Nakhon Phanom Province

Nakhon Phanom (Thai: นครพนม) is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from south clockwise) Mukdahan, Sakon Nakhon and Nong Khai. To the north-east it borders Khammouan of Laos.

History
The name Nakhon Phanom, meaning "city of mountains", was given to the city by King Rama I. It should be noted that there are actually no mountains in Nakhon Phanom itself; the limestone mountains are concentrated in the city of Thakhek of Laos, which is on the other side of the Mekong. Nakhon Phanom should then mean a city where you can see mountains.

The area was long settled by Lao people and belonged to the Lan Xang kingdom. Also after it came under the control of Ayutthaya the population stayed predominantly Lao. At first it was known as Si Kotrabun, and during the times of King Rama I as Maruka Nakhon.

Nakhon Phanom saw some of the most serious fighting between North Vietnamese insurgents and the US forces during the Vietnam War (or American War as the Vietnamese called it). During the 1960s, 73 of the 131 subdistrict (tambon) were said to be infiltrated by the Vietnamese and Lao communists, it was known as the "heartland of insurgency".[citation needed] American and Thai forces established a base at Nakhon Phanom where the Thai military hosted the 56th Air Commando Wing which conducted special operations against both the Ho Chi Minh Trails in Laos and carried out counter insurgency operations against Thai Communist forces while conducting search and rescue operations primarily within Laos and North Vietnam.

Between 1967 and 1971, most of the communists were defeated and towards the end of the Vietnam War, American forces moved their Indochinese military operations to Nakhon Phanom.

Another point of interest: Ho Chi Minh resided at a small village on the road between the airbase and Nakhon Phanom between 1928 to 1931. Both his home and a new modern museum are now open to the public.
Administrative divisions
The province is subdivided into 12 districts (amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 97 subdistricts (tambon) and 1040 villages (muban).

1. Mueang Nakhon Phanom
2. Pla Pak
3. Tha Uthen
4. Ban Phaeng
5. That Phanom
6. Renu Nakhon
7. Na Kae
8. Si Songkhram
9. Na Wa
10. Phon Sawan
11. Na Thom
12. Wang Yang
Tourism
Wat Okat Si Bua Ban (วัดโอกาสศรีบัวบาน). The temple houses two ancient Buddha statues ‘Phra Tio’ and ‘Phra Thiam’, which are situated together. Phra Tio, 60 cm. high, was carved from ‘Tio’ wood and later covered with gold plate.


Wat Si Thep Pradittharam (วัดศรีเทพประดิษฐาราม). Besides housing beautiful murals regarding the Lord Buddha’s history, the temple also houses an important Buddha image called Phra Saeng. It was awarded by the Association of Siamese Architects for Best Preserved Architecture in the category of Places of Worship and Temples.


Wat Mahathat (วัดมหาธาตุ). The temple was built since the year 607 by Phraya Maha Ammat, the army leader from Vientiane. It houses an important stupa, Phrathat Nakhon.


St. Anna’s Church Nong Saeng (วัดนักบุญอันนา หนองแสง). Through its beautiful architecture, the church represents the town that houses people from different ethnicities. Before Christmas Eve of each year, Christians from different communities will make stars and place them in the church.


Wat Pho Si (วัดโพธิ์ศรี). The temple houses ‘Phra Thong’, a bronze Buddha image in the gesture of subduing Mara built in the Lan Xang style in the early Ayutthaya period. Phra Thong will be watered on the full moon day of the 6th lunar month.


Rama IX Park (สวนหลวง ร.9). Situated at the northern end of Nakhon Phanom city, the park was built to celebrate the 60th Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty the King.


Si Khotrabun Golden Beach (หาดทรายทองศรีโคตรบูร) One of the most beautiful river beaches in Northeastern Thailand, the beach, from February to May, extends to the middle of the Mekong River and attracts lots of people.


Ban Na Chok (Ho Chi Minh’s House) (บ้านนาจอก/ บ้านโฮจิมินห์) The village was once a safe house for Ho Chi Minh, an ex-president of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, during 1924 -1931 when he led the war for Vietnam’s independence.


Phrathat Tha Uthen (พระธาตุท่าอุเทน). The large three-storey, 15-metre high stupa was built in 1911 to cover a tunnel containing precious items as well as to house Arhat’s relic from Yangon.


Phra Bang, Wat Trai Phum (พระบางวัดไตรภูมิ). Phra Bang is a standing Buddha image in the gesture of stopping the flood built in the Lan Xang style. The people believe that the sacred Buddha image always attracts rain whenever the image is taken in a rain-begging parade.


Phu Langka National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติภูลังกา). The park is blanketed by tropical rain forest, mixed deciduous forest and deciduous dipterocarp forest, which is a habitat for a number of wildlife, as well as watershed for many streams.

Namtok Tat Kham (น้ำตกตาดขาม). The small waterfall runs through 4 levels into a pond.


Namtok Tat Pho (น้ำตกตาดโพธิ์). Originating from the Phu Langka Range, the waterfall runs through 4 steep levels, each of which is over 10 metres high. The second level is 30 metres high.

Phrathat Phanom (พระธาตุพนม). The sacred stupa is located in the compound of Wat Phrathat Phanom Woramahawihan. The stupa is the real icon that nourishes the hearts of Nakhon Phanom’s people, as well as people from other provinces and Laotian Buddhists.


Renu Nakhon (เรณูนคร). Renu Nakhon is home to the Phu Thai ethnic group who strongly preserves their tradition such as welcoming guests with a ‘Bai Si’ ceremony, ‘Pha Laeng’ typical dinner party, with ‘U’ local liquor and traditional ‘Phu Thai’ dance.


Phrathat Renu (พระธาตุเรณู). The stupa houses the ‘Tipitaka’ – the three divisions of the Buddhist Canon, gold and silver Buddha statues, precious items and regalia of Nakhon Phanom’s rulers and noblemen.


Phrathat Si Khun (พระธาตุศรีคูณ). The stupa is a sacred place for Na Kae people. Phrathat Si Khun is similar to Phrathat Phanom, but it has different details.


Wat Phu Tham Phra (วัดภูถ้ำพระ). The temple houses Prasat Thong Pagoda that contains relics of the Lord Buddha and Arhats. This temple is a quiet place where a famous monk, Phra Achan Man Phurithata Thera, practiced his meditation.


