lso known as Khorat, Nakhon ARatchasima is the gate-way to Thai- land's sprawling northeast plateau, known among Thais as I-San, which is bordered largely by and the Mekong River to the north and northeast, and Cambodia to the south. The provincial capital of Nakhon Ratchasima is some 255 kilometres north- east of Bangkok. The province covers 20, 494 square kilometres of high plateau and mountainous terrain. Nakhon Ratchasima is particularly well known for Khao Yai National Park and several Khmer sanctu- aries, dating from the pre-1200s when the area formed part of the Khmer empire cen- tred in Angkor.

Area featured in this brochure City Attractions Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Ubon Thao Suranari Monument Ratchathani, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Located in front of the Pratu Chumpon Gate on the Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Loei and Khon western side of Kaen provinces the city, this statue of the local heroine Thao Suranari, also known as Khunying Mo, is an object of great reverence. TOURISM AUTHORITY Thao Suranari OF helped rally during the 1800s Nakhon Ratchasima Office Nakhon Phanom Office local inhabitants 2102-2104 Mittraphap Road 18 4/1 Sunthon Wichit Road to repel invaders from . Annual Nakhon Ratchasima 30000 Nakhon Phanom 48000 celebrations, each year from March 23 to Tel: (044) 213-666, 213-030 Tel: (042) 513-490-1 April 3, commemorate the occasion. Fax: (044) 213-667 Fax: (042) 513-492 Phra Maharat The temple on Prachak Road houses a Udon Thani Office sandstone statue of the Hindu god Ubon Ratchathani Office 16/5 Mukmontri Road Vishnu, which is considered to be Khorat's 264/1 Khuan Thani Road, Udon Thani 41000 most sacred object. The City Pillar is also Ubon Ratchathani 34000 Tel: (042) 325-406-7 enshrined in this temple. Tel: (045) 243-770 Fax: (042) 325-408 Wat Sala Loi Fax: (045) 243-771 This unusual example of modern northeast- ern religious architecture has won many Khon Kaen Office architectural awards. 15/5 Prachasamosorn Road, Maha Wirawong Museum Khon Kaen 40000 Opposite the City Hall, this museum exhib- its artifacts, including woodcarvings, ce- Tel: (043) 244-498-9 ramics and sandstone images, from the Fax: (043) 244-497 Khmer and Ayutthaya periods. Teacher's College Cultural Centre A permanent photographic display of arts, and historical sites, and different kinds of ancient utensils, is open to visitors during Prasat Hin Panom Wan elaborately decorated scriptural repository. official hours. 20 kilometres northeast of the provincial Lam Phra Phloeng Dam Night Bazaar capital (see map), this petite Khmer sanc- Located some 30 kilometres southwest of Located close to the city centre on Manat tuary was built during the 12th century and the Pak Thong Chai District Office, this Road, the bazaar offers local souvenirs is currently undergoing extensive resto- dam offers the possibility of boat trips to and handicrafts, including pottery and ration. the scenic Pak Thong Chai waterfall. woven cloth. Prasat Hin Dan Kwian Ceramic Village This Khmer sanctuary, some 60 kilometres Located 15 kilometres south of the provin- northeast of the provincial capital, is one cial capital on Highway 224, this roadside Out-of-City of the most splendid examples of classical handicraft village is famous for its distinc- Khmer religious architecture found outside tive traditional and rust-coloured earthen- Attractions Cambodia. The sanctuary is the focal at- ware pottery which comes in a wide vari- Khao Yai National Park traction of an extensive Historical Park, and ety of products, including ashtrays, vases, The 2,168-square kilometres park, some is contained within boundary walls meas- patterned bottles, flower bowls, lamp bases 200 kilometres northeast of Bangkok, cov- uring some 665 by 1,030 metres. Once con- and figurines. The village is as interesting ers parts of four provinces, namely Nakhon nected by road to Angkor, the sanctuary for its ancient carts and farming implements Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Saraburi and was probably constructed between the late as it is for its distinctive pottery. Prachin Buri. The park is laced with many 1000's and mid 1100's. The main shrine is Muang Khorat natural trails and streams, and contains rich in Hindu and Mahayan Buddhist ico- This ancient Khmer-period settlement is several splendid waterfalls. The park may nography, including figures of the Hindu located 32 kilometres southwest of the pro- be visited by taking Highway No. 2 from gods Shiva and Vishnu, and scenes from vincial capital, near Highway No. 2. Re- Bangkok, with a tight turn at Km. 165.5 in the great Hindu epic, the Ramayana. stored Khmer sanctuaries within the area . include Prasat Hin Non Ku, Prasat Hin Major Sights Muang Kaek and Prasat Hin Muang Kao. Tourist Centre, Museum, Krong