Phra That Phu Phek - Nong Han - Huai Huat National Park
Phra That Phu Phek
Phra That Phu Phek is on a mountain in Tambon Na Hua Bo. To get there,
take the Sakon Nakhon-Udon Thani road for 22 kilometres and take
a road on the left for 14 kilometres, then ascend 491 steps. The laterite pagoda is
on a square base. Seemingly unfinished because it has no roof or pagoda top,
it was built in the 16th-17th Buddhist century.
Moreover, this Khmer Ruins is special as it houses solar calendar,
cube-shape rock, in its stupa. The ancient people used it for indicating position
of the sun to indicate date for religious rites and agricultural seasons
Nong Han
Nong Han is a large freshwater lake with an area of 123 square kilometres.
It is where many waterways converge and is also a major agricultural and fishery centre
of the province. Nong Han’s shorefront has been developed into a public park. In addition,
there is Sa Phang Thong, an ancient pool believed to have been constructed
at the same time as Phra That Choeng Chum
Huai Huat National Park
Huai Huat National Park has many interesting spots. The park can be accessed
via either taking the Sakon Nakhon-Kalasin road for 5 kilometres and then Highway
No. 2339 on the left for 35 kilometres, or taking the Sakon Nakhon-Na Kae
road for 14 kilometres and then a road on the right for 18 kilometres.
The park is noted for the visual beauty of the reservoir, the waterfall
and the rock plateau covered with flowers at the end of the rainy season.
There are also prehistoric cave drawings
Phu Pha Lek
Phu Pha Lek is a mountain in the Phu Phan range. Some parts of
the area are rock plateaus that are covered with flowers toward the
end of the rainy season. Tourist spots here are the observation point on the high cliff,
Kaeng Kula waterfall, Kao Chan waterfall that has water only in the rainy season,
and prehistoric drawings at Phak Nam cave that are over 3,000 years old
Sim Wat Traiphum Khanachan - Wat Burapha Phiram
Sim Wat Traiphum Khanachan
It is situated at Ban Tak Daet, Tambon Hua Thon. The architectural structure suggests
that it is a traditional small ‘Sim’ – local dialect for Ubosot - of the Northeast with
a low boundary wall. Its gable and ‘Rang Phueng’ – decoration underneath
the lower tie beam – are elaborately carved. The Sim houses murals illustrating Buddhist stories.
It is assumed that it dates back to around the Ayutthaya or early Rattanakosin period.
Outside the Sim is situated an Isan-style Buddha image which was moved from Wat Tai Wilai Tham
(same district). Sim Wat Traiphum Khanachan was renovated by the Fine Arts Department in 1998
and awarded for outstanding architecture by the Association of Siamese Architects under
Royal Patronage in the year 1998. To get there: From Mueang district, take Highway
No. 214 to Highway No. 215 until reaching Suwannaphum district,
then turn left and continue for 5 km
Wat Burapha Phiram
It is located in Roi Et city. The third-class royal temple was formerly known
as Wat Hua Ro and was later renamed as Wat Buraphaphiram.
There is the tallest standing Buddha image in Thailand known as Phra Phuttha Rattanamongkhon Mahamuni or
Luangpho Yai, which was built with reinforced concrete in the blessing attitude.
The Buddha image is 59.2 metres tall and if the base is included,
it would be 67.85 metres tall. There is a museum at the base.
Luangpho Yai is highly-revered by the people of Roi Et
Thung Kula Rong Hai
This land used to be an expansive, dry, harsh place in the middle of the region.
It covers 5 provinces which are Roi Et, Surin, Buri Ram, Yasothon, and Maha Sarakham.
One-third of the area is in Roi Et. There is a legend that says the Kula
people were traders in ancient times who were also great fighters with excellent stamina.
However, they cried when they got to Thung Kula Rong Hai because it was such
a desolate place without water and big trees. Nowadays the area is fertile due
to the efforts of the government to develop it and is suitable for agriculture.
The development centre is 6 kilometres from the district office, a bit past Ku Phra Ko Na.
Prang Ku-Ku Phra Ko Na
Prang Ku
It is located at Ban Yang Ku, Tambon Ma-ue. Prang Ku is a complex of buildings with
a plan that resembles the Khmer nursing home known as ‘Arogayasala’. It comprises
the main prang, a library, wall and entrance pavilions, and a pond outside of the wall.