Dan Sao Khoi (ดานสาวคอย). The hill-top rock terrace offers a nice view of Phrathat Phanom. In the past, it was a meeting point for couples before going to gather wild produce together.


Wat Phrathat Maha Chai (วัดพระธาตุมหาชัย). The 37 metre high stupa of Ban Maha Chai is regarded as a sacred monument as it houses relics of the Lord Buddha and Arhats. The temple also houses sacred Buddha images; namely, Phra Phutthachaiyasit, the principal Buddha image, as well as a Buddha image carved from a neem tree, which is the largest of its kind in Thailand.


Phrathat Prasit (พระธาตุประสิทธิ์). The sacred stupa houses the chest bone relic of the Lord Buddha. It is located 98 km. from Nakhon Phanom.

Loei Province

Loei (Thai: เลย) is one of the most sparsely populated provinces (changwat) of Thailand, located in the North-East of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from east clockwise) Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Nongbua Lamphu, Khon Kaen, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok. In the north it borders Xaignabouli and Vientiane Province of Laos.

Loei is a city surrounded by undulating mountain ranges whose summits are covered by foggy lines, abundant with various kinds of flora. The well-known ones are Phu Kradueng, Phu Luang and Phu Ruea.
History
In 1853 king Mongkut (Rama IV) founded the city of Loei to better administer the increased population in the area. In 1907 the province was created.

Administrative divisions
The province is subdivided into 14 districts (amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 89 subdistricts (tambon) and 839 villages (muban).

1. Mueang Loei
2. Na Duang
3. Chiang Khan
4. Pak Chom
5. Dan Sai
6. Na Haeo
7. Phu Ruea
8. Tha Li
9. Wang Saphung
10. Phu Kradueng
11. Phu Luang
12. Pha Khao
13. Erawan
14. Nong Hin
Tourism

Chaopho Kut Pong Shrine and the City Pillar Shrine (ศาลเจ้าพ่อกุดป่องและศาลหลักเมือง) It is an ancient shrine highly respected among the people. The city pillar was made of the golden shower wood elaborately carved into a lotus shape at its top and gilded with gold leaf on black lacquer with a height of 139 centimetres.

Chaloem Phra Kiat Public Park, Pa Loeng Yai (สวนสาธารณะเฉลิมพระเกียรติฯ ป่าเลิงใหญ่) It is a 2-rai public park by the Loei River. There is a decorative garden with various kinds of flowers and decorative plants.

Office of the Loei Tourism Coordination Centre (อาคารที่ทำการศูนย์ประสานงานการท่องเที่ยวจังหวัดเลย) was previously the City Hall and Mueang Loei District Office. The Loei Provincial Council of Culture collected the King’s chair at this place. Nowadays, the Fine Arts Department has registered it as a national ancient monument for preservation.

Loei Cultural Centre (ศูนย์วัฒนธรรมจังหวัดเลย) It is a two-storey building, collecting and publicising various aspects of information on Loei such as religion, traditions and ways of living. The centre’s building is divided into 3 sections.

Wat Tham Pha Pu or Tham Phiang Din (วัดถ้ำผาปู่ หรือ ถ้ำเพียงดิน), houses the remains of Luangpu Khamdi Paphaso, who discovered this place. The temple is a grand cave within a stone mountain. There are Buddha images enshrined in the cave, as well as, stalagmites and stalactites.

Phu Pha Lom Forest Park (วนอุทยานภูผาล้อม) It is composed of steep limestone mountains with various pointed summits similar to a wall surrounding the virgin forest in the middle. There are various kinds of plants, herbs, sightseeing points, and caves as well as, Bo Nam Sap or Nam Phut, which is a sacred seepage pond.

Upper Huai Nam Man and Huai Krathing Reservoir (อ่างเก็บน้ำห้วยน้ำหมานตอนบนและห้วยกระทิง) is an earth-filled dam with a capacity of 26 million cubic metres, covering an area of 1,500 rai with a crest of 800 metres long. It was constructed for irrigation purposes.

Wat Si Khun Mueang (วัดศรีคุณเมือง) This temple is a collection venue of Lanna and Lan Chang arts presenting at the Ubosot whose roof is in many layers reflecting the Lanna style of art. There are also many objects of art such as a carved Buddha image gilded with gold leaf on black lacquer in the forgiving posture of the Lan Chang style.

Kaeng Khutkhu (แก่งคุดคู้) is a large cataract in the middle of the Mekong River. As it is exactly situated at the curving part of the river, the flow of the swift current passes this cataract.

Phra Phutthabat Phu Khwai Ngoen (พระพุทธบาทภูควายเงิน) The Buddha’s footprint is 120 centimetres long and 65 centimetres wide, enshrined on a whetstone and was registered as a national ancient monument in 1935.

Phra Yai Phu Khok Ngio (พระใหญ่ภูคกงิ้ว) It is a walking Buddha image in the blessing posture, cast of fibre and golden resin combined. It was cast by the Second Army Area Command and the people as a form of merit making for Their Majesties the King and Queen.

Thai Dam Cultural Village (หมู่บ้านวัฒนธรรมไทยดำ) Thai Dam people migrated from Chiang Khwang Town, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, in 1905 to settle at Ban Na Pa Nat. At present, the Thai Dam culture is still preserved.

Crown Princess's Sirindhorn Art Centre (ศูนย์ศิลป์สิรินธร) It is a venue displaying beautiful paintings of students who have gained popularity at both national and international levels. Moreover, it is a source of knowledge on arts and culture, comprising both permanent and rotating exhibition halls, an arts training building.

Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary (เขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่าภูหลวง) Phu Luang means a large mountain or the Mountain of the King. On the east of Phu Luang, dinosaur’s footprints on the rock, aged more than 120 million years were discovered. The most distinguished ones on Phu Luang are Pinus merkusii and Kesiya pine forests, savanna on plains, mounds, and stone terraces..

Tham Pha Ya (ถ้ำผายา) is located inside Wat Tham Pha Ya at Ban Mai Santi Tham, Tambon Na Dok Kham. Inside the cave is a flock of millions of insect-eating bats.

Ban Lek Nai Pa Yai Project, Pha Nang – Pha Koeng (โครงการบ้านเล็กในป่าใหญ่ ผานาง – ผาเกิ้ง) is a project under an initiative of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

Suan Hin Pha Ngam or Thailand’s Kunming (สวนหินผางาม หรือ คุนหมิงเมืองไทย) It is a limestone garden aged around 230-280 million years, occurring from the aggradation of beach deposits. Then, an uplift of the earth’s crust, together with millions of years of natural rot have made this mountain be strangely beautiful, similar to the stone garden in Kunming, Yunnan of China.

