Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand πΉπ
#399
,
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat, is a major city in Northeastern Thailand, known for its rich history and culture. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 300,000 residents. |
π» Internet Speed | Average speed of around 50 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | Thai Baht (THB); 1 USD β 35 THB. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | 220V, 50Hz, π Type C/O sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Popular providers include AIS, TrueMove, and DTAC. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Major banks like Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank accept foreign accounts. |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local apartment rentals, and serviced apartments. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payments via apps like Rabbit Line Pay and Alipay are common. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Dormitory-style hostels starting at 200 THB per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center, near the Korat Cultural Center. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The area around Nakhon Ratchasima Railway Station offers good access to amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Camp Co-Working Space, located in the city center. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Amazon, known for its good coffee and strong Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for digital nomad meetups. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Nakhon Ratchasima Expat Facebook Group hosts regular gatherings. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the primary ride-hailing app used in the city. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Available at local shops; costs around 200 THB per day. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Hua Hin Beach, approximately 3 hours by car. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Thai Lion Air connects Nakhon Ratchasima to Bangkok. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Bangkok Airways operates international flights from Bangkok. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Well connected via Route 2 and Route 304. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Nakhon Ratchasima Railway Station. |
π Public Transport Passes | Local bus services operate, but no centralized pass available. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect to other cities in Isaan. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogart Studio offers classes for all levels. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and local gyms are available. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats and laundry services are common. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | GrabFood and FoodPanda offer extensive options. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Khao Soi, a delicious curry noodle soup. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Several local vegetarian restaurants, such as Loving Hut. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Roti Mataba is famous for its Thai crepes. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Talad Kon Narai offer fresh foods. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee for online shopping. |
π Grocery Delivery | Big C and Tesco Lotus offer online shopping services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife around Thao Suranaree Monument; popular bars include The Roof. |
π» Local Brewery | Gulf Beer, available in local shops. |
π· Wine Bars | Few options, but enjoy local restaurants with Thai wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Night markets, especially in the city center, are abundant. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Italian and Indian options available around the city center. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Phuheng Subdistrict and Thao Suranaree Monument. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Nakhon Ratchasima Cultural Center showcases local history. |
π° Historical Sites | Khorat Fossil Museum and Wat Salak Phra. |
π Religious Sites | Wat Phra Narai Maharat is notable for its serene atmosphere. |
π Annual Events | Korat Fair attracts locals and tourists alike, usually held in December. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | City Center, featuring traditional markets. |
π Theater Venues | Local theatres host cultural performances occasionally. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Talad Ratchasima offers local produce and artisan crafts. |
πΌ Music Scene | Live music can be found in bars around the Thao Suranaree Monument. |
π¨ Street Art | Mural paintings are seen throughout the city, especially near public parks. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Learn local cooking at the Korat Cooking School. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Local artists often showcase work in pop-up events. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Old Korat City Hall contains historical significance. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The tradition of silk making is prevalent in the region. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Khao Yai National Park, about 2 hours away, known for its biodiversity. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Pak Chong National Park, great for hiking and wildlife. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Routes along the Nakhon Ratchasima canals are popular for walking and cycling. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Khao Yai viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the national park. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Khao Yai National Park is a hotspot for bird enthusiasts. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated fire areas in parks like Khao Yai. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local couriers provide shipping services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Tech shops around the city can assist with device repairs. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Available in local community centers. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Thai language classes offered at local community centers. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Nakhon Ratchasima Public Library is available for reading and studying. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Various centers offer cultural activities and workshops. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes provide gaming experiences. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in the city; nearest in Bangkok. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 30,000 THB per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = 1,200,000 THB). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 25,000 THB per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = 1,000,000 THB). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 28,000 THB per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = 1,680,000 THB). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 22,000 THB per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = 1,320,000 THB). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 26,000 THB per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = 2,080,000 THB). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 20,000 THB per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = 1,600,000 THB). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 20% standard corporate tax rate. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% on dividends. |
π¦ Tax System | Progressive tax rates apply; tax residence based on stay duration. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard VAT rate is 7%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Applicable based on ownership and local rules. |
π Property Tax | Based on the assessed value of property. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 2% of the sale price. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific benefits for digital nomads, but options depend on residency. |