Khorat Plateau
Plateau Extensive plateau in northeastern Thailand, agricultural region
A broad interior plateau making up much of northeast Thailand, the Khorat Plateau supports rice farming, laterite landscapes and Isan provinces; travelers pass through for regional markets, Khmer ruins and access to national parks.
The Khorat Plateau is a broad upland region in northeastern Thailand that forms the core of the Isan region. It is an elevated plain drained by the Mun and Chi rivers and dominated by agricultural land, seasonal wetlands and isolated sandstone hills.
Soils are often lateritic and the climate is strongly seasonal, with a distinct dry season and a wet monsoon season that shapes agricultural cycles. Human settlement and rice cultivation have long been established across the plateau, and the region contains numerous local cultural centres and market towns.
Geographically the plateau occupies much of northeast Thailand, centred around Nakhon Ratchasima (often called Khorat) and extending toward the Mekong River and the Cambodian border.
How to Get to Khorat Plateau #
The Khorat Plateau is a broad regional area accessed by road and rail from Bangkok (Nakhon Ratchasima - ‘Korat’ - is a main regional hub about 3-4 hours by car or train from Bangkok). Regional buses and trains connect major towns across the plateau.
Tips for Visiting Khorat Plateau #
- When traversing the plateau, stop at local markets for grilled sticky rice and regional snacks - the food tells the region's story as clearly as the landscape.
- Give yourself time to acclimatize if traveling from lower, hotter provinces; the plateau's climate can be markedly different.
- Search for local viewpoints at dawn: the light over rice terraces and isolated palms is exceptional for photography.
Best Time to Visit Khorat Plateau #
November-February is generally the most comfortable time to travel across the plateau, especially for outdoor activities.
Weather & Climate near Khorat Plateau #
Khorat Plateau's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with very hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 17°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1116 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (151 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 35°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (145 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (151 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (175 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (217 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (120 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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