte breakfast options are available every morning at the accommodation.

City Park Hotel Korat 

Add: 555/55 Mittraphap Road, Nai Mueang, Mueang, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Situated in Nakhon Ratchasima, 1.1 km from The Mall Korat, City Park Hotel Korat features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking and a bar. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The accommodation provides karaoke and valet parking.

The rooms at the hotel are fitted with a seating area and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Guest rooms at City Park

Hotel Korat have air conditioning and a wardrobe.

The accommodation offers a buffet or à la carte breakfast.

Deluxe options

Aisana Hotel Korat 

Add: 149 soi king-sawairieng Tambol Naimuang Aumper muang, 30000 Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand 

Situated in Nakhon Ratchasima, less than 1 km from The Mall Korat, Aisana Hotel Korat features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar. Each accommodation at the 4-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a shared lounge and to a garden. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi.

The rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. At the hotel rooms come with a private bathroom with free toiletries.

Aisana Hotel Korat offers a buffet or à la carte breakfast.

The accommodation offers a terrace.

Romyen Garden Place 

Add: 168/9 Chomsurangyat Rd.,Nai Mueang,Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand 

Featuring a fitness centre, Romyen Garden Place offers self-catering accommodation in the centre of Nakhon Ratchasima. Free WiFi access is available.

Guests can dine on Thai, international and Japanese dishes at the on-site restaurant, which is open daily from 07:00 hrs to midnight. A 24-hour convenience store is also in front of the property.

Comfortable apartment-style accommodation comes with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a refrigerator. Some room types also come complete with a safety deposit box, a sofa and a kitchenette with a microwave. There is also a balcony. Free toiletries and shower facilities can be found in the en suite bathroom.

At Romyen Garden Place you will find free bicycles, a shared lounge and 24-hour front desk. Laundry facilities are also available. The property offers free parking.

The Beverly Hills Hotel 

Add: 1919 Soi 15, Dejudom Road T.Naimuang, A.Muang, 30000 Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Located in Nakhon Ratchasima, 3.9 km from Terminal 21 Korat, The Beverly Hills Hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, free bikes and an outdoor swimming pool. Among the various facilities of this property are a fitness centre, a shared lounge and a garden. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, room service and luggage storage for guests.

All units at the hotel include air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, blu-ray player, and a private bathroom with a hot tub, a hairdryer and free toiletries. All guest rooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle.

A à la carte breakfast is available daily at The Beverly Hills Hotel.

At the accommodation guests are welcome to take advantage of a Turkish bath, a sauna and a hot tub. Guests at The Beverly Hills Hotel will be able to enjoy activities in and around Nakhon Ratchasima, like cycling.

Fortune Rajpruek Hotel 

Add: 311 Mittaphap Tambon Naimuang, 30000 Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand 

Situated in Nakhon Ratchasima, 400 m from Terminal 21 Korat, Fortune Rajpruek Hotel features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Among the various facilities of this property are a bar, a shared lounge and a garden. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk and room service for guests.

All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. At the hotel the rooms include a wardrobe and a private bathroom.

An American breakfast is available each morning at Fortune Rajpruek Hotel.

Nakhon Ratchasima is a large and diverse province in Northeast Thailand. There are many great restaurants serving varied cuisine to keep hunger at bay as you explore. Here are 10 of Nakhon Ratchasima’s top places to eat.

The Great Hornbill Grill

The Great Hornbill Grill is a fancy restaurant at Khao Yai Winery in Pak Chong. Boasting glorious views of the mountains and rolling greenery, the country-style eatery serves Thai and Western food along with some interesting fusion dishes. Pork knuckle, steak, pizza, pad Thai, and massaman curry are just a few options to tempt you and, of course, there’s a great choice of locally produced wines to complement your meal. There are kid-friendly options too, and the whole family will love choosing one of the homemade desserts.

Fuji

A popular Japanese restaurant chain with branches in various parts of Thailand, Nakhon Ratchasima‘s branch can be found inside The Mall shopping centre in the heart of the city. Visitors can savour a wide selection of Japanese dishes, including sushi, sashimi, tempura, soups, noodles, and more. Many ingredients are imported for an authentic taste. Great service helps add to the positive dining experience, but try to avoid coming during peak times as you may have to wait for a table because it’s so popular!

