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