Muang Sema Kaeo Waterfall are located at Km 40 on This Dvaravati period (6th-13th centuries) Highway 2090. settlement, 4 kilometres from Sung Noen Heo Suwat Waterfall is 13 kilometres District market, is oval shaped, 1,400 me- from the tourist centre and is 25 metres tres wide, and 2,000 metres long. Several high. sandstone artifacts were found in the area, Heo Narok Waterfall is the largest wa- including an 112.5 reclining Buddha im- terfall, with a three-tiered height of 150 me- age now enshrined in Wat Thammachak tres. Phimai National Museum Semaram. Khao Chan Ngam Cave Pa Kuay Mai (Orchid) Waterfall is 9 This contains a striking collection of an- kilometres from the tourist centre, and is cient Khmer and Dvaravati artifacts, in- This is located 58 kilometres from the pro- surrounded by several species of orchids. cluding sandstone lintels and pediments. vincial capital along Highway 2, on the way Nong Pakchee Wildlife Watch Sai Ngam to Bangkok, with a 4-kilometre left turn at Tower, is some 2 kilometres from the Km. 198. The 'cave', actually a series of tourist centre, and permits the observation Otherwise known as 'Beautiful Banyan rock formations, is famous for prehistoric , from a height of approximately 20 metres, Tree', this recreation area 2 kilometres from rock paintings. of birds, deer, wild boar and elephants. Phimai provides more than 15,000 square Accommodation, either in lodges, youth metres of shade believed to have originated camp or tents, can be arranged by con- from one single banyan tree. Special Events tacting the National Parks Division of the Ban Prasat Thao Suranari Royal Forestry Department in Bangkok Archaeological Site Commemorations (Tel: 579-0529, 579-4842). Located some 45 kilometres from the pro- March 23-April 3 Suan Kaeo vincial capital, on the Nakhon Ratchasima- This annual event celebrates the local hero- Located at Km. 7 on the Nakhon Ratc- Phimai Road, 3 excavation sites provide ine who rallied local citizens to repel for- hasima-Pak Thong Chai Road, this recrea- evidence of civilisations dating back more eign invaders during the early 1800s. High- tional centre contains flower gardens, and than 3,000 years. lights include cultural displays, exhibi- traditional architecture housing a popular Pak Thong Chai Silk Village tions, folk entertainment and fireworks. restaurant. 32 kilometres south of Khorat on Highway Zoological Gardens 304, this village has long been famous for Located 13 kilometres from the provincial its hand-woven silk. A Silk and Cultural capital, on the Nakhon Ratchasima-Pak Centre in the area offers high-quality silk Thong Chai Road, this complex, more than lengths and products at reasonable prices. 200 acres in area, houses in largely natural Wat Na Phra That surroundings a wide variety of Asian mam- Located 4 kilometres from the Pak Thong mals, reptiles and birds. The zoo is open Chai District Office, this temple is note- daily from 8.00 AM until 4.30 PM. Admis- worthy for a chapel containing charming Phimai Boat Races sion is free. murals dating from the early 1800s, and an Second weekend of November metres. The provincial capital is 457 kilo- museum is open daily from 9.00 AM until These popular races occur on the Mun metres from Bangkok. Surin is best known 4.00 PM, except on Mondays, Tuesdays River near the Phimai Historical Park. Cel- for its tradition of hunting and training wild and national holidays. ebrations include boat decoration con- elephants. Elephants star in the annual Wat Ban Na Muang tests, folk entertainment and stalls selling Surin Elephant Round-Up every third This temple contains a distinctive ordina- local products. weekend in November. The province con- tion chapel made of ceramics in the shape tains two prasat hin of note, Prasat Hin of the Suphannahongse Royal Barge, the How To Get There Chon Phra and Prasat Hin Ban Palang, vessel that formerly transported H.M. the both some thirty kilometres from the pro- King during religious ceremonial in Bang- By Bus vincial capital. Villagers from Ban Khwao kok. Airconditioned coaches leave at 30-minute Sinarin and Ban Chok produce tradional Wat Nong Bua silverware largely in the form of belts, neck- intervals from Bangkok's Northeastern Located on the city outskirts, just off Km. laces, brwecelets, earrings and decorative Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road 3 on Route 212 to Amnat Charoen, the tem- items. between 4.00 AM and midnight. Non- ple is best known for a rectangular chedi airconditioned buses leave at 15-minute resembling that in India's Bodhagaya, the intervals throughout the day.. Telephone site of the Buddha's enlightenment, more 937-8055 or 936-3660 for further details. Ubon Ratchathani than 2,500 years ago. By Rail bon Ratchathani is northeast Thai- Trains leave Bangkok's Hualampong Rail- Uland's easternmost