Cultural Heritage of Khorat Geopark
Chumphon Gate and Thao Suranaree monument, Nakhon Ratchasima municipality, Mueng District
Importance: History; Archaeology
Level: National
During the Ayutthaya Period, during the reign of King Narai the Great (1656 -1688), a new border city of Nakhon Ratchasima was built and fortified with a wall 5,220 meters long, 6 meters high, with 4,302 boundary markers. Of 4 gates, only Chumphon Gate remains. A moat was built 20 meter wide and 6 meters deep. Inside roads were built. The city wall is integrally linked with geology as it was built from red bricks, laterite, and sandstone. At present, the ancient city gates and walls have been restored and rebuilt in some places maintaining the original style and artistry. In front of the Chumphon Gate is the monument of the heroine Thao Suranaree, a spiritual center for the Khorat populace.
Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima Museum, Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District
Importance: Culture; History; Archaeology
Level: Provincial
This center houses a collection of ancient artifacts, cultural objects, and other objects given by the community. It was developed as an exhibit to present the origin of Nakhon Ratchasima, highlighting the link between the artifacts displayed and the changes in society and economics of Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The exhibit shows the long history of development of Nakhon Ratchasima, covering 5 periods over more than 4,000 years: Stone Age, Bronze age, Iron age, prehistoric age, and the present age.
Phanom Wan Stone Sanctuary, Ban Pho Subdistrict, Mueang District
Importance: History; Archaeology
Level: National
Phanom Wan Stone Sanctuary, the fifth largest in Thailand, was constructed in the 10th century A.D. as a brick pagoda. Upon this was built a sandstone pagoda in the 11th to 12th centuries A.D. The sandstone used in construction of Phanom Wan Sanctuary was mostly white and red sandstone, with additional use of laterite and red bricks. Numerous new sandstone blocks have been cut and placed in position to repair the damaged areas of the sanctuary. The sanctuary is a sign of the greatness of the Isaan region of the Khmer empire in the 11th to 13th centuries.
Mueang Sema and the Reclinging Buddha, Sema Subdistrict, Sung Noen District
Importance: History; Archaeology; Religion
Level: National
Nakhon Ratchasima is an ancient city in the Thai kingdom that has prospered since the Dvaravati Period. There was a center in Sema City, Sung Noen District, a large city believed to be the site of the Sri Canasapura Kingdom. The nearby sandstone Reclining Buddha image is the largest in Thailand. It was built with large blocks of red sandstone placed in layers and carved into the shape of a reclining Buddha. The style shows the influence of Dvaravati art mixed with local art styles. The image is more than 1,300 years old. In addition to the Reclining Buddha, a sandstone wheel of dharma, or wheel of dharma boundary stone, was excavated.
Mueng Khaek Stone Sanctuary, Khorat Subdistrict, Sung Noen District
Importance: History; Archaeology
Level: National
A great clue as to the Khmer civilization in Nakhon Ratchasima is the Mueang Khaek Stone Sanctuary, constructed of sandstone and brick. At present, only the shell of the building remains, but there is still much evidence about the civilization, with various carvings of Hindu deities. Three steles with Khmer script give a date of 974 A.D. It is assumed that this religious center was built in the Shaivism tradition of Brahmanism.
Ban Yuan Chaloem Rat cultural center and market
Importance: Culture; Local Wisdom
Level: Local
The way of life of Yuan Thai people has been passed down in Sikhio District for nearly 200 years. The ancestors of these people lived in the city of Chiang Saen at the northern border of Thailand, and then called Yonok City. A conflict between Siamese and Burmese forces caused a group of Yonok City inhabitants to move to and build a settlement in Saraburi and Chan Thuek (the present Sikhio). These Northern Thais inherited and preserved the traditions, customs, and art of their Northern Thai ancestors. Some examples are their spoken language and the craft of weaving, especially the weaving of the beautiful, colorful Pha Sin.
Nam Cha Market, Pong Daeng Subdistrict, Kham Thale So District
Importance: Culture; Local Wisdom
Level: Local
The market is located near a pier on the Lam Takhong River at Nam Cha Village. The market reflects the way of life of the community of Pong Daeng Subdistrict. Villagers sell a large variety of vegetables, fruits, wild food products, and other foods. A local food that has achieved fame is Mi Nam Cha, a noodle dish prepared in various ways.