Yasothon Province Yasothon was separated from the province of Ubon Ratchatani and declared a province in 1972. It is around 530 km from Bangkok. The name Yasothon is taken from the Sanskrit "Yaoshara", which means 'the keeper of glory'. The province is well known for its annual Bang Fai, or Rocket Festival, which is held around mid - May.
Places of Attraction
Wat MahathatThis temple is located in the centre of town. It enshrines the ashes of Phra Ananda an eminent follower of the Lord Buddha. The complex also contains a carved wooden scripture hall, located in the middle of a pond, which contains the temple's old scriptures.
Ban Si ThanThis village is located about 20 km southeast of town, along route 202. The village is well known for its hand-made silk and cotton products, especially the mon khit, the traditional Isan triangular pillows.
That Kong Khao NoiThis ancient Khmer chedi is located at Tambon Tat Thong in Amphoe Muang. The Buddha image enshrined is made of brick and stucco and is ritually bathed during the 5th lunar month, to bring about rain.
Rocket FestivalThe famous Bun Bang Fai, or sky rocket festival, is held on the second weekend of May. The locals highly decorate their rockets and launch them during the festivities. The festival is at the end of the dry season and the rockets are launched to bring in the rain.
Udon Thani Province Udon Thani, along with Khon Kaen and several other northeast cities, 'boomed' during the Vietnam War. The influx of the US servicemen into the area helped the city to develop and prosper. Although the legacy of the Vietnam War has left its mark in the region, the legacy of a much earlier era has been revealed.In the 60's, a discovery in the countryside by a young anthropology student would reveal the details of the region's pre-history: throwing into doubt the academics accepted agreement on the origins and development of the bronze age.
Places of Attraction
Ban Chiang Historical ParkThe accidental discovery of broken pieces of pottery by Stephen Young in 1966 would lead to the excavation of the area by archaeological experts. The findings have been the most important to be discovered in Southeast Asia.The bronzeware discovered at the site has been dated to 3600 BC, 500 years earlier than that found at the Euphrates and Tigris basin, where scholars believed that bronze metallurgy had developed.The digs also discovered distinctive clay pottery, pots and vases which are associated with the burial sites that were found. Many of the jars contained infant skeletons. A national museum has been set up at the site, with an excellent collection of the artefacts discovered, including extensive information about the site.
Nong PrajakA pleasant place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This man-made lake and park is located in the north-western part of town.
Phu Phra Phutthabat Historical ParkThe park is located in Ban Pheu district, about 40 km to the northwest of Udon. The park has a mixture of caves with pre-historic paintings, peculiar geological formations and Buddhist shrines. The area seems to have been inhabited ever since pre-historic times: remnants of Dvaravati, Lopburi and Lang Chan religious artefacts are all located within the park's cave temples.At the entrance to the park is Wat Phra That Phuttha Bua Bok, a 40m tall pagoda which houses a Buddha footprint. The temple is the scene of festivities from March 11-15, when the people from Udon come to pay their respects.
Ubon Ratchathani Province The province of Ubon Ratchathani is tucked in the southeast corner of the northeast region, bordering with Laos and Cambodia. It is more prosperous than most provinces in the northeast and is surrounded by a more verdant landscape. The provincial capital, known simply as Ubon, is located on the banks of the Mun River - Thailand's second longest river. The city was once dominated by Dvaravati and Khmer kingdoms, before being settled by Lao people in the late 18th century.Along with Udon Thani and Korat, it became a US air base during the Vietnam war. The province benefited from the arrival of the US forces, who set up the infrastructure for the present day city. Up until recently the border region with Cambodia was not considered a safe place to travel; due to the activities of the Khmer Rouge along the border.
Places of Attraction
Ubon National Museum The museum is situated on Kheuen Thani Rd, near the TAT offices. It was once a palace of King Rama VI. It houses many objects from the Dvaravati and Khmer periods, along with general information on Ubon history. One of the rooms concentrates on the pre-history of Ubon, with a collection of stone and bronze utensils, pottery and burial urns similar to that found at Ban Chiang.
Wat Thung Si MeuangSituated in the centre of town, off Luang Rd. The wat was built during the reign of King Rama III (1824-1851). The most outstanding feature of the compound is the wooden tripitaka library, or hor trai, which is built on stilts in the middle of a small pond.