province and is way Station throughout the day for Khorat. bordered to the east by the Mekong River Out-of-City Attrac- Further details may be obtained by con- and Laos, and to the south by Cambodia. tacting Rail Travel Aids, TeL: 223-7010 or The provincial capital is some 630 kilo- tions 233-7020. metres northeast of Bangkok, and the Ban Pa Ao By Air province covers an area of 15,819 square 21 kilometres outside the provincial capi- Thai Airways operates daily flights to kilometres. tal, along Route 23, this more than 200- Khorat. Contact Bangkok 280-0060 or 628- Ubon Ratchathani is well known for a year-old village has a rich cultural tradi- 2000 for further details. strong Buddhist tradition, particularly for- tion, namely manufacturing bronzeware est-dwelling monks, and a distintive folk and weaving beautiful silk, handed down Accommodation culture which finds expression in the cui- to local villagers by their Laotian ances- A comprehensive list of airconditioned sine, handicrafts and traditional events tors. and non-airconditioned accommodation, such as the Candle Festival each July. Wat Nong Pa Phong and restaurants, in Nakhon Ratchasima Located some 6 kilometres from the pro- can be obtained from the local Tourism Au- City Attractions vincial thority of Thailand office on Mittraphap Thung Si Muang capital, off Road. The office is open seven days a Highway This central ground is a major recreation week, throughout the year, from 8.30 AM 2178, this area, and houses the City Pillar on its until 4.30 PM. forest southern edge. temple and Buri Ram Wat Thung Si Muang meditation The province covers an area of 10,231 Located on Luang Road, this Buddhist centre was square kilometres. The provincial capital temple dates from the 1800s, and is best founded by is 410 kilometres northeast of Bangkok. known for its scriptural repository, in the the revered Major provincial tourism attractions are middle of a pond, and mural paintings de- ecclesiastic, two Khmer sanctuaries, the hilltop Prasat picting local culture some 200 years ago. the late Hin Phanom Rung and the lowland Prasat Wat Supattanaramworawihan Achan Cha, Hin Muang Tam. Both attest to strong This riverside royal temple dates from the who taught Khmer cultural influences in the area from mid-1800s and enjoys a bucolic setting. many foreign males the discipline of the 11th to 13th centuries. Prasat Hin The ordination chapel is an eclectic mix- . Phanom Rung was connected by road with ture of Thai, Chinese and European styles, Wat Pa Nanachat Angkor, and contains bas relief depictions reflecting the major influences of the pe- Located 12 kilometres outside the provin- of episodes from the Hindu epics Ramay- riod when the temple was built. cial capital, along Highway 226, this forest ana and Mahabharata. Each year, Buri Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram temple is populated exclusively by foreign Ram hosts a Northeastern Kite Festival in This royal temple on Uparat Road beside disciples of the late Achan Cha. Visits are early December, and traditional Boat Races the City Hall has an ordination chapel con- possible between 6.00 and 11.00 AM, during early November. Buri Ram is structed in the style of Bangkok's Marble largely because the foreign monks spend conveniently accessible from Bangkok, Temple (Wat Benchamabopitr). The re- their time in meditation, or contemplation, and Nakhon Ratchasima, by rail and road, vered Topaz Buddha image was originally and obey the disicpline of silence after and from Bangkok. by air. from Laos. their final morning meal. The National Museum Kaeng Saphue Surin This exhibits local artifacts ranging from This is the most beautiful cataract in Ubon The province covers an area of 8,124 kilo prehistoric times until the present day. The Ratchathani province. Located 45 kilome- tres east of the provincial capital in Phibun National Park Airconditioned coaches and non-airco- Mangsahan district, the Mun River site is This is some 4 kilometres from the Na nditioned buses regularly leave from a popular riverside recreation area. Chaluai district office and is part of the so- Bangkok's Northeastern Bus Terminal on Sirindhorn Dam called 'Emerald Triangle', the designation Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road throughout the Located 70 kilometres from the provincial given the forested area where the borders day. Telephone 937-8055 or 936-3660 for capital along Highway 217, this dam has of Thailand, Cambodia and Laos converge. further details. accommodation for visitors wishing to sa- The verdant area has a great many trees By Rail vour the tranquil area. Reservations may and flowers, nocturnal opportunities for Trains leave Bangkok's Hualampong Rail- be made with the Electricity Generating viewing wildlife - including tigers and deer way Station throughout the day for Ubon