Wat Na Phra That is at Moo 1, Tambon Takhu. From the city, take Highway No. 314 for around 30 kilometres (past Pak Thong Chai intersection). Then take a right turn onto Highway No. 2238 to Ban Takhu 4 kilometres away. The temple is on the left. This old temple was probably built during the reign of King Rama III. In the compound are some interesting structures including a pagoda, a convocation hall and a scripture hall in the middle of a pond that is well preserved. The temple has a number of local arts. The old convocation hall has wall murals from the early Rattanakosin period that is almost complete on the outer front wall and all 4 sides of the inner walls. The murals tell the story of the Buddhist tale and show people paying homage to Lord Buddha's footprint. Furthermore, there are images of the daily life of locals in the past like farming and fishing. In front of the old convocation hall is a rectangular pool where the scripture hall is located. The hall is a low structure, like other northeastern halls, and it has exquisite lacquered designs on the door. Between the hall and the old convocation hall is a Laotian pagoda built by migrants from Vientiane.

Lam Phra Phloeng Dam can be reached by taking Highway No.314 past the district for 4 kilometres then turn right and drive for 28 kilometres. The dam is under the Royal Irrigation Department. Locals come here to relax, eat, fish, and enjoy the scenery of the reservoir. There are lodges for rent. For more information, contact the Lam Phra Phloeng Water Supply and Maintenance Project at tel. 0-4437-3184 ext. 114. Tourists can rent a long-tail boat to tour the reservoir, travel to Khlong Ki waterfall or Khun Chon waterfall. Each round-trip journey is about 3-4 hours. For more information about the boat trips, contact Lam Phra Phloeng Dam Club at tel. 0-4437-3184 ext. 117.

Khao Phaeng Ma Reforestation Project to Honour His Majesty the King is in the southern part of Nakhon Ratchasima. Take Highway No. 304 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Kabin Buri) for 79 kilometres to the market at the 79-km marker. Take a right on Ro Pho Cho Road (San Chao Pho-Nong Khum) for 11 kilometres. The last part of about 4 kilometres is a dirt road going uphill that is rugged but has good views. Upon reaching the top, you will see some winding mountains. The peak is 850 metres above sea level. The area is under the care of the Wildlife Foundation of Thailand and has an area of 16 square kilometres. Activities include reforestation, trekking, animal watching (particularly some remaining gaurs), and slide shows for interested parties.

There is accommodation in the form of 3 bamboo lodges that can each accommodate 10-20 people. Advance reservations can be made at the project in Moo 5, Tambon Wang Nam Khiao, tel. 0- 1976-9130.

Sakaerat Environmental Research Station is a research centre of plant species in the northeastern jungles and is open to groups interested in organising eco-tours. It is located beside Highway No. 304 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Kabin Buri) and is 57 kilometres from the city. It has an area of about 78 square kilometres (48,750 rai). The area is mainly dry jungles and hardwood forests. Many animals are found here, including wild boars, pheasants and a variety of birds. If you go up a tower built by the station over the treetops, you will see a vast green jungle around you, as well as Khao Phaeng Ma further away. The climate is cool all year round. There are several nature study trails that can take from 1.5 hours to 3 hours. There are 3 houses available that can accommodate 20 people each. For information, call 0 4425 8642 or contact the Station Management Department of the Science and Technology Research Institute of Thailand , tel. 0-2579-1121-30, 0-2579-0160 ext. 4401 or fax 0-2561-4771.

Huay Yai Waterfall is a tourist destination under the care of Thap Lan National Park. Take Highway No. 304 to the market at the 79-km marker for 6 kilometres.

The entrance is a sloped walkway about 20 metres long. You will find a small waterfall flowing past 2 large boulders. It has water only in the rainy season around July to September.

Dan Kwian Earthenware Village is 15 kilometres from the city on Highway No. 224 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Chok Chai). The area used to be a rest area for caravans trading between Khorat and Cambodia. The Mun River flows through it. Villagers use clay from the riverbanks to make pottery and have continued doing so for many generations. Nowadays Dan Kwian is famous as a centre that produces beautiful pottery that has a variety of strange designs. However, the locals still retain the original techniques of making pottery, using a type of black clay that is the trade mark of the area.

Prasat Phakho is an ancient Khmer sanctuary at Tambon Krathok, 29 kilometres from the city on Highway No. 224. Continue on to Highway No. 2021 for 3 kilometres and you will see the site on the right.

This Hindu religious place is made of white sandstone and originally had 3 buildings, but only 2 remain today. A horseshoe-shaped moat surrounds the site. The entrance is in the east. A lintel influenced by the Baphuon culture of ancient Khmer was found here, dating from around the 11 th century. It is now in Phimai National Museum.