Wat Phra That Nong BuaThis temple is located on the northern outskirts of town, just off Chayankun Rd, travelling towards Nakhon Phanom. The angular chedi is based on the Mahabodhi stupa in Bodhgaya, India. The niches on the four-sided chedi contain standing Buddhas, in closed robes. The outside of the chedi is also decorated with fine Jataka reliefs.
Wat SupatanaramThis riverside temple was built in 1853, in a mixture of Thai, Khmer and European styles. The stone bot is surrounded by fine lintels, one of which is believed to date from the 7th century. In front of the bot is a large wooden gong, the largest in the country.
Wat Nong Pa PhongLocated about 8 km south of Ubon, in Warin Chamrap district. This forested temple and meditation centre was founded by the much revered monk, the late Acharn Cha.Acharn Cha also founded many other temples in the area, and even one in Sussex, England. Many westerners have studied here over the years: some have been ordained as monks and have remained here.
Hat Khu DeuaTake a break from the heat and visit the 'beach'. On the northern banks of the Mun River there are several shaded spots perfect for a picnic, or a quiet little snooze.
Hat Wat TaiThis river 'island' is a large sandbank in the middle of the Mun River. Locals come here to picnic and there are several foodstalls that set up in the evenings.
Pha TaemThis sandstone cliff overlooks the Mekong River in Khong Chiam district, about 95km northeast of Ubon. The cliff face features prehistoric paintings of elephants, fish, turtles and geometric designs that are 3,000 years old. A trail leads from the cliff top, down past platforms to view the paintings, to the base. From the top of the cliff you can get a good view of Laos.
Surin Province
Surin is a province located in the south of the Isan region, roughly 450 km from Bangkok. It is a major silk weaving area, but is also famous for its annual elephant roundup. The residents are a cultural mixture of Lao, Central Thai, Khmer and Suay peoples, resulting in an interesting blend of dialects and customs. The famous elephant roundup occurs in the third week of November and is performed by the local Suay people. The Suay have for centuries been experts in this field, since the days that domesticated elephants were very much in demand. The show highlights the work carried out by these massive beasts and includes tricks performed by the elephant and his mahout. As is usual in the northeastern region, there are plenty of ruins from the Khmer period of the 11th and 12th centuries to be found scattered around the province.
Places of Attraction
Prasat Sikhoraphum This temple is situated 34 km to the northeast of town, along Route 226 towards Si Saket. The taller central prang stands at 32 m-high and has doorways that are finely decorated with Hindu deities. Dating from the 12th century, and built in the Angkor Wat style, it was initially a Hindu shrine. It was converted to a Buddhist temple in the 16th century.
Prasat PluangHead south from town, along route 214 to Prasat. At about 2km past Prasat, cross route 24 and turn to the left. The sanctuary is placed on a high laterite platform and is believed to date from the late 11th century. In the 1970's, excavations by the Fine Arts Department revealed that the temple was never completed.
Prasat Ta Muan ThomThis temple is located 60 km south of town, in the Kab Choeng District, on the Thai-Cambodian border. It was built in the 11th century, during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. This was once an important place, situated along the road that linked Phimai to Angkor in Cambodia. There is a 30m long staircase that leads down into Cambodian territory.
Elephant VillageThe elephant has very much been part of Thailand's history: from the days when kingdoms where fought over by elephant-mounted soldiers, to the necessary agricultural and logging work they were trained for.However, today the numbers of these animals has dwindled. No longer used in military actions and seldom used in agriculture, the importance of the pachyderms has declined. At the village of Ban Tha Klang, about 40 km north of Surin, a programme has been set up to take care of these massive beasts. With the help from conservationist agencies, a natural environment has been created for them.
Si Sa Ket Province
The province of Si Sa Ket is located in the south of the Isan region, bordering with Cambodia. It wa once an integral part of the Khmer Empire that once ruled over the region: which can be noted in the vast number of ruins of Khmer style temples that can be found scattered around the province.Si Sa Ket became a city in 1759, during the Ayutthaya period. Although there is little of significance in Si Sa Ket, it is one of the best places for travelling to the many Khmer ruins scattered around the southern Isan region.