Authority of Thailand, Tel: (Bangkok) 424- - and has accommodation facilities. There Ratchathani. Further details may be ob- 4021. is also the scenic Huai Luang waterfall. tained by contacting Rail Travel Aids, Tel: Chong Mek Checkpoint 223-7010 or 233-7020. This marks the Thai-Lao border and the By Air end of the 89-kilometre-long Highway 217. Thai Airways operates daily flights to The area will become a major gateway to Ubon Ratchathani. Contact Bangkok 280- Indochina, linked via a 38-kilometre-road 0060 or 628-2000 for further details. in Laos to Pak Sae, which will be part of the Asian Highway. Accommodation Kaeng Tana National Park A comprehensive list of airconditioned This approximately 20,000-acre national and non-airconditioned accommodation, park contains rock formations and water- and restaurants, in Ubon Ratchathani can falls, including the Kaeng Tana cataract, be obtained from the local Tourism Au- and offers accommodation facilities. The thority of Thailand office on Khuan Thani park is reached via Highway 2222. Road. The office is open seven days a Wat Tham Khu Ha Sawan week, throughout the year, from 8.30 AM until 4.30 PM. This temple, on Highway 2222, about 6 kilo- metres before reaching Khong Chiam dis- trict, was the residence of a revered I-San ecclesiastic. The temple offers scenic view- Mukdahan points of the Mekong River and Laos. The province covers an area of 4,339 The 'Two-Coloured' River Local Products square kilometres. The provincial capital This marks the spot in Khong Chiam dis- Ubon Ratchathani is well known for many edges the Mekong River, facing the Lao- trict, some 84 kilometres from the provin- distinctive handicrafts, including silk and tian town of Suwannakhet, some 642 kilo- cial capital, where the muddy brown cotton products, khit pillows. metres northeast of Bangkok. Tourists Mekong and blue Mun rivers unite. Special Events may cross the river to visit Laos provided Sao Chaliang they have the necesdsary travel docu- Songkran Festival ments and visas.The provincial capital is Located on Highway 2112, some 11 kilo- April 12-15 best known for its riverside 'Indochina metres from the district office en route to This festival, the traditional Thai New Year, Market' which sells cheap goods, pre- Pha Taem, this natural rock formation forms is staged at Phibun Mangsahan district, dominantly fabrics, tools and electronic a mushroom-like mass. Fossilised seahells, beside Kaeng Saphue.. The festival fea- equipment, from Thailand, Laos, Vietnam pebbles and sand grains can be seen in tures religious rites and -making, I- and China. Major provincial attractions the stone slabs. Geologists believe the San folk music, dancing and cultural con- area must have been on the seabed about tests and popular folk entertainment. 1,000,000 years ago. Candle Festival Pha Taem Asalha Puja Day & Khao Phansa Day Some 98 kilometres from the provincial (usually July) capital, on Highway 2112, this riverside cliff The provincial capital celebrates the an- overlooks the Mekong River and boasts nual three-month Rains Retreat (when Bud- prehistoric rock paintings, believed to be dhist monks traditionally forego travel and between 3,000 and 4,000 years old of ani- remain inside their monasteries to medi- mals, fish and hunting scenes. tate) with a beautiful festival featuring Soi Sawan, Thung Na Muang hand-made gigantic beeswax candles. Pro- & Saengchan Waterfalls cessions, entertainment and religious These three cascades, essentially the same merit-making show the provincial capital waterway at different elevations, are lo- at its best. are the Phu Mu Forest Park, the cated beside Route 2112, the first (Soi Mukdahan National Park, a forested area Sawan) some 30 kilometres from Khong which features strange rock formations and Chiam district. Each waterfall enjoys ver- wild flowers, and the Phu Sa Dok Bua Na- dant surroundings. How To Get There tional Park which features prehistoric rock Phu Chong-Na Yoi By Bus paintings. Nakhon Phanom Attractions This shrine, north of the provincial capi- akhon Phanom is a northeastern tal, along Highway No. 212, bears noted Renu Nakhon Nprovince, bordering Laos across the resemblance to Phra That Phanom. It was Mekong River, and covering some 5,312 Renu Nakhon is 52 kilometres south of constructed in 1912 to house a Buddha square kilometres. The riverside provin- Nakhon Phanom provincial capital, via disciple's relic which came from Yangoon cial capital is 735 kilometres northeast of Highway No.212 until the Km 44 marker, in Myanmar (Burma). Bangkok. and Highway No. 2031. The town is best Wat Triphum Nakhon Phanom literally means 'City of known for the Phu Thai ethnic minority This riverside temple in Tha Uthen district Mountains', the name derived from rug- who retain their ancient culture, namely in contains the ancient 80-inch-tall