Family Adventure in Nakhon Ratchasima

Echoes of the Khmer Empire

Today was a day of stepping back in time and savoring the present. Our journey took us from the ancient Khmer ruins of Phimai Historical Park to the bustling modern flavors of Nakhon Ratchasima. It's amazing how much history is packed into this region, and I was eager to share it with my family.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at 8 Dining. I opted for a classic Thai breakfast, while Nang enjoyed some fresh fruit. Ananda, ever the adventurous one, tried a local noodle dish. It's always interesting to see what culinary delights each new day will bring. Fuelled up and ready to explore, we set off for Phimai Historical Park.

The drive to Phimai was scenic, taking us through the heart of the Thai countryside. As we approached the park, the ancient walls and structures began to emerge on the horizon, creating a sense of anticipation. The park itself is a sprawling complex of Khmer ruins, often referred to as the Little Angkor of Thailand. It's believed that this is the prototype of Angkor Wat. As we walked through the ancient gates, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the history that surrounded us.

To walk through Phimai Historical Park is to walk through centuries of history, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Khmer empire.

The main sanctuary, with its intricate stone carvings and towering prangs, was particularly impressive. We spent hours wandering through the complex, admiring the architecture and learning about the history of the site. Ananda was particularly fascinated by the Naga Bridge, with its impressive serpent sculptures. Nang enjoyed exploring the inner sanctuary, taking photos of the detailed carvings.

I was struck by the similarities between Phimai and Angkor Wat. It's clear that the Khmer empire had a significant influence on this region of Thailand, and the park is a testament to their architectural prowess. The kids were amazed by the sheer scale of the structures, running around and exploring every nook and cranny. I made sure to remind them to be respectful, as this is a sacred site with a rich history.

After exploring the historical park, we headed to the Phimai National Museum, which is located near the northern gate of the park. The museum houses a collection of artifacts discovered during the renovation of Prasat Phimai and other sites in northeastern Thailand. It provided valuable context to what we had seen at the historical park, and I learned a great deal about the Khmer influence on the region. The museum is divided into three zones, showcasing the history, culture, and art of the region.

One of the highlights of the museum was the exhibit on the construction of Prasat Phimai, which detailed the materials, tools, and rituals used to build the complex. There was also a gallery showcasing the main patterns of Phimai art, including lintels and sculptures of King Jayavarman VII and Queen Jayarajadevi. It was fascinating to see these artifacts up close and learn about their significance.

By the time we finished at the museum, we were all feeling quite hungry. It was time to head back to Nakhon Ratchasima for a late lunch. I had heard great things about the seafood restaurants in the city, so we decided to give one a try. We ended up at a local seafood restaurant with Thai food, recommended by a local. The restaurant had a lively atmosphere, with live music and the aroma of fresh seafood filling the air.

We ordered a variety of dishes, including grilled tiger prawns, sea bass with fish sauce, and shrimp vermicelli. The seafood was incredibly fresh and flavorful, and the Thai spices added a delicious kick. Ananda particularly enjoyed the shrimp vermicelli, while Nang raved about the sea bass. It was a perfect way to refuel after a long day of exploring.

After lunch, we decided to indulge in a bit of shopping at Terminal21 Korat. This mall is known for its unique design, with each floor representing a different city around the world. We strolled through the Paris, London, and Tokyo-themed floors, admiring the architecture and browsing the shops. It was a fun way to experience a bit of global culture without leaving Nakhon Ratchasima.

Ananda was particularly excited about the streetwear shops on the Tokyo floor, while Nang enjoyed browsing the fashion boutiques on the Paris floor. I was impressed by the variety of shops and restaurants, and we ended up spending several hours exploring the mall. It's a great place to find souvenirs and gifts, and the food court offers a wide range of affordable and delicious dishes.

For dinner, we chose You Hunt We Cook, located in the Gourmet Market. The concept is simple: you select your ingredients from the market, and the chefs at the restaurant cook them to your liking. It's a fun and interactive dining experience, and it allows you to customize your meal to your exact preferences. I chose a selection of local meats and vegetables, while Nang opted for some fresh seafood. The chefs prepared our meal with skill and care, and it was delicious.

As the day drew to a close, I reflected on all that we had seen and done. From the ancient ruins of Phimai to the modern flavors of Nakhon Ratchasima, it had been a day of contrasts and discoveries. I was grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with my family, and I looked forward to what tomorrow would bring.

Tomorrow, we're planning to visit the Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo and Wat Sala Thong [If the zoo is open and operating] [Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo], followed by dinner at Wild Cafe and Restaurant. It sounds like another exciting day of adventure awaits!

It's experiences like today that make traveling so rewarding. Seeing the wonder in my family's eyes as they explored ancient temples, trying new and exciting foods, and immersing ourselves in a different culture – these are the moments that create lasting memories. And that's what it's all about, isn't it?

I'm so glad we decided to take this trip back to my home country. It's been an amazing experience so far, and I can't wait to see what else Nakhon Ratchasima has in store for us.