Places of Attraction
Princess Mother's ParkThe park is situated about 1 km from the centre of town, along Kasikam Rd. It is located in the grounds of Si Saket Agricultural College. It was built to honour the Princess' Mother on her 80th birthday.
Prasat Hin Wat Sa Kampang YaiThis sandstone temple was built on a slope at the edge of Ban Sa Kampang, about 2 km from the centre. The structure was believed to have been built around the 10th century when the area was under control of the Khmers, under King Suriyaworaram. The main entrance gate in inscribed with Khmer lettering, while the walls have many carved scenes.
Prasat Khao Phra ViharnThis magnificent Khmer sanctuary is located on a 500m cliff overlooking the jungle in Cambodia once controlled by the Khmer-Rouge. Now safely opened for the general public, this enchanting site is a great example of the Khmer heritage.The site was dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva, and was believed to have been built during the time of King Suryavarman I (1002-1050). The walkway leading to the central sanctuary is over 850m long with pavilions and courtyards along the way.
Sakon Nakhon Province The province of Sakon Nakhon is approximately 650 km from Bangkok. It is situated in the far northeast region and borders with Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan (which all border with Laos), Udon Thani and Kalasin. Historically the area was under the control of the Khmers, when it was an important provincial centre. The second most revered Lao-style stupa, Phrathat Choeng Chum, is to be found in Sakon Nakhon. On the edges of the town of Sakon Nakhon is Nong Han, the largest natural lake to be found in Thailand. The province is also known for two of the most famous Buddhist monks in Thai history; Acharn Man and his student Acharn Fan Ajaro, who were known to have mastered the Buddhist meditation, vipassana.
Places of Attraction
Phrathat Choeng ChumThis highly revered Lao-style temple is situated on Reuang Sawat Rd, in the centre of town. The chedi, standing at a height of 25m, was built over the remains of a Khmer style prang during the Ayutthaya period.
Phrathat Narai Cheng WengThis temple is located about 5km from the town, in the village of Ban That. The five tiered sandstone prang was originally part of a Khmer Hindu complex dating from the 11th century.
Wat Pa SutthawatThis temple, situated in the southwest of town holds the remains of the famous Phra Achan Man. There is a bronze image of the monk as well as articles linked to the monk on display.
Nong HanThe lake has an area of 32 sq km and contains many small islands. One of the most pleasant is Don Sawan, which is very popular at weekends and holidays and can easily be reached by a hired boat.
Wax Castle FestivalThe festival is held at the end of the Buddhist Lent. The local people make well detailed castles from bees wax and parade them through the streets in a merit-making event.
Roi Et Province The northeastern province of Roi Et is one of the poorest in the Kingdom of Thailand. The province is encompassed by the Tung Kula Rong Hai, a large infertile plain. The poor agricultural soil has led to the impoverishment of the area, although the government has gone to great lengths to make the land more fertile and productive.
Places of Attraction
Bung Phlan ChaiThe city of Roi Et is built around the lake of Bung Phlan Chai. In the centre of the lake is a small island, which is linked by footbridges, containing the city pillar or lak muang.
Wat NeuaThis temple is situated in the northwest of town. The chedi dates back to the Dvaravati period and has an unusual four cornered bell-shape, rarely seen in Thailand
Wat Klang Ming Muang This temple is situated on Charoenhanit Rd in the northeast part of town. It is believed to have been built before the founding of the city, with the bot added in the 18th century
Wat BuraphaphiramThis temple is situated in the northeastern part of town. It enshrines the largest standing Buddha image in Thailand, Phra Phutta Ratana Mongkhon Maha, standing at over 67 m tall.
Nong Khai Province
Nong Khai province is situated along the mighty Mekong River, the natural border that separates Thailand And Laos. The area was once part of the ancient Vientiane kingdom before coming part of Monthon Lao Phuan, during the reign of Rama V. The Monthon covered a large part of the northeast region and Vientiane. In the late 19th century when French colonialists took control over Vientiane, the Monthon capital was moved to nearby Udon Thani.
The city of Nong Khai is situated about 2km east of the Friendship Bridge, which spans the Mekong between Ban Jommani and Tha Na Laeng (20km southeast of Vientiane). The bridge was built to link landlocked Laos with Highway 2, thus opening the area for trading and to port facilities in Thailand.