Phra Bang ged mountains behind the Laotian settle- the form of dances and the custom of the Buddha image which, it is believed, needs ment of Tha Kaek which faces Nakhon Bai-Sri-Su-Kwan welcoming ceremony. only to be paraded around town to ensure Phanom on the opposite bank of the Many local products, including woven cot- plentiful rainfall. Mekong River. ton, are on sale at local shops. Phra That Prasit Laotian influences are seen in Nakhon This is in Wat Phra That Prasit, some 80 Phanom's dialect, customs, architecture kilometres northwest of Nakhon Phanom and cuisine. Many unique folk dances are provincial capital in . performed on special occasions, and the Phu Lungka custom of extending a generous welcome 92 kilometres northwest of Nakhon to guests can be seen during the Bai-Sri- Phanom provincial capital, along Highway Su-Kwan ceremony. No. 212, and 6 kilometres from Ban Phaeng, Nakhon Phanom's major religious monu- this hill is where many streams originate. ment, Phra That Phanom, is highly revered There are numerous wild flowers, orchids throughout northeastern Thailand and and trees. Laos. Tat Kham Waterfall (Ban Phaeng) City Attractions Phra That Renu This forest area marks the place where Wat Okatsribuaban This was built during the early 1900s to streams originating from Phu Lungka unite. Located beside the Mekong River, next to resemble the larger Phra That Phanom, and The resultant river cascades through the the Indochina Market, this temple contains to house sacred scriptures and golden Bud- multi-tiered waterfall. two highly revered and ancient Buddha dha images. Tat Pho Waterfall images. 2 kilometres north of Tat Kham Waterfall, Wat Srithep Pradittharam Phra That Phanom this fall can be reached only after a 30-40- minute walk. The fall can be seen from This temple is noteworthy for a beautiful This highly revered riverside temple is lo- ordination hall with delightful murals, and Highway 212. cated 50 kilometres south of Nakhon Phra That Mahachai revered Buddha images, and a statue of Phanom provin- Luang Pu Chan, a widely respected eccle- cial capital on 42 kilometres from Nakhon Phanom pro- siastic throughout Thailand's Northeast. Highway No. vincial capital, along Highway 22 to Sakon Riverside Promenade 212, and is be- Nakhon, this pagoda contains a relic of This provides a clear view across the lieved to date the Lord Buddha. A mural depicting the Mekong River to the Laotian settlement of back more than history of adorns the walls of Tha Kaek and its mountain backdrop twelve centu- the ordination hall. which is especially scenic at sunrise, and ries. The more during the late afternoon. than 50-metre- Special Events Thoetphrakiat Park & Strand high pagoda is Phra That Phanom Festival This riverside area is particularly popular one of the most This 7-day festival takes place during the during February, through April, when river revered shrines full moon period of water drops to reveal unspoiled sand in northeast the third lunar stretching almost to the Laotian side of Thailand and regularly attracts pilgrims. A month, generally the Mekong. The area is a favoured spot museum within the compound houses in late February or for picnics. many ancient relics. Phra That Srikhun (Na Kae) early March, and Phu Kratae Golf Course is centred on the This picturesque 9-hole golf course is lo- Some 55 kilometres southwest of the pro- revered shrine. cated at the Technical College (4 vincial capital, this pagoda bears a strong Religious merit- kilometres from Nakhon Phanom on the resemblance to Phra That Phanom. The making, folk enter- Sakhon Nakhon Road) and occupies more square base is decorated with bas relief. tainment and na- than 80 acres of land around the Phu Dan Sao Coi (Na Kae) tive bazaars num- Kratae reservoir. This scenic viewpoint 6 kilometres from ber among activi- Na Kae offers panoramic views of Phra ties attracting pil- Out-of-City That Phanom and adjacent areas. grims from north- Phra That Tha-Uthen east Thailand and neighbouring Laos. Annual Illuminated civilisation is believed to have flourished kilometres south of the provincial capital Boat Festival more than 5,000 years ago. via Highway No. 2 towards Khon Kaen for 7 kilometres and a right turn at the Ban This occurs in the provincial capital and Dong Khen crossroads for a further 9 forms part of the celebrations marking the City Attractions kilometres. The complex is situated on a end of the annual 3-month Buddhist Rains Prince Prachak densely wooded hilly area surrounded by Retreat. Celebrated in late October, during rice paddies. The monastery precincts are the period of the full moon, the 7-day fes- Silpakhom Statue defined by a tival commemorates the occasion when This monument in the heart of the city com- concrete wall the Buddha returned to Earth after preach- memorates the military governor