Tham Mahoran (ถ้ำมโหฬาร) It is a large cave whose entrance enshrines a Buddha image in subduing Mara posture. The area within the cave is quite large comprising of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as, caves in smaller sizes. A Buddha’s footprint was also found on the wall of the cave.

Tham Phothisat (ถ้ำโพธิสัตว์) or Thailand’s Guilin is situated within the compound of Wat Tham Phothisat. It is a complex cave.

Namtok Phiang Din (น้ำตกเพียงดิน) is 4 kilometres further from Suan Hin Pha Ngam. The waterfall is at the end of the asphalt road.

Phu Kradueng National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติภูกระดึง) It is a popular natural attraction of Thailand due to its abundance of natural resources, comprising various types of ecological systems and geography. The distinguished characteristic of this national park is that it is a sandstone mountain with a wide plain summit, whose shape is similar to a leaf of the Elephant ear or a heart. Sites in the park are as follows:

Pha Nok Aen (ผานกแอ่น) It is a small stone terrace with pine trees standing at the cliff’s edge. It is a beautiful sunrise spot overlooking the scenery of the grass field and mountain range.

Pha Lom Sak (ผาหล่มสัก) It is a wide stone terrace with a large pine tree near an overhanging cliff. It is a place where the sunset can be the most clearly viewed.

Namtok Tat Hong (น้ำตกตาดฮ้อง) is a waterfall located within the compound of the national park. When falling from the cliff to the basin, it creates a loud and resonant sound of water. Therefore, it is called “Namtok Tat Hong”.

Phu Ruea National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติภูเรือ) Its special characteristic is an overhanging cliff in the similar shape as a prow of a junk. It is also considered as the coolest national park of the country. Sites in the national park are as follows:

Decho Viewpoint (จุดชมทิวทัศน์เดโช) is a viewspot for the sunrise. On a nice-weather-day, there are various mountains of Loei.

Pha Lon Noi (ผาโหล่นน้อย) It is a beautiful place to admire the sunrise. From this spot, Phu Luang, Phu Pha Sat, Phu Khrang and a sea of complex mountain ranges can be seen.

Pha Sapthong or Pha Kulap (ผาซับทอง หรือ ผากุหลาบ) It is a steep cliff with seepage full of water throughout the year where there is plenty of golden yellow lichen.

Namtok Huai Phai (น้ำตกห้วยไผ่) This waterfall is dropping from a steep cliff with an approximate height of 30 metres. The water from this waterfall is also utilised to produce pipe water in Amphoe Phu Ruea.

Yot Phu Ruea (ยอดภูเรือ) is the highest spot in the national park. Within its compound is a stone terrace and grass field mixed with pine forest comprising Pinus merkusii which is naturally grown and Kesiya pine which is planted.

Phrathat Si Song Rak (พระธาตุศรีสองรัก) Its architecture is in the Lan Chang style. Phrathat, a stupa containing the Buddha’s relics, is 19.19 metres high, 10.89 metres wide with a square base of 12 redented corners. Moreover, within the compound of the temple is enshrined a Buddha image canopied by a seven-headed Naga in the Tibetan style of art.

Wat Neramit Wipatsana (วัดเนรมิตวิปัสสนา) Both the Ubosot and Chedi are beautifully constructed of laterite. The large Ubosot is interiorly decorated in resemblance to the great temples of Bangkok. Moreover, a replica of Phra Phutthachinnarat is enshrined as the main image.

Phi Ta Khon Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์บ้านผีตาโขน) It is an educational attraction for those interested in the Bun Luang and Phi Ta Khon Festivals. Besides, there are an Ubosot reflecting the skills of local craftsmen, as well as, a replica of Phrathat Si Song Rak, including Bun Luang Festival and Phi Ta Khon are organised.

Wat Pho Chai Na Phueng (วัดโพธิ์ชัยนาพึง) Enshrined within the abbot’s cell is the Prachao Ong Saen Buddha image, an ancient image of the town for many generations. At the outside of the Ubosot are paintings which were later created in 1916. It can be considered as a very precious ancient monument and object of Loei province.

Na Haeo National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาตินาแห้ว) Most of the forests are dry evergreen forests mixed with deciduous trees. Along the high area are hill evergreen forests which are also a natural boundary between Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Sites within the national park are as follows:

Namtok Khing (น้ำตกคิ้ง) The waterfall comprises many rock tiers. At this spot, the government has constructed a royal residence for Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn who visited this place on 12 February, 1991.

Namtok Chang Tok (น้ำตกช้างตก) is located 500 metres higher than Namtok Khing which is also along the Phrae River. It is steeper than the lower one.

Namtok Wang Tat (น้ำตกวังตาด) is situated 1.5 kilometres above Namtok Chang Tok and located along the Phrae River as well.

Namtok Tat Hueang or Namtok Thai-Lao (น้ำตกเหืองหรือน้ำตกไทย-ลาว ) is along the Hueang River, comprising of 3 different tiers with a height of approximately 50 metres. There is water throughout the year.

Namtok Pha Khao (น้ำตกผาค้อ) is along the Heuang River, a border between Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Hin Si Thit (หินสี่ทิศ) On its south are four rocks rising up in the middle of the tropical evergreen forest. Local people usually go up to pay respect at this place once every three years, thus it is called “Song Pi Ham, Sam Pi Khrop”.

Hin Kuai Lo (หินก่วยหล่อ) It is a sandstone whose shape is similar to a mushroom bud rising in the middle of the tropical evergreen forest.

Noen 1408 Viewpoint (จุดชมวิวเนิน 1408) It is the highest viewpoint and centre of the national park. It is also a beautiful viewpoint to see the sunrise.

Noen 1255 Viewpoint (จุดชมวิวเนิน 1255) is a short-distant viewpoint where the scenery of Ban Huai Nam Phak below, as well as, Phu Soi Dao and Phu Wiang in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic can be witnessed.

Phrathat Satcha (พระธาตุสัจจะ) Components of Phrathat Satcha comprise a base of blooming lotus with 3 tiers of petals with a height of approximately 1 metre around it.

The Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge across the Hueang River (สะพานมิตรภาพน้ำเหืองไทย-ลาว) It is a bridge crossing the Hueang River and connecting between Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Khon Kaen Province

Khon Kaen (Thai ขอนแก่น) is the second-largest of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Nongbua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Buriram, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Phetchabun and Loei.