Chez Andy

Located in the heart of Nakhon Ratchasima city, the provincial capital, Chez Andy has worked hard to satisfy customers and build up a solid reputation since 1998. Run by a Swiss chef and his Thai wife, it is now one of the best international restaurants in Northeast Thailand. From pizza, risotto, steak, and gnocchi to pasta, raclette, and schnitzel, there’s are many exciting choices. Leave space for some gelato or another sweet treat at the end of your meal too.

8 Bistro

8 Bistro is a classy and flashy eatery in downtown Nakhon Ratchasima. In addition to a wide selection of Thai and Western meals, the restaurant has a good choice of craft beers and wines. There’s often a live band in the evenings and there are both indoor and outdoor seating areas. Thai favourites include the soups of tom ka gai and tom yam gung, stir-fried pork with rice, and fried rice, while international options include various steaks and pasta dishes. It’s a popular place that gets busy, especially during weekends.

Papillon Restaurant

Located within the high-class U Khao Yai resort and close to Khao Yai National Park, Papillon Restaurant is a cosy and intimate French-style bistro with colourful interiors. There are buffet breakfasts and dinners if you’re not sure what you want and would like to try a variety of things, or you can order French and Thai a la carte options. The menu includes pad kra pow moo (stir-fried pork with holy basil), pork chop, baked corn chicken, and baked chorizo. Pastries, pies, and cakes satisfy any sugar cravings.

Lookkai

Lookkai is located in Pak Chong and is close to some of Nakhon Ratchasima’s top natural attractions. The Thai options include some local dishes from the Isan region and you’ll also find a selection of Western fare. The atmosphere is relaxed and there are pleasant views over the garden. Visit the small shop before you leave to pick up some homemade snacks, like rice cakes with various toppings, and fresh locally grown fruit.

Village Farm and Winery

A lovely place to eat and drink in Wang Nam Khiao, Village Farm and Winery has an attractive dining room with sturdy wooden furnishings and old barrels as decoration. It’s peaceful and relaxing and you can combine a tasty meal with a tour of the wine-making facilities and lush vineyards. You can almost taste the freshness of the countryside in the meals, which include Thai and European options. Naturally, there’s also a good selection of locally made wines to enjoy with your meal or to take away.

Unchan

Unchan is a terrific choice for fans of Thai food. Located in Pak Chong, you can admire the views from the roof terrace or dine indoors to escape the heat. Close to Khao Noi Public Park, it’s popular with both tourists and locals. The signature fish, fried with aromatic and flavourful herbs and spices, is highly recommended, and other options include stir-fried morning glory (pak bung), green curry, shrimp tom yam, pad Thai, shrimp glass-noodle salad, and spicy papaya salad (som tam).

PenLaos

See the influences of Laotian cuisine in Northeast Thailand at PenLaos, a lovely restaurant surrounded by nature in Pak Chong. Dishing up salads, soups, fish, vegetarian-friendly fare, stir-fried meats, fried rice, and more, there’s sure to be something to suit all tastes. You can ask for your food to be prepared not spicy if your stomach can’t handle the intense heat of authentic Thai/Laotian meals. Specific dishes include som tam, Lao spicy mushroom soup, snake head fish, grilled sea bass, and fried chicken.

Mingter Vegetarian

In Nakhon Ratchasima city centre, Mingter Vegetarian is a top choice for anyone who follows a plant-based diet. Open for more than two decades, the restaurant uses mock meats and vegetables to create tasty Chinese and Thai meals. There’s a good choice of buffet-style, ready-made dishes to tempt you; just load up your plate and a member of staff will calculate the (affordable) cost. Alternatively, you can have a dish freshly made if you want something in particular.

Get in

By car

There are three routes to take from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima.

•    First Route: Take Hwy 1 (Phahonyothin) passing Don Muang Airport, Wang Noi, and Nong Khae till you arrive at the Saraburi interchange. At Saraburi, turn right along Hwy 2 (Mittraphap Hwy) which finally leads to Nakhon Ratchasima. The total distance of this route is 259 km.

•    Second Route: This alternative route is a little longer in distance but passes some interesting places. Take Hwy 304 via Min Buri, Chachoengsao, Phanom Sarakham, Kabin Buri, Wang Nam Khiao, and Pak Thong Chai to Nakhon Ratchasima. The total distance is 273 km.

•    Third Route: Take Hwy 305 passing Thanyaburi, Ongkharak to Nakhon Nayok. From Nakhon Nayok, turn right on to Hwy 33 to Kabin Buri and then turn left along Hwy 304 passing Wang Nam Khiao and Pak Thong Chai to Nakhon Ratchasima.