who which pre- ing to his mother in Heaven. People tradi- founded Udon Thani in 1894 as part of what vents easy en- tionally showed their respect by illuminat- was then referred to as 'The Northern Prov- croachment ing their boats. During the festival, there ince'. by abundant are dragon-boat races on the Mekong Prachak Silpakhom Lake forest wildlife. River, frequently featuring Thai and Lao- Known locally as Nong Prachak, this vast The monas- tian teams, and the festival finishes with stretch of water is named after the founder tery is ideal for an illuminated boat procession in which of Udon Thani, and is decorated with meditation model bamboo boats are decorated with colourful flowering plants that lend the and contem- lights. area much of its pleasant atmosphere. Udon Sunshine plation. The monastery is How To Get There Fragrant Orchid Farm under the Located some 2 kilometres from town along By Road (Self-drive) strict guidance of a disciple of Phra Achan the bypass, with a left turn at Nong Man Phurit-hatto, a widely respected Bangkok-Saraburi-Nakhon Ratchasima- Samrong, the farm is filled with, from early northeastern Buddhist ecclesiastic. in Khon Kaen-Maha morning until about 1.00 PM, the sweet Sarakham-Kalasin-Sakon Nakhon-Nakhon Phu Phra Bat Historical Park fragrance of Udon Sunshine orchids, a Located some 68 kilometres northwest of Phanom, a distance of 735 kilometres via unique hybrid. Blooms, and Udon Sun- Highway No. 1 (Phaholyothin), Highway the provincial capital, in Ban Phu, shine perfume, are available at the farm, via Highways No. 2, 2021 and 2348, this No.2, Highway No. 23. and in local product shops. By Bus extensive area lies at the foot of the Phu- Pu-ya Shrine pan mountain range and contains caves, Airconditioned coaches and non- As the Chinese God and Goddess of natural rock formations, rock terraces and airconditioned buses regularly leave the Mercy, Pu-ya are revered by poor people has an 'other-worldly' atmosphere that Northeastern Bus Terminal on Bangkok's and those encountering personal prob- hints at ancient civilisations. Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road throughout the lems, believing they will be granted favours day. Further details may be obtained from Phra Buddha Bat Bua Bok they seek. Two lakeside Chinese pavil- This stupa, focal point of the historical 937-805 and 936-3660 in Bangkok. ions add scenic charm. The Pu-ya shrine By Air park, and probably constructed during the is located near the railway on the east of 1920s, shelters a Buddha Footprint (Phra Thai Airways operates daily flights from the provincial capital. Buddha Bat in Thai). Not far from the Bangkok via Sakon Nakhon. Further de- shrine are many interesting caves and rock tails may be obtained from Thai Airways formations. The caves are believed to have in Bangkok (Tel: 280-0060, 628-2000). Out-of-City been the homes of Stone Age human be- Attractions ings who left 3,000-year-old rock paintings Accommodation Ban Na Ka of hands, humans, animals and geometric A comprehensive list of airconditioned 16 kilometres from the provincial capital, designs. and non-airconditioned accommodation, along Highway No. 2 (the Udon Thani- Na Yung Nam and restaurants, in Nakhon Phanom, can Nong Khai route), this village is well-known Som Forest Park be obtained from the local Tourism Au- for locally produced pha khit woven fab- Located some 100 kilometres northwest of thority of Thailand office on Sunthon rics. the provincial capital, beyond Phu Phra Bat Wichit Road. The office is open seven Ban Thon Historical Park, in Amphoe Nam Som, this days a week, throughout the year, from 8.30 2 kilometres from Ban Na Ka, along the park is best known for the 40-metre high AM until 4.30 PM. road to Amphoe Ban Dung, this village is Yung Thong Waterfall which cascades equally well known for its pha khit woven down a steep cliff in verdant surroundings Udon Thani fabrics and brocaded cotton. from the Phu-pan and Phu Ya U ridges. don Thani is a northeastern province Huai Luang Reservoir Ban Chiang Ucovering an area of 15,589 square This scenic spot, 25 kilometres from the National Museum kilometres. The provincial capital is 562 provincial capital along the Udon Thani- Located some 56 kilometres east of the pro- kilometres northeast of Bangkok. Nong Bua Lam Phu route until Km. 15, and vincial capital along Highway No. 22 (un- Udon Thani is probably best known for a further 10 kilometres by a branch road, is til Km. 50 and thence along Highway No. its archaeological wonders, paramount ideal for fishing, rafting and cruising. 