The ruins are in good condition, especially the roof structure of the main prang which
still maintains its three tiers and the lotus base of the pinnacle. Other ruins of
the temple have been restored and are located in a shady environment.
Apart from this, to the southeast inside of the front wall,
there are many more archaeological finds being kept such as a sandstone lintel depicting
a personage sitting on an elephant’s or bull’s back in a niche above the Kala face.
The abbot of Wat Si Rattanaram where Prang Ku is located said the lintel belonged
to the front porch of the main prang. There are also 2 fragments of colonnette;
one with a hermit at the base, a large Siva Lingam with its receptacle – Yoni - and
a fragment of the pinnacle’s lotus base, which was adapted to be
the base of a stucco image of Phra Sangkatchai. Prang Ku was built during the 12th – 13th Century A.D.
To get there: From the city, take Highway No. 23 (Roi Et – Yasothon)
for 10 km. until reaching Thawat Buri district, then turn left for 6 km.
to Prang Ku. Or take Highway No. 2044 (Roi Et – Phon Thong) for 8 km.,
then turn right for just about 1 km. to Prang Ku.
Ku Phra Ko Na
It is situated at Ban Ku, Mu 2, Tambon Sa Khu. Ku Phra Kona comprises
three east-facing brick prangs lying in the north – south direction,
standing on a single sandstone base. They are surrounded by a boundary wall,
with entrance pavilions or Gopuras in four directions; all were made from sandstone.
The central prang was renovated in 1874 by plastering and making
the roof into tiers. Each tier has niches of Buddha images in four directions.
The front of the central prang was a ‘wihan’ of the Buddha’s footprint,
decorated with the original six-headed Naga. The other two prangs were also renovated,
but they remain in their usual styles; unlike the central prang which has been considerably changed.
The northern prang was covered with a ‘sala’ building providing shelter for a gable depicting the Ramayana.
Meanwhile, the lintel carving that represents the reclining Vishnu remains in situ above the front entrance.
The lintel of the western false door was laid on the floor;
it depicts the God Vishnu on his mount Garuda. The southern prang still has lintels above
the false doors. The one in the north depicts a deity kneeling inside
a stylised arch above the Kala face. In front, there is also
a fallen lintel depicting the God Siva on his bull. There are also some causeway boundary stones lying over there.
It is assumed that Ku Phra Kona formerly had a Naga bridge
and causeway lined with boundary stones on both sides from
the front entrance pavilion (Gopura) to the lake (Baray),
which was located about 300 metres away. All sculptural features suggest
that Ku Phra Kona probably dates from the Baphoun period, or the 11th Century.
To get there: It is 60 km. from Mueang district along Highway No. 215,
passing Mueang Suang and Suwannaphum districts. Then, take Highway
No. 214 for 12 km. Ku Phra Kona will be on the left-hand side.
There is a rubber plantation at the entrance and a lot of monkeys residing in the temple
Phu Sa Dok Bua , Rapids in Maekhong River , Wat Pho Sila
Phu Sa Dok Bua
Situated in Phu Sa Dok Bua National Park, the 423 metres high mountain borders
three provinces namely Amnat Charoen, Mukdahan, and Yasothon.
The park’s headquarter is located in Amphoe Don Tan of Mukdahan.
On the mountain top, there are 11 stone pools, which is a few metres wide.
It is quite strange that all of them are occupied by different species of colourful lotus,
which is found normally in swamp. Locals insist that nobody plant the lotus,
but all come naturally. So, they name these pools “Phu Sa Dok Bua”
or literally the mountain of lotus pool. Nearby is a huge cave which
can accommodate hundred of people. It once served as stronghold of Communist Party of Thailand.
Visitor who plan for trekking trip can ask Phu Sa Dok Bua National Park
for more information at 0-4261-9077 , The Department
of National Park 0-2562-0760 or www.dnp.go.th or Mukdaharn Forestry Office at 0-4261-1757.
Rapids in Maekhong River
Chanuman is a peaceful district about 80 kilometres from
the provincial town where the land run along side the Maekhong River
for a distance of 38 kilometres, affording a wonderful view of the natural scenery
of both side of the river. Rapids emerge during the dry season (February-May).
Wat Pho Sila
The temple is situated at Ban Pueai Hua Dong, Tambon Pueai.
The temple houses interesting antique, big white sandstone Sema leaves
from Dvaravati period which can be dated back to 1,000 years ago.
