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.
Songkran 2558 (Thai year 2558 = 2015 CE) in Korat was celebrated in the traditional Isan style — massive water fights along the city’s main streets, particularly around the Thao Suranaree monument, merit-making at temples, and family gatherings. Korat’s Songkran is more local and authentic than the mega-party versions of Chiang Mai or Bangkok.
How does the Thai Buddhist calendar year work?
Thailand uses the Buddhist Era (BE) calendar, which adds 543 years to the Common Era (CE). So 2558 BE = 2015 CE, 2563 BE = 2020 CE, and 2568 BE = 2025 CE. The Thai New Year (Songkran) marks the start of a new year in the traditional lunar calendar but Thai government uses the CE year for official purposes.
What is special about celebrating Songkran in smaller Thai cities like Korat?
Celebrating Songkran in a provincial Thai city like Korat offers a more authentic experience than in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. The celebrations are centred around the local temple, family gatherings to perform merit-making, and the water fights have a neighbourhood character rather than a tourist-managed spectacle. The age-old ritual of bathing Buddha images and paying respects to elders is more visible.
What is the tradition of ‘rod nam dam hua’ during Songkran?
Rod nam dam hua (รดน้ำดำหัว) is the Songkran tradition of pouring scented water over the hands of elderly relatives and respected community members as a mark of respect and blessing-seeking for the new year. It’s the sacred heart of Songkran — coexisting with the joyful water fights that have made the festival internationally famous.
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