Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) Shopping Travel Guide

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Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) and the whole Isaan region is famous for its cottage silk industry, particularly that of mudmee or ikat, the tie-dyed designs using natural colors. [more]

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In Pak Thongchai, just south of Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) city, you can see the silk made and designed in more than 70 small silk factories. Maybe the most famous Thai silk company in the Pak Thongchai area is Jim Tompson.

Thai silk: Isaan heritage in Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat)

The Isaan heritage of handwoven Thai silk is closely linked to both the neighboring countries of Laos and Cambodia, giving it a uniqueness not found in other parts of Thailand. The world renowned Mudmee or Ikat silks (hand made Thai silk) of Khorat are made using patterns handed down through generations of Thai weavers. The silk fabrics are suitable for a multitude of uses, from the traditional sarong to beautiful wall hangings.

Khorat Silk Production

Thai silk products are still very much a cottage industry. Very little has changed in the way the silk is processed since the fabric first came to this area of south east Asia.

Silk is made from the cocoons of the silkworm. Most skeins of silk are hand dyed using the same techniques known for thousands of years to achieve the delicate variations in the appearance of the finished fabric. The average factory has anywhere from one to 10 looms, all of which are operated by hand, usually by local Isaan people. This creates a personal touch to each piece of Thai silk fabric made.

Shopping for Thai Silk in Pak Thongchai

With such a large number of competing Thai silk factories and shops concentrated in this town, you can buy various silk cloths, handwoven Thai silk and local goods at a very reasonable price.

How to get to Pak Thongchai

Pak Thongchai is located about 31 km from Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) city, following highway No. 304.