2225), this museum is currently open to among them the hamlet of Ban Chiang Wat Pa Ban Tat the general public every day. where the world's first Bronze Age This forest monastery is located 16 Ancient artifacts, including tools, utensils, pottery and jewellery, between 4,000 and From Bangkok, take Highway 1 (Phah- 60-square kilometre Phu Kradung Na- 7,000 years old, were unearthed in the im- olyothin) to Saraburi, at Km. 107 take High- tional Park occupies a plateau some 1,300 mediate vicinity. The distinctive pottery, way 2 (Friendship Highway) through metres above sea level and contains some with its fingerprint whorl decorations, is Nakhon Ratchasima and Khon Kaen prov- of Thailand's loveliest flora, more than 130 believed to be the world's oldest decora- inces to Udon Thani. Total distance: 662 species of birds, besides deer, squirrels, tive earthenware. kilometres. elephants, wild boar and monkeys, and several scenic viewpoints. The park is Accommodation closed from June through August each A comprehensive list of airconditioned year to protect the delicate sco-system. and non-airconditioned accommodation, Loei hosts each year an annual Cotton and restaurants, in Udon Thani, can be ob- Blossom Festival, during February. Then, tained from the local Tourism Authority of usually late May or early June, the distinc- Thailand office on Mukmontri Road. The tive Phi Tha Khon Festival which has its Nearby burial pits, left as they were after office is open seven days a week, through- origins in Buddhist folklore and whereby excavation, in the compound of Wat Po Si out the year, from 8.30 AM until 4.30 PM... young men dress up as spirits. Thai 'Cha- Nai, show how valuables, including earth- teau de Loei' red and white wines are pro- enware pots, were buried with the dead. Nong Khai duced, respectively, from Chenin Blanc and Evidence of primitive bronze casting tech- This province edges the Mekong River, Syrah grapes at the Phu Ruea Wanothayan nology was discovered in the area, and in facing Laos, and covers 7,552 square Grape Farm in Phu Ruea district (Tel: 042- 1992 Ban Chiang was declared a World kilometres. The provincial capital is 615 891-405-6) where fresh grapes, including Heritage Site by UNESCO. kilometres northeast of Bangkok, and lo- Beauty Seedless, Romulus Seedless and Satellite Handicraft Villages cated diagonally opposite the Laotian capi- Carolina Black Rose, are also available. A potters' village is located at Ban Kham tal of Vientiane on the bank of the Mekong O along Highway No. 22 at Km. 48. River. Nong Khai is the major gateway to Another village, at Ban Pu Lu, villagers Laos and the site of the Thai-Lao Friend- Khon Kaen reproduce antique Ban Chiang pottery. ship Bridge spanning the Mekong. Wat hon Kaen lies in the geographical At Ban Dong Yen, villagers weave gluti- Pho Chai contains the province's major Kheart of Thailand's sprawling north- nous rice containers from bamboo strips. Buddha image and is site of the annual east plateau. Khon Kaen was established Near the Km 55 marker on Highway No 22, Bang Fai Rocket Festival each April. The in 1783 and is a major regional develop- the villagers of Ban Tat weave pha sam scenic Nong Khai-Si Chiang Mai route ment centre and university city. The pro- kasat, a fabric made with three kinds of largely parallels the Mekong and passes vincial capital is 449 kilometres northeast thread. the Than Thong and Than Thip waterfalls. of Bangkok. The province covers an area Special Event of 10,886 square kilometres. Loei From the 13th to 15th nights of the third The province covers an area of 11,424 lunar month (generally late February) an City Attractions kilometres. The provincial capital is 520 annual homage paying ceremony is held kilometres northeast of Bangkok. The Bueng Kaen Nakhon at Phra Buddha Bat Bua Bok. province's major attractions are scenic and This popular lakeside recreation centre in How To Get There find full focus in national parks, wildlife the southern part of the city is well known for its many foodstalls selling popular I- By Bus sanctuaries and near or in the Mekong River. The Phu Ruea National Park rises San fare, particularly som tam (spicy raw Airconditioned coaches and non- papaya salad) and kai yang (charcoal- airconditioned buses leave Bangkok's grilled domestic chicken). Northeastern Bus Terminal on Kamph- Khon Kaen National Museum aeng Phet 2 Road every day between 5.00 The museum contains a large collection of AM and 10.00 PM.. For further details, artifacts, particularly from the Northeast, please contact Bangkok 936-3660 and 937- including those discovered at major ar- 8055 for details. chaeological sites such as Ban Chiang, By Rail where the world's first Bronze Age civili- Several trains leave Bangkok's Hua- sation was believed to have flourished lampong Railway Station daily for Udon more than 5,000 years ago. Thani. Please contact Bangkok 223-7010 or 223-7020 for further details, and (042) almost 1,400 metres above sea level and Out-of-City 222-061 in Udon Thani. offers scenic views of Laos, verdant flora, By Air waterfalls and more than 30 species