:: Agro-tourism Destinations

Dan Kwian Lemon Garden is at Moo 3, Tambon Dan Kwian, Amphoe Chok Chai. From Nakhon Ratchasima, take Highway No. 224 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Chok Chai) for about 13 kilometres (before reaching Dan Kwian pottery community), then turn right to Wat Pa Himmaphan for around 1 kilometre.

The garden has an approximate area of 48,000 square metres. It grows the distinctive Dan Kwian lemon that is found locally. Dan Kwian lemon is resistant to dry climate, is large in size, produces plenty of juice, the peel is not too pungent, and offers a mild taste. Some trees have many lemons, sometimes up to 5,000. If allowed to grow individually, each lemon will become as big as an orange but as sour as a normal lemon. The garden is open daily and there are lemons and trees for sale. For garden tours, please contact Mr. Narong Rattanachan, tel. 0-4421-2696 or tel. 0-1976- 7768.


National Maize and Wheat Research Centre or Suwan Farm is in Tambon Klang Dong in Amphoe Pak Chong. It is at the 155-km marker on Mittraphap Road. Established in 1965, the centre is under Kasetsart University and is responsible for agricultural research, training, technological dissemination. Sweet corn is grown here all year round and is sold to visitors in front of the farm. Maize is also grown as animal feed. There are areas for growing sesame and soybean. The view of the farm is a magnificent one, consisting of a corn-field in a valley. There are agricultural tours for groups to study agro-technology like production process, sweet corn harvest, etc., as well as eco-tourism activities. Groups wishing to have a guided tour of the centre should contact the centre during official hours at tel. 0- 4436-1770-4 Fax. 0-4436-1108.

Chok Chai Farm is on Mittraphap-Pak Chong road at the 159-km marker. It is one of the largest dairy farms in Asia. The farm offers agro-tourism activities with a guide showing the facilities, including the production of raw milk, raising milk cows, milking cows, horseriding, touring horse stables, dog farms, and a zoo. The admission is 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children. For more information, call tel. 0-4436-1173 ext. 116 or 0-3432- 8386 (direct line).


Muang Phon Flower Garden is on Highway No. 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Saraburi), about 60 kilometres from the city. Turn left at the 196-km marker (opposite the entrance to Lam Takhong Dam) and go up Khao Yai Thiang for about 500 metres. The garden breeds over 300 plant species, including tropical and temperate flowers, fruits and trees. The garden is neatly organised into rows and walking paths. There is a plant supermarket and a restaurant from where tourists can enjoy a view of Lam Takhong Reservoir. The garden is open daily during 8 a.m.-10 p.m. For information, call tel. 0-4432-3263, 0-4432-3459-61, fax 0-4432-3264.

Grape Farms can be found throughout Nakhon Ratchasima, particularly in Amphoe Pak Thong Chai and Amphoe Pak Chong. Grown here are grape species brought from overseas that nobody thought would grow in Thailand.

However, they have thrived and produce high-quality grapes. Both fresh and dried grapes are available for sale. Rattanathongchai Grape Farm at Ban Du in Amphoe Pak Thong Chai, Tel: 0-1877-1228 and 0-1977-4278. Kratai Noi Grape Farm at Amphoe Pak Thong Chai, Tel: 0-1264- 9794. Supattra Grape Farm at Amphoe Pak Chong, Tel: 0-1853- 9493. Phet Phimai Grape Farm at Amphoe Phimai, Tel: 0-4447- 1333.

:: Activities

Jungle Trekking - There are more than 20 trails to choose from, each different in natural beauty and distance. Some trails take 1-2 hours to complete like the Kong Kaeo trail and the Km. 33 trail (Thanarat Road-Nong Phak Chi). Some trails require overnight stays like the Nang Rong-Khao Yai trail, Samo Pun trail or Kho Yo 4 Unit-Wang Heo waterfall trail. Information and guides can be obtained from the tourist service centre.

:: Festival

Thao Suranari Memorial Fair is an annual provincial event that is held during 23 March-3 April, the period Khunying Mo was victorious over her enemy. The fair features arts and culture, shops and exhibitions of public and private offices.

Phimai Boat Races is held yearly by the people of Amphoe Phimai on the second weekend of November. Apart from the races of boats in Phimai and nearby districts, this interesting event has boat decorations for royal ceremonies and boat chants.

Phimai Festival is organised to promote tourism activities in the province's main tourist destination of Phimai Historical Park that is held in conjunction with Phimai Boat Races. Activities include long boat racing, cultural performances, religious processions, and a light-and-sound show.