Khon Kaen City Pillar Shrine

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The Khon Kaen City Pillar Shrine (ศาลเจ้าพ่อเทพารักษ์หลักเมือง) is located in between Pullman’s hotel and Central shopping center. It is actually in front of Sala Suk Chai, in a small park, on Sri Chant Road. In many cities of Thailand, the city pillar represents the center of the city and a religious monument. It is called in Thai “Lak Mueang”.   It is said that “a famous monk (พระราชสารธรรมมุนี(หลวงพ่อกัณหา)) and the former governor of Khon Kaen” placed the pillar, a stone with some inscriptions, from an ancient site in Amphoe Chum Phae there. The ceremony occurred on 20 August 2499. People go there for praying, making merits and worship this sacred monument. The city pillar in Surin was placed by the king on 20 August 2515. The one in Nakhon Ratchasima is inside a small temple that looks like a Chinese temple. It is exactly in the center of the 4 old gates in Korat. I was once told that in the old times, the city pillar was placed over the body of a young lady who died virgin. (But I can’t verify that information anywhere…) For more pictures:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/50651722@N03/sets/72157651540405376/ In Thai, you will find more information here: http://pr.prd.go.th/khonkaen/main.php?filename=kk_02

Visitor Tips

Located in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), this is one of the many dining options available to visitors and expats in the Isaan region of Thailand. When visiting restaurants in Korat, it is customary to order several dishes to share. Most restaurants in this area serve both Thai and international cuisine, and staff often speak some English.

Getting There

Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) is located approximately 250 km northeast of Bangkok. You can reach Korat by bus from Bangkok’s Mo Chit terminal (about 3.5 hours), by train from Hua Lamphong station, or by minivan from Chatuchak. Tuk-tuks and songthaews (shared trucks) are the most common local transport within the city.

About Isaan Cuisine

The Isaan region of northeastern Thailand has its own distinct culinary tradition, influenced by Lao and Khmer cultures. Signature dishes include som tam (spicy papaya salad), larb (spiced minced meat salad), sticky rice (khao niao), and grilled chicken (gai yang). Food in Isaan tends to be spicier and more sour than central Thai food, using ingredients like padaek (fermented fish sauce) and fresh herbs.

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