Nakhon Ratchasima, often called Khorat, is one of the Issan provinces of Thailand and is the country's largest province by area. The province sits at the west end of the Khorat Plateau, separated from the Chao Phraya river valley by the Phetchabun and Dong Phaya Yen mountain ranges. Two beautiful national parks are located in the province, Thap Lan in the south, and Khao Yai in the west. The latter is well known for its stunning natural attractions, making it one of the most visited national parks in Thailand.
Buriram province lies at the southern end of the Khorat Plateau, with several extinct volcanoes around the province. About a thousand years ago, the area that makes up today's Buriram province was under the rule of the Khmer Empire and many ruins remain from that time. The largest, standing on an extinct volcano, is in the Phanom Rung Historical Park.
The province's economy is mainly based on agriculture and trade, though Buriram features an international racing circuit and creates income through tourists visiting one of the many racing events.
Sa Kaeo province has a long history, including the Suvarnabhumi, the Dvaravati, and Khmer Kingdoms, which can be noticed from the various remains of ancient monuments and architecture scattered around in the province.
Sa Kaeo is also Thailand's main gateway to Cambodia at the border town of Aranyaprathet, both for goods and tourists. It is also home to Thailand's biggest market, Rong Klua, located at the border crossing in Aranyaprathet. In the past, Aranyaprathet was a typical border town with not much to do, but due to local government efforts to promote the town, this has changed significantly. If not in a rush, it is worth spending a day or two to visit the fantastic water park, take a bicycle to some ancient ruins or try your skills at a bicycle pump-track.