Places of Attraction
Wat Pho ChaiThe wat is located off Prajak Rd, in the east-central part of town. The temple is famous for its exquisite Lang Xang style sitting Buddha image, Luang Pho Phra Sai. The image has a solid gold head, with the usnisa (wisdom 'bump' on the head) decorated with rubies, while the body is bronze.The inside of the bot is lined with murals depicting the dramatic journey of the image from Laos. The image sunk while being transported across the Mekong in 1550. It remained on the riverbed until 1575, when it was retrieved and placed in Wat Pradit Thammakhun. It was later moved to Wat Pho Sai during the reign of King Mongkut (1852-1868). During the annual Songkran Festival in April, the highly revered image is led on a procession around the town.
Prap Haw Monument The monument was raised in 1886 to commemorate the victory over Chiin Haw (Yunnanese) tribesmen who invaded the region in the late 1800's. The monument is in front of the city hall. The monument contains the remains of top officials who lost their lives in crushing the rebellion.
Phra That Nong KhaiThis temple is better known as Phra That Klang Nam. The Laos style chedi has slipped away from the river bank and is placed in the middle of the river. The top of the chedi is only revealed during the dry-season; when it is immediately adorned with religious decorations by the locals. The chedi is located about 2.5km east of town.
Wat Hin Mak Peng
This temple is located in Si Chiang Mai district. Situated on the banks of the Mekong River, this tranquil meditation centre is a great place to view the Laotian landscape. The grounds of the temple are tended to by Mae Chii, Buddhist nuns.
Nong Bua Lamphu Province
The province of Nong Bua Lamphun is located north of the Isan plateau and is bordered with the provinces of Udon Thani, Khon Kaen and Loei. It is a relatively new province, having being from Amphoe status in Udon Thani in 1993.
The province is very mountainous and has many beautiful lakeside scenes. The foot of the mountains are the location for a large cave network and many pre-historic archaeological sites have been discovered in the province.
Places of Attraction
King Naresuan the Great StatueThe statue of King Naresuan is located in the centre of town. It was erected to commemorate the King and his army stopped here on their way to attack Vientiane in 1574.
Wat Tham SuwannakhuhaThis temple is located in Amphoe Suwannakhuha, about 50 km from Nong Bua Lam Phu. Commonly called simply Wat Tham, it was built in 1572 by a king of Vientiane.
Wat Tham Klong PhenThe temple is located at the foot of the Phu Phan mountain range, about 13km from the township. It was formerly the meditation centre for Phra Achan Luang Pu Khao Analayo, who is well known and respected by Thais nationwide. In the grounds is a small museum that has a statue of Luang Pu Khao and a collection of his utensils.
Erawan CaveThe cave is approached by the 107 steps that ascend to the cave mouth. The inside of the cave is very large and contains many beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. The opening of the cave has a large seated Buddha overlooking the wonderful setting below.
Nakhon Ratchasima Province
Nakhon Ratchasima or "Korat" as it is better known, sits on the SW edge of the NE region, over 250 km from Bangkok. It is Thailand's largest province, covering an area of over 20,500 sq km. Korat is the principal city in the area and is quite prosperous compared to the rest of the northeast region.
The city was established in the 17th century, during the reign of King Narai. At the founding of the city there was two older settlements, Sema and Khorakpura, that were merged together to populate the city. The remains of the old town walls and moat are still in evidence today, as are the rebuilt town gates.
Today the city is the main transportation hub to the northeast region. The railway from Bangkok splits here to follow on to Ubon Ratchatani in the lower northeast and to Nong Khai at the Thai-Laos border. By road the city is linked to Bangkok by Highway 2, which also leads to the Thai-Laos border.
Places of Attraction
Mahawirawong National MuseumThe museum is situated in the grounds of Wat Sutchinda on Rachdamnern Rd. It houses a good collection of Khmer artifacts, as well as art objects from other periods.
Thao Suranari ShrineThis bronze monument is located in the centre of town, opposite the Chumpon Gate. It was erected in 1934 in commemoration of Khunying Mo, the wife of a Deputy Governor, who dispelled an invading Laotian army in 1826. She has become a regional heroine, with people coming from all over the district to pay their respects to the monument. In March each year there is a 10 day-long festival in honour of Khunying Mo, with plenty of local entertainment and folk singing around the monument.
