
Unusual & Offbeat Destinations in Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
1. Tham Phra Wihan
An ancient Khmer-style temple with intricate carvings, unique among Thai temples.
- Architectural Style: Features a Khmer architectural style, showcasing the region's history and cultural influences.
- Carvings: Intricate carvings depict stories from Hindu mythology, offering a glimpse into ancient beliefs.
- Rarity: One of the few Khmer-style temples in Thailand, making it a unique destination for travellers.
2. Phra Tamnak Luang
A massive ancient Buddha statue nestled in the forest, offering a serene and offbeat experience.
- Size: Standing at over 12 meters tall, Phra Tamnak Luang is one of the largest Buddha statues in Nakhon Ratchasima.
- Location: Set deep within a forest, it offers a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere for visitors.
- Historical Significance: The statue was constructed in the early 20th century, making it a significant historical site.
3. Sala Kaew Ku
An open-air sculpture park showcasing contemporary Thai art and folk tales.
- Contemporary Art: Features contemporary Thai artwork, offering a unique perspective on local culture.
- Folk Tales: Sculptures depict traditional Thai folk tales, providing insight into local mythology and beliefs.
- Open-Air Environment: The open-air environment allows visitors to explore the sculptures at their own pace, immersing themselves in the art.
4. Burapha University Botanical Garden
A lush botanical garden hosting a diverse array of flora and fauna, offering a tranquil escape from the city.
- Diversity: Home to over 500 species of trees, flowers, and plants, as well as various animals.
- Research Center: Serves as a research center for botanical studies, contributing to the preservation of local flora.
- Serene Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere for visitors to enjoy and learn about nature.
5. Namtok Phao-Phraji Waterfall
A multi-tiered waterfall with clear waters, offering a picturesque and offbeat destination.
- Multi-Tiered: Features multiple tiers, providing visitors with various vantage points to enjoy the falls.
- Clear Waters: The clear waters of the waterfall are perfect for swimming and exploring.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush forests, the waterfall offers a stunning display of natural beauty.
6. Khao Phra Wihan National Park
A national park featuring a massive limestone mountain and diverse wildlife.
- Limestone Mountain: Home to Thailand's second-largest limestone mountain, offering opportunities for rock climbing and hiking.
- Wildlife: Inhabited by a variety of wildlife, including elephants, monkeys, and various bird species.
- Caves: Features numerous caves for visitors to explore, some containing ancient Buddhist artifacts.
7. Song Khram Floating Market
A traditional floating market offering local foods and souvenirs.
- Traditional Experience: Provides a traditional Thai market experience, with vendors selling goods from boats.
- Local Foods: Offers a variety of local dishes and snacks for visitors to try.
- Souvenirs: Vendors sell handmade souvenirs, allowing visitors to take a piece of Thailand home with them.
8. Museum of Contemporary Art and Cinematheque
A museum dedicated to contemporary Thai art and film, offering a unique cultural experience.
- Contemporary Art: Features contemporary Thai artwork, providing insight into local culture and trends.
- Film Screenings: Hosts film screenings of both classic and contemporary Thai films.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits for visitors to engage with the art and films on display.
9. Phimai Historical Park
A historic park featuring the impressive Phimai Sanctuary, showcasing Khmer architecture.
- Khmer Architecture: Features Khmer-style architecture, offering insight into the region's history and cultural influences.
- Phimai Sanctuary: The Phimai Sanctuary is a notable example of Khmer architectural style in Thailand.
- Historical Significance: The park was once an important city in the Khmer Empire, offering a glimpse into its history and culture.
10. Tamnam Hin Dat Pradu
A unique sandstone forest with towering rock formations, offering a surreal and offbeat experience.
- Sandstone Formations: Features towering sandstone formations, creating a surreal and otherworldly landscape.
- Hiking Trails: Offers various hiking trails for visitors to explore the forest and its rock formations.
- Photography Opportunities: The unique landscape provides numerous opportunities for stunning photos and memories.
11. Burapha University Planetarium
A planetarium offering stargazing shows and educational programs.
- Stargazing Shows: Offers stargazing shows, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about the universe.
- Educational Programs: Hosts educational programs for visitors of all ages, helping them understand the mysteries of space.
- Interactive Exhibits: Features interactive exhibits that explain various astronomical concepts and phenomena.
12. Khao Yai National Park - Sticky Waterfalls
A unique waterfall where the water appears to stick to the rocks, creating a surreal sight.
- Sticky Phenomenon: The water at the Sticky Waterfalls adheres to the rock surfaces, creating a unique and fascinating sight.
- Hiking Trails: Offers various hiking trails for visitors to explore the park and its waterfalls.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush forests, the Sticky Waterfalls offer a stunning display of natural beauty.
13. Khao Yai National Park - Haew Narok Waterfall
A massive waterfall with a breathtaking view, offering a picturesque and offbeat destination.
- Size: The Haew Narok Waterfall is one of the largest waterfalls in Khao Yai National Park.
- Viewpoint: Offers a breathtaking view of the waterfall from the viewing platform.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush forests, the Haew Narok Waterfall offers a stunning display of natural beauty.
14. Khao Phra Bang Krom Luang
A massive reclining Buddha statue carved into a hillside, offering a serene and offbeat experience.
- Size: Carved directly into a hillside, the statue is over 15 meters tall and 30 meters long.
- Serene Atmosphere: The serene atmosphere provides visitors with a peaceful experience.
- Historical Significance: The statue was carved in the early 20th century, making it a significant historical site.
15. Phu Rua Rock Formations
A unique geological formation featuring towering sandstone pillars and caves.
- Sandstone Pillars: Features numerous towering sandstone pillars, creating a surreal landscape.
- Caves: Offers various caves for visitors to explore, some containing ancient Buddhist artifacts.
- Hiking Trails: Provides hiking trails for visitors to explore the rock formations and their surrounding forests.