Nakorn Ratchasima, also known as Khorat, is situated on a plateau about 259 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. The city itself serves as the gateway to the Northeastern Region. Khorat is now Thailand’s second most populous city. A major US airbase was here during the Indochina War, but has since been dismantled Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) is a large province which is steeped in history, especially that which relates to the Khmer kingdom. As a result there are numerous sites covering all aspects of Khmer culture. The province is rich in nature with forests, mountains, waterfalls and reservoirs. The province also supports traditional ways of life, especially well reflected at Dan Kwian – a traditional community based around the production of clay pottery products. Nakhon Ratchasima's museums are excellent, housing findings from a variety of archaeological digs that bear witness to the region’s pre-history and the Dvaravati and Khmer cultures that strongly influenced it. Attractions in the area include Khao Yai National Park – an especially good park protecting birds and animals (tigers, elephants, etc.) and Prasat Hin Phimai National Historical Park.