Wat Sala LoiLocated in the northeastern part of town, on the banks of the Lam Thakong River. This is a modern Buddhist temple, built in 1973. The bot is shaped like an old Chinese junk, to symbolize a boat taking the faithful to Nirvana.
Pak Thong ChaiThis village is situated 30 km south on Route 304. It is a silk weaving village and a major supplier to the silk shops in Bangkok. There are many small factories to visit, where the various processes of production can be observed. High quality silk products are also sold here, though not necessarily cheaper than in Bangkok.
Prasat Hin Phanom WanLocated on the outskirts of town, on the way to Phimai. This historical Khmer shrine has indications that it was originally built as a Hindu shrine before being converted to a Buddhist temple. Experts are unsure of when it was actually built, though some believe that construction had started in the early 10th century. Some restoration work, though limited, has been carried out on the shrine.
Ban Dan KwaiThe village is located 15 km to the southeast of Korat, on Route 204. Dan Kwai is well known for the distinctive rust-coloured pottery that is produced there. The clay is gathered from the local river, then shaped into beautiful vases, pots, wind chimes and many other fine objects, including jewellery. Several stalls situated along the main road can be found selling the finished wares.
PHIMAI
Phimai is a small ancient town, 52 km to the northeast of Korat. The town is known for the splendid Khmer sanctuary, Prasat Hin Phimai. It once played an important role for the Khmers, as it marked the western reaches of the kingdom.
Prasat Hin PhimaiThe building of this magnificent Hindu and Mahayana Buddhist Angkor period Khmer monument was begun by King Jayavarman V towards the end of the 10th century and was not completed until the early part of the 11th century by King Suriyavarman.Inside the walled compound, which is accessed at the Victory Gate or Pratu chai, are three prangs: Prang Prathon, the largest, is made of white sandstone, the laterite Prang Phromothat and the red sandstone Prang Hin Daeng.Although dedicated to Mahayana Buddhism the complex shows many Hindu influences. Some scholars believe that Prasat Hin Phimai was the basis for the design of Angkor Wat.
Phimai National MuseumThis new museum has many fine exhibits; mainly focussing on sculptures from the Isaan region. It has on display a large collection of lintels and statues from Phimai, Phanom Rung and many of the other Khmer sites in Thailand. The chief exhibit is a stone sculpture of King Jayavarman VII of Angkor.
Nakhon Phanom Province
The province of Nakhon Phanom lies along the mighty Mekong river in the northeast of Thailand, just over 700 km from Bangkok. The provincial capital sits on the banks of the river with splendid views over the river of Laos, especially the mountains beyond the Laos town of Tha Khaek. The city was given the name Nakhon Phanom, meaning "City of Mountains" due to the geographical area surrounding it. A promenade has been built along the river front, for people to enjoy the wonderful view.
The stream of Lao and other ethnic groups that have crossed the river over the centuries has brought distinct differences in the local customs, dialects and cuisine. Visitors with a valid visa for travelling to Laos are now permitted to cross the river by ferry at Nakhon Phanom.
There is even talk of a bridge being built here, which would link a route all the way to the Gulf of Tonkin in Vietnam.
Places of Attraction
Wat That Phanom
This highly revered temple is located about 50 km to the south of the town centre. The exact date of its construction is unknown, although experts reckon it is over 1500 years old. The Lao-style chedi stands at 52m high and the top is decorated with 110kg of gold. The temple is considered one of the most important in the northeast region and thousands flock to the temple during the annual fair, which is celebrated on the full moon of the 3rd lunar month.
Renu Nakhon
The village of Renu Nakhon is about 50 km from town. The village has a market selling cotton and silk materials produced locally. The village temple Wat Phra That Renu Nakhon is similar to that at That Phanom.
Mahasarakham Province
The province of Mahasarakham is situated right in the middle of the northeast region. The province has little in interest for most travellers, although the simple life of this agricultural area can be a pleasant and enjoyable place to visit. The town has an institution centre for the research into the northeastern arts and culture.