Built during 7th-8th Century in Khmer style, the sandstone Sema has sharp end,
board leave and narrow base carved in lotus shape. Above the carved lotus is pattern of stupa,
water pot and bell. Core of the stone leaves are carved
with three-ended leave carrying 3 half flowers in three rings lying next to others.
Its crest is carved like a flag decorated with lotus’s petal-pattern ornament.
Base of the stone leaves is influenced by lotus’s petal pattern from altar
of Buddha image or Dhamma Wheel from Dvaravati found in Central Thailand.
Half flowers carved in three connecting rings carry the same pattern found
in half flowers found in the arc, of which angels are sitting with hands pressing
together towards the mid of lintel which was found at eastern gate of Norhtern stupa,
Khao Noi Si Chomphu Khmer Ruins, Amphoe Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo Province
Wiang Kosai National Park,Mae Yom National Park,Tham Pha Nang Khoi
Wiang Kosai National Park
The Wiang Kosai National Park is about 70 kilometres from
the provincial town in Wang Chin district. It can be reached by taking Highway No. 11
(Phrae-Lampang). Then take a left turn toward Wang Chin district
and continue for a further 13 kilometres to reach the turn to the park headquarters.
A further 1.5 kilometres onwards are two waterfalls, the Mae Koeng Luang,
one kilometer from the headquarters, and the Mae Koeng Noi,
2 kilometres on foot further on. Streams from the falls flow into the Yom River.
Remark : Mae Keng Luang Waterfall close on 1 July - 31 October
Mae Yom National Park
The Mae Yom National Park is in Song district 48 kilometres from town.
The terrain is mountainous with deciduous and rich teak forests,
probably the densest in the country. Along the Yom River in front of
the camping area of the park are the Kaeng Sua Ten rapids,
a two-kilometre-long stretch of rock formations and best visited during November-February when
the weather is cool and the scenery at its loveliest. Visitors may camp along the river banks.
Remark : Kang Seu Ten close on 1 May - 31 October
Tham Pha Nang Khoi
Another interesting cave is Tham Pha Nang Khoi which is about 40 kilometres north of
town on Highway No. 101 at Km. 59 within Rong Kwang district. A 50 metre-long
rail leads to the cave mouth. Along the winding tunnels are strangely-shaped stalactites and stalagmites.
At the end of the cave is a stalagmite shaped like a woman holding
a small child. In front of the Nang Koi (waiting woman) stone is a heart-shaped stalactite.
They are the source of the legend of the love of a woman who waited
for her lover until she turned into stone.o:p
Hat Ao Yang - Tham Khao Wong
Hat Ao Yang
Hat Ao Yang is a small beach some 2 kilometres before the park.
Cool and shady, it offers accommodation facilities for visitors.
Hat Khung Wiman, Hat Khung Kraben, Hat Laem Sadet and Hat Chao Lao
These are all peaceful beaches in Tha Mai district and clustered in
an area about 30 kilometres from town. At Km. 310 of Highway No.
3 is a right turn into Highway No. 3399 which leads to the area.
Or one can proceed from Tha Mai district on the route passing through Wang Tanot dam.
There are accommodation facilities for tourists, particularly
at Hat Chao Lao where there are several hotels and bungalows to choose from.
About one kilometre off shore from Hat Chao Lao are ranges of shallow water
coral reefs covering an area of 14 square kilometres. Glass-bottomed boats are available.
Over at Ao Khung Kraben are nature trails to study mangrove areas
Tham Khao Wong
Tham Khao Wong at Ban Khao Wongkot, Kaeng Hang Maeo district,
is part of the Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park.
About 40 kilometres before reaching Chanthaburi town on Highway No.3 at Km. 286
(Ban Kong Din) is a left turn to the park, 11 kilometres further on.
Or take a turn at Km. 288 (Talat Na Yai Arm) instead.
From the cave proceed on foot to see the caves themselves. Advice could
be obtained from park officials.
Khao Wong is a group of limestone hills standing in circular cluster with cliffs
and caves containing stalagmites and stalactites. There are passages connecting
some of the chambers. The walking trails outside offer views of varied plantlife.
For those intending to explore the caves, torches are advisable as there are
no natural lights inside. The best time to go cave-exploring is between February and April,
after which they tend to be flooded.