By bus

There are two main bus stations in Korat. The new bus station ("bok kor sor mai") is the larger of the two and is just to the north of the city centre, beyond Big C on the Korat to Khon Kaen stretch of Mittraphap Rd. The old bus station ("bok kor sor gow") is within the city centre on Burin Rd between Suranaree Rd and Mittraphap.

So, assuming you are in Bangkok, just head to Mo Chit Northern/Northeastern Bus Terminal. No need to consult a timetable: buses leave Bangkok for Korat several times an hour 24 hours a day. Go to the top floor of the terminal building and buy your ticket at window 40, 49, 50, 52, or 53.

•    Window 40 and 49 - Ratchasima Tour. Direct 24 hour service. Window 40 for the old bus station and window 49 for the new bus station.

•    Window 50 - Suranaree Air. Tickets for services to either station are sold at the same window. Confusingly, there are two windows #50 at Mo Chit (50 and 50ก). The one you need is on the left of the two.

•    Windows 52 and 53 - Air Korat Pattana. Window 52 for buses to the new bus station and window 53 for buses to the old bus station. It's been known for the vendor to just sell a ticket for the next departing service. If you really want to go to the old bus station ("bok kor sor gow") make sure you buy your ticket from the vendor at window 53 and that your ticket has the number 1 on it somewhere. This denotes the old bus station whereas a 2 denotes the new.

After you have purchased your ticket the vendor will point to a number on the ticket. This is the bay where you can catch your bus. Overhead signs will guide you there, just like following a gate number at an airport.

The price is 220 baht, one-way from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima. The buses follow the "First Route" described above. A return ticket is available for a slightly discounted price.

Other cities which run buses direct to Korat include Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Sai, Nakhon Sawan Pattaya, Chonburi, Chantaburi, Rayong, Lopburi, Hua Hin, Hat Yai, Phuket and just about every provincial capital in Isaan. If you are coming from Cambodia, there are buses from the Poipet/Aranyaprathet border crossing (7 buses daily from Rongklue Market, every 2 hours, first at 06:00, last at 18:00). And, if you're entering from Laos, there are a couple of buses a day between Korat and Vientiane. If you're entering from Laos at the Savannakhet border crossing then you can get a bus direct from Mukdahan to Korat. All these services terminate and originate at the new bus station. The old bus station is used for some Bangkok services and shorter local routes to places such as Pak Chong and Pak Thong Chai.

If you've arrived at the new bus station all the usual Thai means of transport are available for you to get to where you want to go. Tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, and meter taxis (see Get around) are in abundance at the bus station. To get a songthaew back towards the city centre take the number 15 (purple and white) which waits on the road between the two main terminal buildings at the new bus station.

Tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis also wait at the smaller old bus station but meter taxis don't. The old bus station is walking distance from many hotels.

We recommend you check the latest bus schedule and price via rome2rio.com

By train

Trains leave from Bangkok Railway Station (Hualamphong) daily and can take anything from four to six hours depending on what type of train you catch. Twelve trains a day leave Bangkok for Korat. The times are 05:45, 06:40, 10:05, 11:40, 15:20, 18:30, 18:55, 20:00, 20:30, 21:50, 22:25, and 23:40. The latest timetable can be found at State Railways of Thailand or call 1690. Fares are very reasonable for the 264 km journey. The cheapest ticket on the cheapest train is 50 baht to Bangkok.

There are two stations in Nakhon Ratchasima.

•    Chira Rd Junction Station, +66 44 242363. The more centrally located of the two stations. It is just to the south of the old city. Tickets from Bangkok are just a couple of baht extra to go to Chira Rd instead of the main station, and if you're heading for the city centre it is well-worth getting off here. 

•    Nakhon Ratchasima Station, +66 44 242044. The main station is on Mukmontri Rd about 2 km from the city centre. Tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis at the front of the station will take you to the Yamo area for around 60 and 40 baht respectively. Catch songthaews 1 or 14 opposite the station to also convey you to the city centre. 

Trains in Thailand are always delayed, even for short commutes. Note this fact and budget more time if you need to transfer to other means of transport, e.g., planes or buses.

By plane

There are no scheduled flights to or from Nakhon Ratchasima Airport (NAK).

Get around

By tuk-tuk

These three-wheeled buzz boxes are plentiful in the city. They congregate in large numbers outside shopping centres, department stores, the two bus stations and train station. And individuals will be dotted along all the busy roads.