Places of Attraction
Wat Mahachai
Situated in the wat compound is the Northern Culture Museum, which houses a collection of literature and art from the region.
Mongkhon Standing Buddha
This is the main Buddha image in Mahasarakham, dating from the Dvaravati period. It is made of red sandstone and was cast around the same time as the Phra Phutta Ming Muang.
Phra Phutta Ming Muang
This sandstone image is enshrined in Wat Suwanmali in Amphoe Kantharawichai. The locals have a legend that since this image and the Mongkhon Standing Buddha have existed, plentiful rain has fallen on the province.
Prang Ku
The remains of this Khmer prang is amongst and old site that was on the edges of the Khmer Empire. A large reservoir nearby is the site of the annual Bun Bang Fai or Rocket Festival.
Loei Province
Loei province is located between the northern and northeastern regions. Its position has led to many influences from both regions through history: resulting in an interesting blend of dialects and customs. The mountainous geography of the area has more in common with the north, which made the province less approachable for advancing armies. The area has remained one of the most unspoiled areas in the country.The mountainous area of the region was also the home for the guerillas of the Communist Party of Thailand, until the early 1980's.
Places of Attraction
Phra That Si Song Rak
This temple is located on the banks of the River Man, about 1km from Amphoe Dan Sai. It was built in 1560 to commemorate the mutual agreements made between Krung Sri Ayutthaya and Krung Sri Satana Kanahut of Vientiane.
Kaeng Khut Khu
These rapids are in the middle of the Mekong River, about 4km downstream of Chiang Khan. There is a small park, with vendors selling the usual Isan food and beverages.
Phu Kradung National Park
The park is centred around the 1360m Phu Kradung, the highest peak in Loei. The park covers an area of over 350 sq km of lush and fertile land that is home to various forest animals and many wild plants.The park has over 50 km of marked trails that cover cliffs, waterfalls and meadows. Accommodation is available in the park, although only basic. Contact the Forest Division, Tel Bangkok 5790529.
Khon Kaen Province
Khon Kaen is a large commercial city, the most important in the northeast. It is the home of the largest university in the region and is also the administrative centre for the region. This is accredited to the government's effort to help develop the region in the 1960s. It also played an important role during the Vietnam war, with a nearby airbase facilitating the US Air Force.
At the turn of this millenium a small town had developed near Phra That Kham Kaen. The town never really flourished and was abandoned several times through the centuries. In 1789 a ruler from Suwwanaphum founded the present-day city and named it Kham Kaen, after the chedi. The name was later changed to Khon Kaen.
As it the centre hub of transportation in the area, most travellers will end up passing through here. Although it doesn't offer the same interests as the villages and towns of the region, it still has something for those wishing to stop over.
Places of Attraction
Khon Kaen National Museum
The museum is situated at the junction of Kasikhon and Lungsun Rachakhan roads. It has a superb collection of artefacts from the region, especially the archaeological finds from Ban Chiang in Udon Thani province. There are also collections from the Dvaravati and Lopburi(Khmer) periods of Thai history on show.
Phra That Kham Kaen
This 19 m-high chedi at Wat Chotiyaphun is located 30 km from the city centre. The chedi was built over the stump of a tamarind tree, that allegedly flowered after been dead for a long time. The spot was were a group of monks, carrying Buddha relics, stopped overnight. On their later return, the relics were enshrined in the chedi.
Non Muang
This archaeological site is located about 85km from Khon Kaen. The site was an ancient Chumpae habitat, believed to have been inhabited up until the 10th century. Excavators have found human skeletons and bronze tools from over 3,000 years ago.
Kalasin Province
The small province of Kalasin is located about 520 km from Bangkok. It is a relatively quiet province, with the provincial capital small and rather charming. Although it offers few attractions, there are the remains of a Dvaravati-period town located nearby at Muang Fa Daed.
Places of Attraction
Wat KlangThis temple is located on Kalasin Rd, in the centre of town. It houses an impressive black Buddha image, cast in bronze. The image is considered the most important in the province, and is usually held aloft during processions to bring rain. The temple also enshrines a sandstone footprint of the Buddha.
Phra Buddha Saiyat Phu Khao
This Reclining Buddha can be found about 6 km from the township. The image, carved into a stone cliff, is different to the usual style, in that the figure is leaning on the left side rather than the normal right. It was built around the end of the 17th century.
