Korat - Phimai
****Pongpet Mekloy
(Bangkok Post dd. 23 mei 2006 // DN)
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The largest of its kind in the Northeast, Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo keeps several exotic species from Africa, including the “big five” : the African elephant, the African buffalo, the white rhino, the leopard and the lion. The vets team at this zoo must be very efficient since the animals here seem to be having babies all the time.
With the nearby Moon River providing clay of unique quality and the craftsmanship that has been passed down the generations, Ban Dan Kwian is noted for beautiful earthenwares. The products here come in numerous shapes and sizes, from pots and vases to garden decorative items and women’s ornaments. At some of the shops you can also watch the potters at work.
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In 1826 Laotian forces invaded Nakhon Ratchasima while the city’s troops were on a mission elsewhere. Khunying Mo, wife of the deputy governor, led townspeople in battles against the invaders until the Thai army arrived. After the war ended a year later, King Rama III named her “Thao Suranaree” for her bravery. Her statue was put up in 1933.
Built sometime during the 13th-14th century, Prasat Hin Phanom Wan initially served as a `hospital’ for the ancient Khmers. Later during the Ayutthaya period the place was turned into a Buddhist temple. These days it’s a historical site and a tourist attraction.
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Archaeological evidence shows that the area that is now Ban Prasat has been inhabited since pre-historic times. Skeletons and objects were found at different depths underground depending on the time they were buried. Ban Prasat also offers homestay for visitors wishing to spend the night there.
Prasat Hin Phimai Historical Park is an exquisite example of ancient Khmer architecture. Just a few hundred metres from the sanctuary sits Phimai National Museum where artifacts discovered from the area are kept. The park is open seven days a week but the museum is closed on Mondays.
Thanks to the rainy season, travelling on the highways is more pleasant than it had been during the previous months - the sun is less harsh and the lush greenery along the roadside is easy on the eye.
This is the perfect time to visit the Northeast. And today we’ll take a quick tour of Nakhon Ratchasima Province which is also known as Korat, the gateway to Isan.
Today’s Point A, Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, is just south of Korat town. Let’s suppose that you drive from Bangkok via Mitraphap Highway (No. 2) as I did.
To get to the zoo, instead of going straight to the town, veer off onto Highway 304 and head south for 13 kilometres. Turn left onto the 2310 and soon you’ll find the zoo’s main entrance on the left-hand side, just opposite a paintball park.
From the zoo, continue to the east end of the 2310 where it meets with Highway 224. Follow the 224 northward; it will take you to Ban Dan Kwian and further to Korat town. After paying respect to the monument of Thao Suranaree, leave the town via the 205. This road will take you to Mitraphap Highway.
On Mitraphap you’ll soon find signs showing you a side road on the right-hand side, Rural Highway 1064, to Phanom Wan Khmer Sanctuary, our Point D.
To get to Ban Prasat, Point E, continue along Mitraphap for about 30 kilometres and you’ll find, on your right, the short road to the archaeological site. (On the opposite side of the highway, there’s another road which leads to Thung Samrit, the area where Khunying Mo and the people of Nakhon Ratchasima launched a surprise attack on the Laotian troops.)
Now drive on along Mitraphap Highway until you find Highway 206 on your right. Phimai Historical Park and Phimai National Museum are less than 12 kilometres down that highway.
**This column is designed to give you an idea what those roads and highways - featured only as lines in the normal road maps - actually look like. If you have any interesting route to suggest or just want to say hello, the e-mail addresses are [EMAIL=“pongpetm@bangkokpost.co.th”]pongpetm@bangkokpost.co.th and [EMAIL=“wildsociety@bangkokpost.net”]wildsociety@bangkokpost.net. But if you’re already on the road and need directions, pull over and ask the locals. **