History
The first city of the area was established in 1783 when Rajakruluang settled there with 330 people. King Rama I made Rajakruluang the first governor of the area when establishing tighter connections with the Isan area. The main city was moved six times until in 1879 it reached its modern location at Nuang Kaw. Khon Kaen became the administrative centre in the beginning of the 20th century.
Administrative divisions
The province is subdivided into 26 districts (amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 198 subdistricts (tambon) and 2139 villages (muban).

1. Mueang Khon Kaen
2. Ban Fang
3. Phra Yuen
4. Nong Ruea
5. Chum Phae
6. Si Chomphu
7. Nam Phong
8. Ubolratana
9. Kranuan
10. Ban Phai



11. Pueai Noi
12. Phon
13. Waeng Yai
14. Waeng Noi
15. Nong Song Hong
16. Phu Wiang
17. Mancha Khiri
18. Chonnabot
19. Khao Suan Kwang
20. Phu Pha Man



21. Sam Sung
22. Khok Pho Chai
23. Nong Na Kham
24. Ban Haet
25. Non Sila

29. Wiang Kao[1]

1. ^ The numbers 26 to 28 are reserved for three other planned (minor) districts - Phu Kham Noi (ภูคำน้อย), Nong Kae (หนองแก) and Non Hin (โนนหัน).

There are plans to split off the northwestern part to form a new province centered at Phu Wiang. The other districts which will belong to this new province are Nong Ruea, Chum Phae, Si Chomphu, Phu Pha Man, Nong Na Kham and Wiang Kao.

Tourism
City Pillar Shrine (ศาลเจ้าพ่อเทพารักษ์หลักเมือง) A famous monk and former governor of Khon Kaen placed a stone inscription from an ancient site in Amphoe Chum Phae here for a Buddhism rite and set up the city pillar shrine.

Khon Kaen National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ ขอนแก่น) The museum exhibits antiques and precious art pieces from pre-historical to historical periods as well as a skeleton of the New Stone Age man and tools found at Ban Chiang.

Bueng Kaen Nakhon (บึงแก่นนคร) The lake is in the municipality of Amphoe Mueang. By the lake is a monument of Chao Phia Mueang Phaen, founder of Khon Kaen.

Treasure Hall (โฮงมูนมังเมืองขอนแก่น) Established to strengthen the local identity and serve as a study centre, the local museum exhibits the history of the city as well as the people’s lifestyle from the yesteryears through the contribution of senior citizens.

Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon or The 9-storey stupa (พระมหาธาตุแก่นนคร หรือพระธาตุ ๙ ชั้น) The Phra Mahathat houses relics of the Lord Buddha and important Buddhist scriptures. Murals within the stupa feature history of the town. The top floor, on the 9th storey, houses relics of the Lord Buddha.

Khon Kaen University (มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น) The university is the largest education centre in Isan, particularly on the areas that directly involve and benefit Isan people.

Art and Cultural Centre (หอศิลปวัฒนธรรม) Located in the compound of Khon Kaen University, the Isan barn-style building features local knowledge in different areas; namely, arts, geography and history through a modern display.

Sim Isan (Wat Pa Saeng Arun) (สิมอีสาน) The Sim Isan’s outstanding features lie in its typical shape and style, solidity, shelter as well as beauty of the murals of Mudmi patterns of the province’s famous tie-dyed silk. This has been intended for later generations to learn, treasure as well as conserve local architecture.

Wat Chai Si and Its Murals (วัดไชยศรีและฮูปแต้มสินไซ) The temple being of archaeological, historical as well as social environmental importance, was declared a national ancient monument on 20 August, 2001. The ordination hall – Sim or Ubosot – of this temple houses magnificent mural paintings, both inside and outside, by a folk artisan from Maha Sarakham known as Thong Thipcha.

Huean Lao (เฮือนลาว) The private museum features Isan lifestyle, typical house, local wisdom, native arts and culture in the past.

Phrathat Kham Kaen (พระธาตุขามแก่น) The Phrathat is believed to be the origin of Khon Kaen city since ancient times. Phrathat Kham Kaen can be date the 20th century A.D. The Phrathat is now well renovated and landscaped. A celebration is held annually on the full moon day of the 6th lunar month.

Ku Prapha Chai or Ku Ban Na Kham Noi (กู่ประภาชัย หรือ กู่บ้านนาคำน้อย) According to archaeological finds, the Khmer ruins were hospital built during the reign of Jayavarman VII in the 13th century. The principal tower has a square plan with a front porch, with a rectangular building known as ‘Bannalai’- a library – in the southeast. These two laterite buildings were surrounded in by a stone wall with a single front entrance on the east.

King Cobra Village (หมู่บ้านงูจงอาง) Ban Khok Sa-nga in Tambon Sai Mun is famous for its strange pets, king cobra, kept at every house.

Prem Tinsulanonda Military Fort aand Hall of Honour (ค่ายเปรมติณสูลานนท์ และหอเกียรติยศรัฐบุรุษ พลเอกเปรม ติณสูลานนท์) The hall of honour features the biography and achievement of statesman Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda who devoted himself for developing Thailand in different areas.

Ubolratana Dam or Phong Nip Dam (เขื่อนอุบลรัตน์ หรือ เขื่อนพองหนีบ) Ubolratana dam plays significant roles in generating electricity, fishery, irrigation, flood prevention, transportation, and recreation for the people of Khon Kaen.

Wat Phra Phutthabat Phu Phan Kham (วัดพระพุทธบาทภูพานคำ) The temple has a white gigantic Buddha image called Luangpho Yai or Luangpho Khao, of 14 m in height.

Bang Saen II and Hat Chom Thong (บางแสน 2 และหาดจอมทอง) As part of the lake over Ubolratana Dam, the beaches are quite picturesque particularly when the sun sets behind the mountain ranges.

Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติภูเก้า-ภูพานคำ) The park acquires a total area of 320 square kilometres or 201,250 rai, in Amphoe Ubolratana and Amphoe Non Sang of Nong Bua Lam Phu province. Most area is deciduous dipterocarp forest, which always changes its hue by early November.

Nam Phong National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติน้ำพอง) The deciduous dipterocarp and dry everygreen forests in this mountain range are a major source of herbs. There are viewpoints in the park. ‘Hin Chang Si’ is a group of rocks, where wild elephants use for scratching their flanks. This point has a scenic view of the Uboltatana lake and Khon Kaen city.

Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ไดโนเสาร์ภูเวียง) is part of the Phu Wiang Dinosaur Fossil Study and Research Centre. The museum building is divided into three sections: service, academic, and exhibition. The exhibition room displays the Earth’s origin, rocks, minerals, fossils, dinosaur models, etc.

Phu Wiang National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติภูเวียง) This national park always reminds tourists about dinosaurs. Besides fossils of dinosaurs, there are also traces of ancient civilizations in this area including a high relief of the reclining Buddha on the cliff, at the crest of Phu Wiang Mountain.

Non Mueang Ancient Town (เมืองโบราณโนนเมือง) Archaeologists have found sandstone Sema boundary markers in Dvaravati style in the town and nearby. Archaeologists found that there used to be a human settlement here since the late pre historic period.

Phu Pha Man National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติภูผาม่าน) The obvious natural landmark of this park is the towering limestone cliff that looks like a huge curtain. Lush jungle and mixed forest keep this place cool almost all the year round.

Tham KlangKhao The cave’s entrance is some 100 metres above ground level. Inside is the habitat of millions of bats, whose accumulated droppings cause a strong smell.

Tham Phra (ถ้ำพระ) Near to Tham Klangkhao, this cave has a natural tunnel sloping up to the crest of Phu Pha Man, but it is quite difficult to get through. The cave houses beautiful stalagmites, stalactites, and big stone pillars.

Tham Pu Ta Lo (ถ้ำภูตาหลอ) The cave is in Ban Wang Sawap, 17 kilometres from downtown Amphoe Phu Pha Man.

Namtok Tat Fa (น้ำตกตาดฟ้า) Tat Fa creek, natural borderline between Amphoe Phu Pha Man of Khon Kaen and Amphoe Nam Nao of Phetchabun, cascades through five steps to form this waterfall. The last step is the most impressive one with a height of 80 metres.

Namtok Tat Yai (น้ำตกตาดใหญ่) The big waterfall originate from Tat Fa Creek. The creek cascades through small waterfalls before going through a big cliff at 80 metres high. Namtok Tat Yai is the highest waterfall in the park.

Namtok Tat Rong (น้ำตกตาดร้อง) With a height of 60-70 metres, the waterfall originates from Phong River that runs from Phu Kradueng. A folk tale says the waterfall can sing as water runs upon a piece of thin stone, the falling water veers off into different rock holes nearby and fills the forest with strange sounds.

Tham Phaya Nakharat (ถ้ำพญานาคราช) As winding as a giant naga, the one-kilometre long cave is naturally decorated with glittering curtain-like stalagmites and stalactites.

Tham Lai Thaeng (ถ้ำลายแทง) whose wall has ancient paintings on some two-square metre area. The paintings contain some 70 pictures of humans, animals, and others, mirroring culture and life in the pre-historical period dating back to over 2,000 years ago.

Tham Pu Lup (ถ้ำปู่หลุบ) Its five chambers are all decorated with glittering stalagmites and stalactites. The cave contains water the year round.

Pha Nok Khao (ผานกเค้า) The towering cliff of black rock by the Phong River looks like an owl or Nok khao in Thai.

Chang Kra (ช้างกระ) Having grown wild over a century ago in Wat Pa Mancha Khiri over 4,000 Chang Kra orchid-Rhyncostylis gigantean (Lindl.) Ridl.-are in full bloom on the branches of some 280 trees every year during January and February. These wild orchids always fill the whole area with their mild fragrance.

Tortoise Village (หมู่บ้านเต่า) The villagers keep a large amount of tortoises as their mutual pets. The brownish yellow shelled tortoises, called Tao Phek in local dialect, always travel around in the village to be fed.

Sim (ubosot of Wat Sa Thong Ban Bua (สิม (โบสถ์) วัดสระทองบ้านบัว) This Sim, ordination hall, is architectural heritage of Isan with outstanding local characters. The Sim houses a rare Isan-style sandstone Buddha image. In 2002, the Sim was awarded a precious architecture, heritage and cultural conservation of the Asia Pacific by UNESCO.

Wat Udom Khongkha Khiri Khet (วัดอุดมคงคาคิรีเขต) Good for meditation practicing, the temple is located deep in lush forest in Tambon Ban Khok. Luangpu Phang, a Buddhist monk famous in meditation, once lived here.

Sala Mai Thai (ศาลาไหมไทย) Sala Mai Thai is part of the project to celebrate the 60th birtday anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen (August 12, 1992). The centre feature the silk production process from dyeing to weaving, tools for silk production and rare equipment, and different ancient silk textiles various pattern.

Prasat Pueai Noi or Phrathat Ku Thong (ปราสาทเปือยน้อย หรือ พระธาตุกู่ทอง) Prasat Pueai Noi was built in the 11-12th century in a mixed style between Baphuon and Angkor Wat as a shrine honouring Hindu Gods. The Naga was delicately carved on the gable of the main prang whose stone lintel featuring a reclining Narayana or visanu remains in good condition.

Wat Sa Bua Kaeo (วัดสระบัวแก้ว) Crouching guardian lion replicas are on both sides of the stairway leading up to the Ubosot, ordination hall, with sculptures of men stretching their legs in front in front. Luangpho Phui, preceptor of the temple, created all of these sculptures. Murals on four walls of this concrete ordination hall, both exterior and interior, feature the people’s lifestyle, history of the Lord Buddha, heaven and hell and folklore.

Scientific Centre for Education, Khon Kaen Province (ศูนย์วิทยาศาสตร์เพื่อการศึกษาจังหวัดขอนแก่น) The 2-storey building has various exhibitions regarding science and environment as well as the Scientist Princess Room which features history and performances of Prof. Dr. Princess Chulabhorn and the Primeval World Room which features dinosaur and fossils.
[edit] Local Products

Mudmee Silk of Chonnabot (ผ้าไหมมัดหมี่ อำเภอชนบท) Handed down from generation to generation, Mudmee is a unique technique of Isan in creating textile pattern. Silk threads are tied and dyed in particular patterns, resulting in beautiful textile patterns.

Mudmee Cotton at Ban Mueang Phia, Amphoe Ban Phai (ผ้าฝ้ายมัดหมี่ บ้านเมืองเพีย อำเภอบ้านไผ่) In most households, weaving a Mudmee cotton and mudmee silk tube skirt is quite a common business here.

