I travel solo in Isaan (1989 - 1993 and 2021), going to Nongkhai, Buenkran, etcetera.. Isaan have change a lot, shopping centers have kills many mum & pop businesses. As I do not have any expectation or agenda, it was ok (have car).
Korat / Nakhon Ratchasima is definitely a huge city, overwhelming if you just want to browse it..
As a tourist I will give a miss, as a pickup place I cannot comment: I was visiting a friend (Priest) and as a fine atheist I contributed (financially) to decorate his church for Christmas (Makro).
“Look around” hummm, my suggestion will be get a guy as a tour guide, get a car and spend two night there and see.