Known locally as “Khorat”, Nakhon Ratchasima is a large north-eastern province in the heart of ‘Issan’. Around 260 kilometres from Bangkok, this is a large province which is steeped in history, especially that which relates to the Khmer kingdom. As a result there are numerous sites covering all aspects of Khmer culture. The province is rich in nature with forests, mountains, waterfalls and reservoirs. The province also supports traditional ways of life, especially well reflected at Dan Kwian – a traditional community based around the production of clay pottery products. Nakhon Ratchasima’s museums are excellent, housing findings from a variety of archaeological digs that bear witness to the region’s pre-history and the Dvaravati and Khmer cultures that strongly influenced it. Attractions in the area include Khao Yai National Park – an especially good park protecting birds and animals (tigers, elephants, etc.) and Prasat Hin Phimai National Historical Park.