Natural-dyed hand-woven cotton (ผ้าฝ้ายทอมือย้อมสีธรรมชาติ) The cotton textile is a famous product by the Art Centre for Developing Isan Women.

Chaiyaphum Province

Chaiyaphum (Thai: ชัยภูมิ) is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Lopburi and Phetchabun.
History
The history of the city of Chaiyaphum dates back to the Khmer Empire in the 12th century, when it was a small city on the route from Angkor to Prasat Singh (Kanchanaburi province). The Prang Ku still remains from this time. In 1817 the area was settled again by a group of Laotians led by Nai Lae, official from Viantiane Kingdom. At first they settled in Baan Nam Khun Nong E Chan (Nakhon Ratchasima province), but soon moved to the current site of Chaiyaphum, then called Baan Luang. When the Lao King Anouvong of Viantiane declared war on Siam, the local ruler Jao Phraya Lae changed allegiance and supported the Siamese troops. In 1826 he was killed by Laotian troops, before these were defeated and all of Laos became part of Siam. Jao Phraya Lae was renamed by the Thais to Phraya Phakdi Chumpon and is still a local hero.

Administrative divisions
The province is subdivided into 16 districts (amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 124 subdistricts (tambon) and 1393 villages (muban).

1. Mueang Chaiyaphum
2. Ban Khwao
3. Khon Sawan
4. Kaset Sombun
5. Nong Bua Daeng
6. Chatturat
7. Bamnet Narong
8. Nong Bua Rawe
9. Thep Sathit
10. Phu Khiao
11. Ban Thaen
12. Kaeng Khro
13. Khon San
14. Phakdi Chumphon
15. Noen Sa-nga
16. Sap Yai
Tourism
Phraya Phakdi Chumphon (Lae) Monument (อนุสาวรีย์พระยาภักดีชุมพล (แล)): The people of Chaiyaphum built the monument in 1975. It is dedicated to the first governor of Chaiyaphum called "Chaopho Phraya Lae" by the locals.

Chaopho Phraya Lae Shrine (ศาลเจ้าพ่อพญาแล): Every year, a ceremony to pay respect to the shrine is organized during the 6th lunar month prior to Visakha Puja Day. Also, ceremonies to give propitiatory sacrifice to the spirit through a Phi Fa dance are conducted regularly.


Tat Ton National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติตาดโตน): Due to the conditions of the steep and complex mountains, with a slope in the south and a long mountain ridge from Prachin Buri, passing Khao Yai and Chaiyaphum towards Loei, this national park is, therefore, located in a dry area with quite high temperatures. However, the general forest condition is still perfect, and it consists of deciduous dipterocarp forest and dry evergreen forest. The following attractions can be found inside this national park:

-Namtok Tat Ton (น้ำตกตาดโตน) is a beautiful waterfall near the Office of the National Park with water flowing all year but it is particularly magnificent during the rainy season.

-Chaopho Tat Ton (Pu Duang) Shrine (ศาลเจ้าพ่อตาดโตน (ปู่ด้วง): It has been told that Pu Duang had Khmer ethnicity and lived in the similar period to Chaopho Phaya Lae. He behaved as a strict lay ascetic who lived a humble life, usually meditating and strictly following the dharma. He also had the knowledge and ability to treat people with herbs. Therefore, he received respect from a large number of people.

-Namtok Tat Fa (น้ำตกตาดฟ้า): It is a stone terrace with a width of 15-20 metres, a length of 80-90 metres and a slope of approximately 30 degrees. It is similar to a natural slide board.

-Namtok Pha Iang (น้ำตกผาเอียง): It is a medium-size waterfall stemming from the Chi Long Stream. It is a cliff leaning (Iang) towards the stream making the water run to one side.

-Namtok Pha Song Chan (น้ำตกผาสองชั้น) is a waterfall in the Tat Ton National Park above Namtok Pha Iang. It is a 2-layered cliff with a height of approximately 5 metres.

-Namtok Phanit (น้ำตกผานิต) is a waterfall 1 kilometre south of Namtok Pha Iang. Its characteristic is similar to the latter.

-Wat Phra Phutthabat Phu Faet (พระพุทธบาทภูแฝด) is a small rise with the Buddha’s footprint on a stone similar to that in Saraburi.

-Wat Sa Hong (วัดสระหงษ์): This temple is situated on a stone rise. There is a natural rock in a swan - Hong or Hamsa - shape. Behind the temple’s hall is an ancient pond with a width of approximately 10 metres, filled of water all year round.

-Wat Sila At Phu Phra (วัดศิลาอาสน์ ภูพระ): Within the compound of this temple is a rock shelter whit engraved bas-relief Buddha images. It is the source of the name Phu Phra and has been respected among the locals for a long period of time.

-Prang Ku (ปรางค์กู่) is a stone sanctuary from the Khmer period with a plan characteristic of "Arogayasala" - a nursing home - constructed in the 12th to 13th century. There is an annual fair in the 5th lunar month of each year.

-Bai Sema Ban Kut Ngong (ใบเสมาบ้านกุดโง้ง): These are sandstone boundary markers in the Dvaravati style of approximately the 7th to 8th century CE which were discovered near the village. Most of them are big with a bas-relief in the front, while some were also inscribed on the back as well.

-Phu Laen Kha National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติภูแลนคา): The geographic condition of this area is a complex mountain range with both dense jungle and timber forest which are the watershed of streams that run into the Chi River.

-Pa Hin Ngam Chan Daeng (ป่าหินงามจันทร์แดง) is a large stone terrace with many rocks in bizarre shapes. There are distinguished and unique Chan Daeng (Dracaena Loureiri Gagnep) trees growing on a large boulder.

-Phu Khi (ภูคี) is the highest summit of the national park where the scenery and surroundings of Phu Yuak, Phu Taphao, the Phu Khiao Range, Kaset Sombun District and Phu Khiao District can be seen.

-Phu Kaset (ภูเกษตร) is the second highest summit after Phu Khi in this same national park. Geographically, it is cold and dry because of deforestation and shifting cultivation, leaving behind a large abandoned field on the Phu Laen Kha mountain range.

-Dok Krachiao Field in Pa Hin Ngam Thung Khlong Chang (ทุ่งดอกกระเจียวบริเวณป่าหินงามทุ่งโขลงช้าง) is a deciduous dipterocarp forest where Krachiao - curcuma - bulbs with pink and white blossoms grow on a rocky terrain together with various types of other plants. There is also a large rock similar to an elephant.

