The Best Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat, is the largest province in Thailand and the gateway to the lesser-visited northeastern region of Isan, home to wild elephants, the beautiful Khao Yai National Park and people who are more likely to speak Lao than Thai. To help plan your trip, here’s our pick of the best hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima – bookable with Culture Trip.
Sima Thani Hotel
Independent Hotel
The rooms at the Sima Thani Hotel aren’t as grand as the art deco-style atrium might suggest, but they’re comfortable. Some even come with kitchenettes. The hotel has a pool courtyard, but you’re better off relaxing in the spa, where you can enjoy a top-notch Thai massage. The cluster of city sights are a little far from here, but you can dig for hidden treasures and scour the stalls for tasty satay skewers at the sprawling SaveOne Night Market, a short tuk-tuk drive away.
Koranaree Courtyard Boutique Hotel
Boutique Hotel
The light-filled rooms with balconies at the Koranaree are great value for money – and the reasonably quiet location is a bonus. Sip coffee in the pretty garden courtyard, work out in the small fitness centre or wander along the cafe-lined street until you reach Wat Liap, a little community Buddhist temple. Larger sights, such as Wat Sala Loi, are a 20-minute drive away.
Aisana Hotel Korat
Independent Hotel
The Aisana Hotel Korat features bright, modern rooms with balconies, a large palm-lined pool and a garden dotted with casual beanbag seating – and the train station is just a 10-minute walk away. Rent a bike from reception to explore the city on two wheels. Head east to see the Thao Suranari Monument, dedicated to the legendary Lady Mo, who is said to have saved the city from being conquered by the Vientiane king in the early 19th century.
The Singha Hotel
Independent Hotel
Exposed brick, polished concrete and plants galore – the Singha Hotel was surely designed with the Instagram generation in mind. The main city bus station is just next door, and if you arrive late, you can grab a coffee at the 24-hour cafe (first drink’s on the house). Don’t miss the cave-like shrine at Wat Phayap, a 20-minute walk south into the centre of town.
Green Ville Laguna Hotel
Independent Hotel
The Green Ville Laguna Hotel in Sung Noen can feel like it’s in the middle of nowhere, but it’s a great choice if you’re heading northeast after a trip to Khao Yai National Park. Also, it has a phenomenal pool. Korat is the epicentre of Thailand’s silk industry, which was in part created and most definitely revived by Jim Thompson in the 1960s. Visit the Jim Thompson Farm, a 50-minute drive from the hotel, to learn more about the silk-making process and Isan culture.
Fortune Hotel Korat
Independent Hotel, Chain Hotel
If you’re here to shop, the Fortune Hotel is the place for you – it’s just across the street from the gigantic Terminal 21 Korat shopping centre. Like your shopping a little more low-key? Visit the old town to spend an evening at Wat Boon Night Bazaar, where you’ll find countless sizzling street-food stalls (look out for sun-dried beef and barbecue chicken, an Isan speciality) in among the clothing and homeware stands.
Sirin Boutique
Boutique Hotel
The Sirin Boutique is a small and intimate hotel within easy reach of the Tiger Golf Club and the major city attractions. With a choice of a king-size bed or two single beds, each stylish room features a private bathroom, a balcony, cable TV, a mini-fridge, free wifi and ample storage space, and breakfast is available. The reception is staffed round the clock, so no worries about late arrivals or early check-outs.
Panorama Golf and Country Club
Golf Hotel
You’ll find the Panorama Golf and Country Club in the Sikhio district, close to the Lam Takhong Dam. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, it’s a top place for outdoor enthusiasts, and keen golfers will enjoy the 18-hole championship golf course. The modern clubhouse has a large swimming pool, a restaurant serving Thai and international cuisine, and a sauna. As for the hotel, it has a lovely garden with scenic views, and each room comes with two or four twin beds, a bathroom and a balcony. Other room amenities include a mini-fridge, cable TV and free wifi, and breakfast is available for an extra fee.