Muang Fa Daed
This ancient moated town probably dates back to around the 8th century AD. It is located about 20 km south of town.Archaeologists have found beautifully carved bei sema (boundary stones), along with clay pipes and other utensils.
Ban Phon
This village, about 70 km from Kalasin, is well known for its Phrae Wa. It is a hand crafted, patterned silk cloth, which is made by the local Phu Thai people who are the descendents of Vietnamese immigrants.
Chaiyaphum Province
Chaiyaphun is probably the least visited province in Thailand. The province is flanked by two mountain ranges; Dong Phaya Yen to the west and Khao Khiew to the north, which have resulted in its remoteness. The major roads and rail network have by-passed this small province, doing little to promote travel to the area. Although the road system has been up-graded, traversing the area in a four-wheel drive (especially during the rainy season) is recommended. Historically the province was ruled by the Khmers until the 13th century when their stronghold in the region started to wane. After the Khmers abandoned the area it remained un-populated until the late 18th century, when a large group of Laotians settled in the area. Although the community paid tribute to Vientiane, they also developed a relationship with Bangkok. In the early 19th century Prince Anou of Vientiane declared war on the Siamese. Wise to the knowledge that Anou's troops were no match for the military superiority of the Siamese troops, the Lao ruler of Chaiyaphun, Jao Phraya Lae, switched allegiance. He later died in battle in 1806.The Siamese sacked Vientiane in 1828, resulting in the Siamese controlling most of western Laos. The Thai's later conceded the territory to the French at the end of the century.
Places of Attraction
Prang Ku
This sandstone Khmer prang was built in the 12th century, during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. Inside the prang is a Buddha image, believed to be from the Dvaravati period.
Taat Ton National Park
This small park is situated about 20km to the northwest of town, at the edge of the Laen Da mountain range. The park contains three scenic waterfalls; Taat Tohn, Taat Klang and Phaa Phiang, of which Taat Tohn are the largest.Accommodation is available in the form of bungalows, priced between 400-800 Baht.
Ban Khwao
Located about 15km to the west of town, this village is renowned for its high quality and elaborately patterned hand-woven silk. Visitors can observe the processes of the production of the high quality silk; from the acquiring of the raw silk from the silkworms to the dyeing and weaving processes.
Buriram Province
Buriram was once an integral part of the ancient Khmer kingdom. During this period many fine monuments were constructed in the area. The most well known of these are the magnificent, laboriously restored ruins of Phanom Rung. The ruins are just one historical site in a province which boasts over 60.
Places of Attraction
Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung Historical Park
This magnificent Khmer sanctuary was built on the summit of an extinct volcanoe, Rainbow Hill. The building of the whole complex spanned over 200 years, between the 10th and early 13th centuries,and is constructed of sandstone and laterite. The central sanctuary was built in traditional Khmer style; a symmetrical cruciform plan. The approach to the central sanctuary starts over 400m away to the east and includes a 160m avenue made of laterite and sandstone blocks. At the end of the avenue is the first of three bridges adorned with the mythical Naga (dragon headed serpents). Then a walk up the monumental staircase leads into the sanctuary's eastern gallery.
A greater part of the construction work was completed during the reign of King Suriyavarman II (1113- 1150 AD) and was clearly originally built as a Hindu monument. The entrances to the central sanctuary and other main parts of the complex are decorated with Vaishnava and Shiva deities.The lintel of the eastern portico of the mondop is the famous Phra Narai, a relief of the Reclining Vishnu (Lord Narayana). The lintel disappeared, eventually turning up at the Art Institute of Chicago. Strong objections from the Thai government and sympathisers in the US led to the return of the lintel in late 1988.
Khao Kradung
This volcanic cone is located amidst the mountainous terrain, 8 km south-east of town. At the peak of the hill, at 300m, the crater has filled with rainwater, creating a small lake. Overlooking the volcano is a 20m high white Buddha image, Suphatra Borphit, along with an ancient stupa that contains a footprint of the Lord Buddha. The hilltop also offers a perfect vista of the surroundings.