-Mo Hin Khao (มอหินขาว) is a plateau of large rocks scattered in strange and rare shapes similar to mushrooms, boats, elephants, turtles and chedis. Moreover, there are large stone columns standing in a line.

-Viewpoint of Lan Hin Rong Kla (จุดชมวิวลานหินร่องกล้า) is a large stone plateau with various deep cracks and distinguished cliffs. It is approximately 700 to 800 metres above sea level.

-Viewpoint of Pa Hin Prasat (จุดชมวิวป่าหินปราสาท) is a location of a unique large rock similar to a prasat and a nature sightseeing spot.

-Pha Phae (ผาแพ) is a stone cliff which occurred from the lifting of stone layers and the movement of ores. Therefore, the colours of the ores’ pigments are obviously different.

-Pratu Khlong (Natural Stone Archway)(ประตูโขลง(ซุ้มประตูหินธรรมชาติ)) is a large stone similar to a gate (Pratu) whereas in the surrounding area are located many stones in bizarre shapes alternated by deciduous dipterocarp forest.

-The Pha Kluaimai or Orchid Cliffs (ผากล้วยไม้) are high cliffs of many heights stretching horizontally and connected to one another. There are many kinds of rare orchids scattered on the cliffs.

-Tham Phra and Tham Kluea (ถ้ำพระและถ้ำเกลือ) are white sandstone caves created by water erosion running through the stone crevices, causing a chemical reaction over a long period of time as well as the alteration and natural change of the sandstone layers causing large holes.

-Namtok Tat Ton Noi (น้ำตกตาดโตนน้อย) is a waterfall created by the confluence of flows from small and big creeks originating from the Phu Kaset mountain range.

-Khao Khat and the Chi River (เขาขาดและแม่น้ำชี) is a natural characteristic of the mountain range created from the sinking and uplifting of the Phu Laen Kha and Phang Hoei mountain ranges, causing a pass through the mountains and creating many legends that have been passed on for a long time.

-Pha Koeng (ผาเกิ้ง) is a part of the Phu Laen Kha mountain range. The locals call it "Pha Koeng" meaning a moon cliff in the Isarn language.

-Ban Khwao (บ้านเขว้า) is famous for silk weaving. It is particularly well known for its "Mudmee" silk which is popular among those who favour Thai traditional fabrics.

-Ku Daeng (กู่แดง) is an ancient Khmer ruin. At present, the ruin is only a square base made of laterite with recessed corners and a staircase on each of its four sides. This ruin was, estimating from the pattern on its lintel, constructed in the 11th century in the period of the Baphuon art of the ancient Khmer Empire.

-Sai Thong National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติไทรทอง): It is the source of many rivers and creeks which are tributaries of the Chi River. It has deciduous dipterocarp and dry evergreen forests combined with a mixed deciduous forest.

-Namtok Sai Thong (น้ำตกไทรทอง): At the front of the waterfall is a large basin for swimmers called Wang Sai. Also, above the waterfall is a deep body of water called Wang Ngueak whose water runs along the crooked and steep stone plateau towards Namtok Sai Thong for a distance of 150 metres.

-Namtok Chuan Chom (น้ำตกชวนชม): This waterfall is along a nature study route of 2 kilometres above Namtok Sai Thong. The 20 metre high waterfall is surrounded by abundant trees.

-Thung Bua Sawan or Thung Dok Krachiao (ทุ่งบัวสวรรค์ หรือทุ่งดอกกระเจียว): From the end of June to mid-August, curcuma or Krachiao blossoms will bloom in this field in both pink and white colours.

-Pha Pho Mueang (ผาพ่อเมือง) is a cliff along the west side of the Phang Hoei mountain ridge along the route leading upward to the Bua Sawan Field, a total distance of approximately 3 kilometres and 700 to 908 metres above sea level.

-Pha Ham Hot View Spot (จุดชมทิวทัศน์ผาหำหด) is the summit of the Phang Hoei mountain range, 864 metres above sea level. It is cold throughout the year.

-Tham Kaeo (ถ้ำแก้ว): The cave is similar to a hall, located deep inside the mountain and chilly and humid throughout the year. From the entrance, there is a path leading to a lower level where a Buddha image is enshrined.

-Khao Phang Hoei Viewpoint (จุดชมทิวทัศน์เขาพังเหย): It is a rest area and sightseeing spot for motorists. Along the road lie various shops offering local products. The panoramic view of the sunset from this point is admirable.

-Bueng Waeng (บึงแวง) is a swamp in front of Khon Sawan District Office, covering an area of approximately 350 rai with a path around the swamp. At dusk, teal -a species of duck - usually fly as a flock covering the sky, creating a splendid contrast of colours between the flock and the beams of the sunset.

-The Grand Buddha Image of the Dvaravati Period (พระพุทธรูปใหญ่สมัยทวารวดี): It is a laterite Buddha image in a standing posture, representing Dvaravati art.

-Ban Khae Topiary Centre (ศูนย์รวมไม้ดัดบ้านแข้) is on Highway No. 201, 76 kilometres from the centre of Chaiyaphum or 1 kilometre prior to Phu Khaio District.

-Phrathat Nong Sam Muen (พระธาตุหนองสามหมื่น) is a beautiful and perfect chedi with recessed corners, located on a square base with a height of 45.30 metres and stairs on its 4 sides.

-Non Salao Khit Cloth Weaving Village (แหล่งทอผ้าขิตบ้านโนนเสลา): It is the biggest source of Khit cloth weaving in Chaiyaphum. The locals of Non Salao have passed on the process of Khit weaving from their ancestors. Nearly every house makes their own hand-made fabric.


Chulabhorn Dam / Nam Phrom Dam (เขื่อนจุฬาภรณ์/ เขื่อนน้ำพรม): It is a rockfill dam with a core of clay packed with stones and pebbles. It was built to generate electrical power and for irrigation and agricultural purposes during the dry season. Attractions within the Chulabhorn Dam are as follows:

-The Replica of Phra Phutthasiri Sakkharat (Luangpho Chet Kasat) (พระพุทธสิริสัคคราชจำลอง (หลวงพ่อเจ็ดกษัตริย์)) is a revered Buddha image enshrined at the left side of the dam, opposite Chulabhorn Dam’s Park.