Hotel La Casetta
Spa Hotel
Hotel La Casetta, in the popular Pak Chong district, is a terrific choice for anyone who wants to feel pampered and spoilt. The on-site spa offers a range of treatments and techniques, including traditional Thai massages, and there’s a golf course, a swimming pool, a kids’ play area, a restaurant and bar, a lush garden and a library. Designed to look like a Tuscan countryside village, the hotel has various buildings with a choice of ensuite rooms, furnished and decorated to a high standard and providing plenty of comfort.
Aneto Valley
Independent Hotel
Aneto Valley, easily identifiable by its bright red windmill, lies in the Wang Nam Khiao district – a picturesque area with some of the freshest air in Thailand. The three-star hotel has a range of rooms, from a single suite to a cottage with a private plunge pool. All have ensuites, a TV and a desk, and some offer lovely mountain views. Freebies include wifi, toiletries and breakfast each morning. The hotel also has a restaurant and flower-filled gardens, ideal for morning walks.
The Beverly Hills Hotel Korat
Independent Hotel
The Beverly Hills Hotel Korat is another highly rated hotel. Close to Bung Ta Lua Water Park and Wat Nong Phai Lom, it makes for a great base to explore the provincial capital, and bicycles are available to rent. There are standard and superior room options as well as luxurious suites and a family penthouse. All rooms have a private bathroom, complimentary wifi, a TV, a minibar, a desk and a safe. Hotel facilities include a gym, a swimming pool and a cafe, and the reception is staffed round the clock.
Boonsiri Guesthouse
Guesthouse
If you’re planning on visiting the Phimai Historical Park and the Phimai National Museum, the Boonsiri Guesthouse is an ideal place to stay. This cheap and cheerful no-frills option is fairly quiet, with just 13 rooms. Each one has a king-size bed or two single beds, a private bathroom, air conditioning and a TV. It also has a restaurant and an outdoor terrace where you can take it easy, and breakfast is available for an additional fee.
Château de Khaoyai Hotel and Resort
Resort
Experience a taste of rural France with a stay at the Château de Khaoyai Hotel and Resort in Pak Chong. The elegant castle-like hotel is within easy reach of Khao Yai National Park and has everything you need for a comfortable and pleasant stay, including two outdoor swimming pools, a tennis court, a playground, a restaurant and a terrace, to name a few. Laundry facilities are available, and wifi is complimentary. The beautiful ensuite rooms feature solid wood furnishings, crisp linens and luxurious touches.
Romyen Garden Place
Garden Hotel
Light and cheery with lots of attractive greenery, the Romyen Garden Place is a short distance from city attractions, including shopping malls, a night market, temples and the Maha Weerawong National Museum. There are standard and deluxe rooms – all with ensuites, wifi, full-size refrigerators, facilities for making hot drinks and more. Stroll through the gardens before taking a dip in the outdoor pool, hitting the gym and ordering something tasty from the on-site restaurant.
Mulberry House Korat
Independent Hotel
Surrounded by beautiful nature and close to city attractions, Mulberry House Korat is a peaceful place to stay in the Pak Thong Chai district. The colourful exteriors and friendly staff provide a warm welcome. Inside, there are 10 equally vibrant rooms, and each one has complimentary toiletries in the ensuite bathrooms, a desk, wifi and a fridge. No need to miss out on your favourite shows either, as each room has a TV. The hotel also has laundry facilities, bike rentals, an on-site cafe and massage services.
Ville De La Vie Khao Yai
Independent Hotel
Close to Thailand’s first national park and an abundance of attractions, the Ville De La Vie Khao Yai is an attractive and comfortable hotel with top-notch facilities, including a sun deck with loungers, an outdoor pool and lush gardens adorned with whimsical statues. The ensuite rooms vary in size, with a maximum capacity of six, making it an excellent family-friendly option, and each one comes with a balcony or a patio, a minibar, a safe and a TV. Wifi is free, and there’s also an on-site restaurant.
Emma Sparks contributed additional reporting to this article.