.
Places
Of Interest 
The Monument of Thao Suranari
(Khun Ying Mo)
Situated in front of the old gate of "Pratu Chumpon"
on the west side of the city,this monument was erected
in 1934 to commemorate the heroic deed of Khun Ying
Mo.
Khun
Yong Mo was the wife of wife of the Deputy Governor
of Khorat who managed to save the city from the
invasion of the Laotian army led by Prince Anuwong
of Vientiane.
Every
year from March 23 to April 3, there is a celebration
to honour this statue which draws thousands of people
from neighbouring provinces.
Wat Ban Lai
The King of Thailand has expressed publicly that
this beautiful old Chinese style temple is one of
his favourites in the whole country. When the Royal
family are on a visit to Issan, they will always
make a pilgimmage here to honour Buddha.
Phimai Historical Park
Dotted about Thailand's great North Eastern plateau
are numerous temples of varying sizes. Most of these
structures are believed to be about a thousand years
old.
These
brick or stone buildings are in two designs, those
built by the Brahmanic culture, having three to
five-storied bases surmounted by prominent spires
and those constructed by Buddhist sponsors, these
have a low base and their spires are not so tall.
Although
the several structures of the group are in ruins,
their original splendour is evident. Another source
of information declares that the temple was built
under the influence of Mahayana Buddhism and goes
on to describe the complex as follows.
The
principal sanctuary is a tower surrounded by four
porches with an ante-chamber leading into each porch.
On the terraces of the pyramidal roof, which is
supported by Garudas, guardian figures are interspersed
with Nagas.
Of special interest is a carved stone door-lintel
depicting a diving figure, dressed in an elephant
skin worn upside down, who dances on a pair of prostrate
figures, on either side of this figure are rows
of seated Buddha images dressed in royal attire,
while below them are rows of dancing celestial figures.
Controversy
rages about the issue: Was Phimai destroyed by human.
The bases of all the edifices are comparatively
intact.
Wat
Phra Narai Maharat
This temple houses an image of Narayana (Hindu God)
made of sandstone. This statue is considered the
major sacred object of the city. The City Pillar
is also enshrined in this temple.
Wat
Sala Loi
On the banks of Lam Takhong River, the temples main
chapel, is contructed in the shape of Chinese Junk
and has received many awards for design.
Lam
Takhong Dam
The huge reservoir at Takhong Dam was built
in 1968 and can contain up to 300 million cubic
metres of water and irrigates 238,000 rais of paddy
fields.
The
Khao Yai National Park
This huge park stretches into four provinces, including
Nakhon Ratchasima and Nakhon Nayok. There are many
rare species of fauna and flora and over 20 waterfalls.
Accommodation facilities with 18 holes golf course
and tennis court are also available. Reservation
can be made through The Tourism Authority of Thailand
(TAT). Tel: 2825209, 2813041.
Ban
Dan Kwian
The village of Dan Kwian is noted for the unique
pottery widely used for interior and outdoor decoration.
The clay at Dan Kwian has a special tough, ductile
texture and the color of rust which are beyond comparison
and the quantity is fantastic.
Such
clay cannot be found anywhere else but Dan Kwian
and when added with proper heating process and attractive
design, the earthenwares are irresistable.
Lam
Phra Phloeng Dam
The reservoir here is popular with the locals as
a quiet and peaceful spot away from the town.
Namtok
Pak Thong Chai and Namtok Khlong Ki
Here is another spot for treat and relaxation.
Two waterfalls side by side in a mirror image.
Wat
Na Phra That
Beautiful mural paintings of the Early Rattanakosin
period can be seen on the walls inside the old chapel
here. The door of "Ho Trai" or the hall for keeping
the scripture is also elaborately carved.
Pak
Thong Chai District
Noted for its fine silk, this tiny district has
a few good shops for souvenirs.
Phimai
Boat Racing
This festival which now takes place during Loi Kratong
Festival (October or November), attracts thousands
of tourists both from Khorat city and neighbouring
provinces. This festival is over 100 years old.
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