30 December 2023
Korat Kickoff: Luxury Stay & Local Eats
Today, we’re taking you on a whirlwind Korat adventure – from luxurious beginnings to indulging in delicious local flavors.
A Smooth Start & Luxurious Base:
We set off early for Korat, eager to escape the city bustle. Thankfully, the drive went smoothly, and by 10:30 am, we were pulling up to the stunning Centara Korat. This hotel promised a few days of pampering, and the perfect place to celebrate the New Year in style. The hotel’s proximity to Central Nakhon Korat, a major shopping center, was an added bonus for any shopping enthusiasts.
Pizza Perfection & Scenic Relaxation:
Our first stop, however, wasn’t the mall, but rather Tops supermarket’s legendary freshly baked pizza counter. We patiently awaited the next batch, and with much delight, snagged the first two slices! Back at the hotel, we settled into our 15th-floor haven, savoring the pizza and the breathtaking views. The rest of the afternoon was spent unwinding in pure comfort, soaking in the luxurious atmosphere.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits:
Come evening, hunger pains called, and we ventured out to explore the vibrant Central Korat food park. For dinner, Alison opted for a classic Thai dish – Beef Basil with rice and a sunny-side-up egg. It was pure deliciousness! Steve, on the other hand, went for the stir-fried basil with noodles and pork, another local favorite.
31 December 2023
Korat Delights: Lazy Days, Lavish Feasts & Fireworks Spectacle
Sunrise Serenade & Breakfast Bonanza:
After a restful night’s sleep, we awoke to a vibrant Korat sunrise, its golden hues painting the sky. Waking up feeling refreshed, we headed down to breakfast around 7:00 am. The Centara Korat’s breakfast buffet was a true revelation! It rivaled the legendary spread at the Eastin Grand, boasting an impressive array of delectable dishes. From fluffy omelets to fresh pastries, and everything in between, this breakfast spread had it all. And to top it off, perfectly frothy cappuccinos – the perfect way to start the day!
Relaxation & Replenishment:
The day unfolded at a leisurely pace. We enjoyed the comfort of our hotel room, venturing out only for a quick stroll through the nearby Central Nakhon Korat mall to grab some snacks. Of course, no stay in Korat would be complete without a visit to Tops supermarket. Here, we picked up a selection of celebratory treats to ring in the New Year in style.
New Year’s Eve: Front-Row Seat to the Fireworks Extravaganza!
The best part about our hotel room at Centara Korat? The incredible view overlooking the Korat Countdown Festival! We had the ultimate VIP experience, enjoying the music and the dazzling fireworks display from the comfort of our 15th-floor balcony. The sheer volume of fireworks set off across the district was truly astonishing. With a clear night sky, we could see fireworks exploding kilometers away, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. It was a truly unforgettable way to celebrate the arrival of the New Year!
1 January 2024
Korat Chronicles: Breakfast Bonanza & Breathtaking Views
Breakfast Blitz & Busier Mornings:
The Centara Korat continued to impress us with another phenomenal breakfast spread. We noticed an earlier rush for breakfast compared to the previous day, but the vast selection ensured everyone had their fill.
Terminal 21 & Sky High Spectacle:
By 11:00 am, we were ready to explore the famed Terminal 21 Korat. This unique shopping mall takes the concept of “retail tourism” to a whole new level. Each floor is meticulously designed to represent a different international city, transporting visitors on a global shopping adventure.
Sky Deck Soars Above the City:
Housed within the same complex as Terminal 21 Korat is the magnificent Sky Deck. Around midday, we located the elevator and ascended to this breathtaking viewpoint. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Crystal-clear blue skies offered unobstructed panoramic views of Korat, making the experience even more unforgettable.
Relaxed Reprieve & Early Night:
After soaking in the city’s panorama, we retreated back to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon, unwinding from the day’s adventures. An early night beckoned
2 January 2024
Korat Kaleidoscope: Temple Twlight & Local Delights
Early Start & Banking Business:
The next day began with another early breakfast at the Centara Korat. Fuelled and ready to tackle some errands, we headed to Central Plaza. First on the agenda: a visit to Bangkok Bank. Thankfully, changing Steve’s email address on their account went smoothly, saving us valuable time. Next stop: AIS, where we topped up the data plan on his iPad.
Lunch & Off to Wat Ban Rai:
With errands complete, our stomachs began to rumble. We found a delicious lunch spot before setting off on a late afternoon adventure to Wat Ban Rai. Traffic was heavy on certain stretches of the highway, but we persevered.
Wat Ban Rai Revisited: Elephants & Enchanting Sunset
Arriving at Wat Ban Rai, we were greeted by the sight of a couple of real elephants – a delightful surprise! We spent the late afternoon capturing the beauty of the temple in photos. The sunset was truly spectacular, casting a warm glow on the still waters surrounding the temple.
Wat Ban Rai continues to hold a special place in our hearts. Its sheer size and grandeur never fail to amaze us. This truly is one of our favorite temples in all of Thailand.
Local Krapow & Quiet Night In:
After soaking in the beauty of the sunset, we wrapped up our visit to Wat Ban Rai. Our final stop of the day was a local cafe, where we enjoyed a delicious Pad Krapow Gai for dinner. It seemed we were the last customers of the day, as the friendly owner closed up shop after serving us.
Back at the hotel, we settled in for a relaxing and quiet night, reflecting on another incredible day in Korat.