Wat Phra Kaeo & Wat Mahathat
Wat Phra Kaeo
Situated at Mu 10, Tambon Phraek Si Racha, which is about 23 kilometres
off the provincial town of Chai Nat, Wat Phra Kaeo is another ancient temple housing
a beautiful square-based stupa. Within the temple ground also houses
a high stupa in a harmonious blend of the Lawo and late Dvaravati styles,
as well as a relic chamber with a recessed base in the Sukhothai
and Sri Vijaya styles. In front of the stupa stands a Buddha image hall known
as Wihan Luangpho Chai, where a delicately carved sandstone lintel
was found at the back of the image. This lintel depicts an image
of the God Indra riding the elephant named Erawan inside
a stylized shelter in a distinctive Khmer style, which dates back to more than 1,000 years ago.
It is believed that at the decline of the Khmer empire,
someone must have taken this artefact from somewhere and carved
the Buddha image out of it. However, the head of the elephant is overturned,
its trunk pointing upward, as a riddle that in order to be enlightened like the Lord Buddha
“one must overcome greed, hatred, and ignorance to find true happiness.”
Wat Mahathat
This is an old temple of Mueang Phraek or Mueang San which was
an ancient city dating back to the Dvaravati period. Sankhaburi had been also
an important fort town of the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya Kingdoms.
It is located by the Noi River, 20 kilometres southeast
of Chainat along Route No. 340. The temple houses ruined chapels
with seated Buddha images and a distinguish Lop Buri style chedi with
a fluted spire like the petal of a star apple
Sa Kaeo Attraction
Ban Khlong Luek Border Market (Rong Kluea Market)
The Aranyaprathet international immigration control is 500 metres from Talat Rong Kluea.
Passport bearers can pass and travel to the third country with approved visa from the Cambodian Embassy or
Consulate. This is the shortest way to travel in Cambodia. There are vans, pick-up trucks for rental service
to Poipet, Siam Riap
Tracing its origins to the end of the war in Cambodia, this market is renowned
for selling secondhand brand name garments at very cheap prices. Originally, brand name clothes in good condition were donated to Cambodian people through the United Nations. Cambodian people brought the clothes to sell at the Thai border. At present, there are no more donated clothes. Nevertheless, the market is still popular because of its former business. These days, goods which are on sale there are exported from Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong. They are bought to be resold at Rong Kluea Market, which is the largest source of secondhand clothes from abroad, while shoes, purses, winter sweaters and jackets will be sorted into containers and shipped to Laem Chabang Sea Port, Chonburi Province. Jeans and other pants are shipped via Cambodias’ Kampongsom Sea Port. Some expensive brand name jeans may be resotred and sent to be sold in Japan.
When goods arrive at Rong Kluea Market, merchants will bring their workers to sort the clothes according to their condition. Then they will specify prices, and clean and fix the garments. Some clothes are restored so expertly that they look good as new; in fact amateur merchants and first-time buyers may not know that the clothes are secondhand. Shop owners at Rong Kluea Market are mostly Chinese-Cambodian, as well as Vietnamese emigrants from the Cambodian provinces of Phnom Penh, Siemrat and Phra Tabong, while Thais make up only 10 % of the total. The border is open from 7 am – 8 pm. Every day between 7 and 8 am, more than 2,000 Cambodians cross the border. They can be categorized into 3 groups: the first group consists of workers without bags, who have waited since dawn and rush to open shops for their owners in the market; the second group is made up of merchants who carry their goods by hand, on their shoulders or on their heads; the third group comprises porters who earn their living carrying goods in the market, as well as baggage for tourists travelling to Angkor Wat – Angkor Thom.
When shopping there, visitors are advised to be very thorough and to carefully examine all goods. Since real brand name goods are mixed in with counterfeit ones, keen and lucky eyes may get a pair of 1,500-2,000 baht jeans for just 700 – 950 baht. On the contrary, amateur shoppers often purchase counterfeit goods at a high price.
nongkhai
Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Ban Don Chik; 3 km from Bung Khla district
and take a right turn for a further trip of around 6 km. It has an area of around 186 sq.
km. or 116,562 rai, covering some part of Bueng Kan, Bung Khla,
Seka and Bueng Khong Long districts, and nearly bordering Laos.
This sanctuary is around 150-300 m above sea level. Types of forest
here are mostly Deciduous Dipterocarp Forest, Dry Evergreen Forest
and Moist Evergreen Forest. Some parts of the area are sandstone mountain ridges,
rocky grounds and grass fields.