Happily, the reputation that tuk-tuk drivers have for ripping off tourists in places like Phuket and Pattaya does not generally apply in Korat. The fare from the main bus station to Yamo/city centre is 60 baht. Agree on this price before you get in. Fares typically go up in multiples of 20 and start at 40 baht.

Remember, this isn't a tourist city so your driver will not speak English. He (it's always a man) may know the names of some hotels and will understand "Yamo", but that's about it. This is a prime example of where a smattering of Thai can go a long way.

By motorbike taxi

Wherever you find tuk-tuks you will find motorbike taxis. Their fares are generally two-thirds to three-quarters those of tuk-tuks (i.e., a 60 baht tuk-tuk fare will be 40 baht on a motorbike). Some riders even put up a list of fares as if to prove that they don't just make up prices. You're certainly a long way from tourist rip-off territory here.

Safety is obviously a concern for a lot of travellers when it comes to motorcycle taxis. Only you can decide if you want to risk it or not but the rider should at least provide a helmet.

By taxi

Meter-taxis are a fairly new introduction to the Korat roads. They are blue and yellow in colour and scarce in number. If you are lucky enough to see one for hire on the street then you can hail it as you would a Bangkok taxi. It is 30 baht for the first kilometre and 4 baht a kilometre after that. You can call for one (+66 44 342255) but if you do that then the meter won't be used but a fixed fee will be charged for your journey. Furthermore, you can't book one in advance as you can with a minicab. You just have to call when you want one and hope that one is available. It should be added that the operator doesn't speak English so get your hotel receptionist to call.

They do congregate at the main bus station and if you catch one from here then the meter should be used. Again, don't expect the driver to speak English.

Grab app can be used to hail taxis (and motorbike taxis) online - not particularly cheap in Khorat, e.g. 70 baht taxi/50 baht motorbike taxi for a 3-4 km ride (January 2020), but still useful to check the price before bargaining with the local drivers, or if there are no tuk tuks or motorbike taxis around you.

By cycle rickshaw (samlor)

The traditional pedal-powered 'samlor' (literally, 'three wheels') is a large tricycle with room for, at a squeeze, two passengers who sit on a covered, padded seat behind the rider. These days there are far more tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis than samlors but you can still find them dotted along most major roads. They come into their own during the Yamo Festival (end of Mar/start of Apr) when Ratchadamnoen Rd is closed and pedestrianized every evening and samlors are the only form of transport allowed.

You'll notice that all samlor operators are elderly men so don't get them to take you halfway across the city! A kilometre or so is a more appropriate distance and it will only cost you 20 baht.

By songthaew

Songthaews are the most popular type of public transportation. A songthaew is a pick-up truck which has been converted into a small short-hop bus. Passengers step into the back of the truck and sit on parallel benches. When you want to get off just press the buzzer and hand your fare through the passenger window to the driver.

You can get on one anywhere by hailing it from the side of the road although there are official bus stops complete with signs displaying which number songthaew(s) stop there. They usually only stop when a passenger presses the buzzer or when a pedestrian hails one but there are a few locations where they will always stop such as mhe mall, Klang Plaza, and Big C.

Each songthaew follows a fixed route (a different system to that which is used in Chiang Mai, for example) and there are around twenty different routes which cover most roads in the city. The vehicles come in a variety of colours and numbers, each denoting a different route. Most have their route number prominently displayed on a board above the window. Some start as early as 05:00 and run as late as 23:00, but generally speaking it is rare to see one before 07:00 and very rare to see one much after 21:00.

For the newcomer, using songthaews can seem quite daunting as nearly all the destinations are written in Thai (on the front and side of the vehicle) and you need to know that the songthaew you are getting on hasn't just stopped at the place where you want to go. For example, you might be waiting outside the front of the mall wanting to go to the zoo. Along comes a songthaew with 'Korat Zoo' written on the side. You understandably jump on the back of the vehicle, however, in that situation, the songthaew is coming from the zoo and is heading into the centre of the city.

Most songthaews go back the way they came, so it is usually pretty straightforward getting back to where you departed from: just cross the road and get one going back the other way.

For the benefit of the traveller, it seems unnecessary to describe every route (you're unlikely to go day-tripping to the Suranaree Industrial Zone (incidentally, it's a number 5, white with luminous orange stripe if you do need to go there!), but there are a few routes which will be of use to the visitor. To save on complication, all routes described are based on someone catching a songthaew from Ratchadamnoen Rd/in front of Yamo (unless stated otherwise).

Contact us for more information