Elephant Village
The elephant has long been a revered animal throughout the history of the Thai nation and long before. This elephant village at Ban Ta Klang, is supported by THAI which has also set-up a museum dedicated to the pachyderms, detailing the important roles they have played through the centuries. All the tools used from capturing the elephants and through their training are on display, along with the traditional dresses of the mahout. On Sundays from 09:30 to 11:00 an elephant show is performed.
Amnat Charoen Province Amnat Charoen is located in the far east of Thailand, where it is set along the River Mekong. It borders with the provinces of Mukdahan, Yasothon and Ubon Ratchathani. It was established as a province in 1993, when it was upgraded from Amphoe Amnat Charoen of Ubon Ratchathani province. The beautiful setting along the mighty Mekong River, is a pleasant spot for anyone to enjoy the peace and tranquility that the scenes allow.
Places of Attraction
Phra Mongkhon Ming Muang
This Buddha sanctuary is located about 3km from town, just off highway 211. The large image was designed by Chit Buabat and was cast in 1965.
Wat Tham Saeng Phet
This hill top meditation sanctuary is located about 10km from town, off the Amnat Charoen-Khemmarat Road. Beautifully set amongst rocks, the temple was led by Phra Achan Cha Suphattho, the late abbot of Wat Nong Pa Phong in Ubon Ratchathani. Many monks from different countries come here to practice meditation.
Wat Phra Lao Thep Nimit
This old temple is located about 2km from Amphoe Phana centre. Considered to be over 200 years old, the temple enshrines an ancient Buddha image, Phra Lao Thep Nimit.
Uttaradit Province
Uttaradit is located in the north of Thailand surrounded by provinces Loei, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Phrae Nan and also borders with Laos to the east. The province was historically at the furthest edges of the Khmer empire around the 13th century. Later, when the emerging kingdom of Sukhothai led by King Ramkamhaeng started to take a stronghold in the region it became a central part of the empire.
Places of Attraction
Wat Tha Thanon
This temple is located in the heart of Uttaradit city centre. The viharn enshrines a highly revered Buddha image, the bronze sitting Buddha, Luang Pho Phet. The Chiang Saen period image has a lap span of 32..5 inches and a height of 41 inches.
Wat Phra Boromthat
This temple is also known as Wat That Thung Yang. It is located near the Thung Yung market, about 5 km west of town. This is an ancient temple, although many of the structures have been rebuilt.
Wat Phra Yun Buddha Bat Yukhon
This Chiang Saen period temple is located on a hill top about 6 km from town. The mondop is topped with a five layered roof, a style of the early Chaing Saen artisans and is rare to find in Thailand.
Sirikit Dam
The Sirikit dam is located about 60 km from town, in Amphoe Tha Pla. The dam is 169 m in height and 800m long. The dams construction begun in 1963 to improve flood control and generate power from the Maenam Nan, a tributary of the Chao Phraya.
Nam Phi Village
This village is well known for making iron swords that do not rust. The village is located about 25km from the centre of town, in Amphoe Thong Saen Khan.
Uthai Thani Province
Uthai Thani is situated in the lower north region of Thailand. It is bordered with provinces Nakhon Sawan, Chai Nat, Suphanburi, Kanchanaburi and Tak. Although it far from the main highway and thus rarely visited by people travelling north, it does have some natural attractions and places of interest for those making a sidetrack to this province.
Places of Attraction
Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri
This temple is situated at the foot of Khao Sakae Krang. The temple enshrines a bronze Buddha image, Phra Mongkhon Saksit. The image, which is in the attitude of Subduing Evil, is highly revered by the inhabitants of Uthai Thani.
Khao Sakae Krang Buddha Footprints
The footprints are housed on the summit of Khao Sakae Krang, near Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri. The mondop that covers the footprints was built in 1905 and later renovated in 1968. An annual fair celebrating the footprints takes place during the fourth lunar month.
Monument of Somdet Phra Pathom Borom Maha Chanok
This monument stands near the Buddha footprints. It was inaugurated in 1979 by Their Majesties the King and Queen, in memory of Somdet Phra Pathom who was the father of King Rama I, who was born in the town of Sakae Krang.
Bung Khok Chang
This site of this ancient city is located in Amphoe Sawang Arom. The remains found here are in good condition and include many various artefacts such as pottery, iron tools, jewellery and inscriptions .