of resi- Attractions Thai Airways operates daily flights be- dent bird species. The Phu Luang Wild- tween Bangkok and Udon Thani. Tele- life Sanctuary occupies a high plateau ris- Phra That Kham Kaen phone Bangkok 280-0060, 628-2000 for fur- ing to 1,500 metres above sea level. The This is a 19-metre chedi at Wat Che- ther details., and (042) 243-222 in Udon Kaeng Khut Khu Rapids in the Mekong diyaphum some 30 kilometres northeast of Thani. River in are pro- the provincial capital. Legend has it that By Car nounced when the river is at low level. The two revered monks on their way to Nakhon Phanom spent the night at the site of the present temple. They saw there a dead toric rock painting. Fossil remains of a the day. Telephone 936-3660 or 937-8055 tamarind tree. Upon their return from herbivious dinosaur may be seen at park for further details. Nakhon Phanom, they observed the dead headquarters at Hua Phu Chon Reservoir. By Rail tree had miraculously come back to life. Non Muang Trains leave Bangkok's Hualampong Rail- They advised local villagers to construct a This ancient Chum Phae site, 85 kilome- way Station throughout the day for Khon chedi over the 'Kham Kaen'. The province tres from the provincial capital, is believed Kaen. Further details may be obtained by derives its name from this chedi. to have been inhabited from prehistoric contacting Rail Travel Aids, Tel: 223-7010 times until the 10th century AD. Human or 233-7020. Located some 60 kilometres southwest of skeletons and 3,000-year-old bronze tools By Air the provincial capital, this district is known have been discovered in the area. Thai Airways operates daily flights to throughout Thailand for the excellence of Wat Udom Khon Kaen. Contact Bangkok 280-0060 its silk, particularly the distinctive tie-and- Khongkha Khiri Khet or 628-2000 for further details. dye mat mi variety. A Thai Silk Exhibition This extensive hillside forest temple, 67 Accommodation Hall in the grounds of the Khon Kaen In- kilometres from the provincial capital on dustries and Community Education Col- Highway 2149, is ideal for meditation. The A comprehensive list of airconditioned lege displays a permanent exhibition of temple belonged to Luang Pu Phang, a re- and non-airconditioned accommodation, silks featuring a great many designs. vered I-San Buddhist ecclesiastic, and is and restaurants, in Khon Kaen can be ob- Ubol Ratana Dam noteworthy for a gold-roofed shrine with tained from the local Tourism Authority of Some 50 kilometres northwest of the pro- lavishly decorated doors, and a forest Thailand office on Prachasamosorn Road. vincial capital, this scenic dam is the larg- pool containing wild crocodiles belonging The office is open seven days a week, est multi-purpose dam in I-San, generat- to the former abbot. throughout the year, from 8.30 AM until ing electricity for eight neighbouring prov- Ku Puai Noi 4.30 PM. inces. A reservoir-side restaurant and This Khmer complex, 76 kilometres from opportunities for boat trips make the dam the provincial capital in Puai Noi district, a popular weekend destination. is the largrest Khmer complex in Khon Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kaen. Three brick pagodas, a laterite pal- Kham National Park ace and beautifully carved doors are of particular interest. Special Events Dok Khun Siang Khaen Flower Festival April 13-15 This festival coincides with Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, and is staged at Bung Kaen Nakhon. Featuring colourful floral processions, major festival activties The 320 square-kilometre area covers part include religious rites and merit-making, of Ubol Ratana district and extends into and I-San folk music, dancing and enter- the neighbouring province of Udon Thani. tainment. Deciduous and evergreen forests offer Silk Festival ample trekking opportunities. The park November 29-December 10 may be reached by following the route from Staged annually at the provincial stadium, Khon Kaen to Ubol Ratana Dam. this promotes silk weaving and silk worm Pha Nok Khao culture. Phook Sieo, an I-San tradition This impressive outcropping of strangely promoting close friendship between peo- shaped rocks is 125 kilometeres west of ple of similar ages, is also celebrated dur- the provincial capital along Highway 201 ing this occasion. in a mountainous area extending into . The Nam Pong River and Loei's How To Get There Phu Kradung, a scenic national park, can By Bus be seen from this vantage point. Airconditioned coaches and non- Phu Wiang Park airconditioned This area, some 60 kilometres buses regularly northwest of the provincial leave from Bang- capital, along Route 2038, kok's Northeastern contains a number of important Bus Terminal on archaeological sites with Kamphaeng Phet 2 evidence of I-San's earliest Road throughout inhabitants seen from prehis-