Places of Interest
Namtok Tham Fun is located in Ban Phu Sawat, Tambon Nong Doen. Drive on Highway 212,
and 7 km. before reaching Bung Khla district, turn right to go on for around 4 km.
The waterfall is encompassed by a timber forest with a scenic view of the northern Phu Wua.
A walking trail passes a rocky ground to the cascade which is seen along
the long narrow channel on the sandstone cliff. There is water only in the rainy season.
Namtok Chet Si is located in Ban Don Siat, Tambon Ban Tong, Amphoe Seka.
This very beautiful waterfall, especially during the rainy season, originates from a stream
of Huai Ka-am and flows along a high sandstone cliff to spread over a long line.
The falling water that hits the rocks below causes
a spray of water which gives rainbow colours when seen in sunlight.
So came the name “Namtok Chet Si,” which means a waterfall of seven colours.
To get there Drive on Highway 212, and 12 km. before reaching Bung Khla district,
turn right at Ban Chai Phon. Head for the waterfall, past Ban Phu Ngoen and Ban Don Siat,
for 28 km. Or from Phu Thok, take the route via Ban Na Tong and Ban Don Siat, totalling 14 km.
Namtok Phu Tham Phra is located in Ban Tham Phra, Tambon Sok Kam
, Amphoe Seka. It is around 34 km. from Seka district. Like other waterfalls at Phu Wua,
it has water only in the rainy season. A monastic residence or Samnak Song here is tranquil
and shady. Walking down to the rocky ground at the back, visitors will find a valley with
a deep bottom of around 200 sq. m. where a waterfall flows down the valley.
The waterfall is on a cliff of around 100 m wide and 50 m high. Visitors can play in the pool.
To get there It is rather a difficult trip. From Bung Khla district, drive on Highway 212 for 24 km. to Ban Tha Dok Kham. Turn right to take a dirt road to Huai Bang Bat and go further by boat to the waterfall.
Namtok Chanaen is located in Ban Phu Ngoen, Amphoe Seka. Originally,
it was called “Namtok Tat Sanaen.” “Tat” literally means a place where water flows.
“Sanaen” refers to “summit” or “excellence.” This waterfall has its origin from Lam Huai Sanaen.
It is 100 m wide and has two tiers with an interval of 300 m. This is a large
and beautiful waterfall which has water only in the rainy season.
The path to the waterfall passes Khua Hin or a natural stone bridge of around 100 m long,
where a phenomenon of water disappearing under the bridge can be witnessed.
A walk up to the second tier passes along a stream dotted with boulders.
Following the stream on its left bank, visitors will find a broad ground by
a large pool. There is another small waterfall called Namtok Bueng Chorakhe,
rushing down to the pool.
To get there Use the same route to Namtok Chet Si.
Take the Ban Chai Phon – Ban Phu Ngoen route for 13 km.
Follow a small road off the route for another 5 km. Go further for the final distance
on a bumpy narrow dirt road accessible by only motorcycle.
For more information, you may visit this website : http://thailandwildelephanttrekking.com
chainat
Chainat is located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River.
The community was moved from the old site at Sankhaburi in the reign of King Rama IV.
Chainat was an important town used several times as a base to confront
the Burmese army. Every time, the Burmese were defeated,
thus originating the name of Chainat which means a place of victory.
Chainat occupies an area of 2,469 square kilometres
and is administratively divided into 6 districts: Amphoe Muang Chai Nat,
Amphoe Hankha, Amphoe Manorom, Amphoe Sankhaburi, Amphoe Sapphaya,
Amphoe Wat Sing, and 2 sub-districts: King Amphoe
Nong Mamong and King Amphoe Noen Kham.
Distances from Amphoe Muang to Other Districts :
Hankha 35 kilometres
Manorom 14 kilometres
Sankhaburi 27 kilometres
Sapphaya 21 kilometres
Wat Sing 22 kilometres
Nong Mamong 42 kilometres
Noen Kham 48 kilometres
Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road) and Highway
No. 32 passing Ang Thong, Sing Buri, and turn left at Km.
183 to Chainat, a total distance of 194 kilometres.
Bus
From Bangkok, there are both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses
to Ang Thong. Buses leave Mochit 2 Bus Terminal daily from 5.10 a.m.-5.30 p.m.
It takes two and a half hours for the trip. Contact Transport Co. Ltd,
Tel: 0 2537 8055; Chainat Tour, Tel: 0 2936 3608 or 0 5641 2264