-Chulabhorn Dam’s Park (สวนเขื่อนจุฬาภรณ์) covers an area of approximately 41 rai, designated as a preserved forest with various kinds of plants. The path through the park is paved with natural stones.

-The 325-Million-Years Ancient Plants (พืชโบราณ 325 ล้านปี) are in the similar category of grass, comprising of 2 main species, namely, Son Sam Roi Yot (Lycopodium) and Son Hang Ma or Ya Thot Plong (Horsetail or Equisetum).

-Lup Khuan View Pavilion (ศาลาชมวิวหลุบควน) is a viewpoint with a height of more than 800 metres.

-The Waterfront Ground by the Royal Residence (สนามริมน้ำข้างพระตำหนัก) is surrounded by a serene atmosphere.


Phu Khiao Wildlife Reserve (เขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่าภูเขียว): It is to preserve, breed and propagate wildlife such as Siamese firebacks, peacocks, barking deer, deer, and hogdeer. They are let free in this natural habitat and are able to conduct their own reproduction. Interesting destinations within the reserve are as follows:

-Thung Kramang (ทุ่งกระมัง) is a large area of grassland located in the middle of the reserve, is an important source of food for herbivores. On top of the hill over Thung Kramang lies a royal residence overlooking the reservoir.

-Phrom River (ลำน้ำพรม) On its east lies Huai Dat or Lam Dok, the main brook shifting the water from the lower part of Chulabhorn Dam to produce the electricity. It also directs the flow into the Lam Su Brook which has water throughout the year. Above the Phrom River is located Lan Chan, consisting of a rock terrace and a deep crooked pool within a serene and shady atmosphere.

-Lan Chan and Tat Hin Daeng (ลานจันทร์และตาดหินแดง): Lan Chan is a large rock terrace along the Phrom River with water throughout the year. It is a shady area full of various kinds of big and small trees due to it being surrounded by evergreen forests with moss, fern, rattan, betel-vine and various kinds of medicinal plants growing there.

-Bueng Paen (บึงแปน): It is grassland similar to Thung Kamang, but it lies in a lower plain which floods during the rainy season. In the dry season, there is a swamp in the middle of the plain.

-Namtok Tat Khro (น้ำตกตาดคร้อ) is a large and high waterfall to the south of Thung Kramang near the Phu Khiao Forest Safeguard Centre in Nong Bua Daeng District. The water from this waterfall will run down to the Saphung River.

-Namtok Huai Wai (น้ำตกห้วยหวาย) is a 3-tiered waterfall. Each of its levels is 20 metres high. The location where it runs through the mountain is the pass in between Khao Phu Noi and Khao Phu Khiao Yai.

-Namtok Nakkharat (น้ำตกนาคราช): The width of this waterfall is approximately 5 metres with 3 tiers of different height. Nearby the waterfall one finds and abundance of Phaya Nakkharat (Polynesian foot fern) and it is therefore that the waterfall is called "Namtok Nakkharat".

-Pha Thewada (ผาเทวดา) The rocks at this cliff are white - similar to limestone - with a water flow passing through called "Chi Phut". It is the origin of the Chi River with a width of 10-15 metres running through the south of the mountain and down to the Chi Yai River at Ban Lon.

-Phu Khing (ภูคิ้ง) is the summit of the Khao Khiao mountain range with a height of 1,167 metres above sea level. It is considered as the 5th highest one of the Northeast and is located in the Phu Khiao Wildlife Reserve.

-The Phu Khiao Wildlife Breeding Research Station (สถานีเพาะเลี้ยงสัตว์ป่าภูเขียว): There are many kinds of wildlife to see, particularly sambar deer and brown-antlered deer.


Pa Hin Ngam National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติป่าหินงาม) There are many kinds of wild flowers in the same species of Dusita, En A, and orchids, as well as, various species of wildlife, comprising more than 56 kinds of birds, 21 types of mammals, and 10 categories of reptiles. Destinations within the national park are as follows:

-Lan Hin Ngam (ลานหินงาม) It was caused by the erosion of the soil and rocks into different shapes, which can be imagined as many kinds of objects and animals such as nails, radar, hens, etc.

-Dok Krachiao or Bua Sawan Field (ทุ่งดอกกระเจียว หรือ ทุ่งบัวสวรรค์) Krachiao – a kind of curcuma - is an annual plant in the same species as ginger-galingale, scattered generally from Lan Hin Ngam to the Sut Phaendin viewpoint.

-Sut Phaendin (สุดแผ่นดิน) is a steep cliff and the highest point of the Phang Hoei mountain range, 2 kilometres from the Office of the National Park and 846 metres above sea level. It is the cliff connecting between the Central and Northeastern regions.

-Namtok Thep Phana (น้ำตกเทพพนา) is a medium-size waterfall originating from Huai Krachon flowing from the Phang Hoei mountain range. It can be divided into 3 different tiers. There is water only during the rainy season.

-Namtok Thep Prathan (น้ำตกเทพประทาน) is situated in Ban Rai Sub-district, 7 kilometres from the Office of the National Park. It is a medium-size waterfall but quite flat. There are different low tiers of large rock terraces and a steep highland with a large amount of water during the rainy season.

-Phra Phutthabat Khao Yai Hom (พระพุทธบาทเขายายหอม): It is a red Buddha’s left footprint, stamped onto the rock terrace with a width of 75 centimetres, length of 180 centimetres, and depth of 45 centimetres, surrounded by 3 holy ponds.

Buriram Province

Buri Ram (Thai: บุรีรัมย์) is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from south clockwise) Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham and Surin. To the south-east it borders Oddar Meancheay of Cambodia. The name Buri Ram means City of happiness.
History
Almost a thousand years ago the present- day Buri Ram area was evidently subdued to Khmer Empire as many ruins from that time are still visible there. The biggest of them on an extinct volcano is protected in the Phanom Rung historical park. According to the inscription found, her ruler recognized the hegemony of Khmer Empire's king. Before the foundation of Bangkok, little was known about her. From early Bangkok Period, in the early nineteenth century, the town originally called Muang Pae, was renamed 'Buriram'. Then she became under Thai rule. After the administrative reform in the late nineteenth century, Buriram was incorporated into Siam or late Thailand as a province.
Administrative divisions
The province is subdivided into 23 districts (amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 189 subdistricts (tambon) and 2212 villages (muban).

1. Mueang Buriram
2. Khu Mueang
3. Krasang
4. Nang Rong
5. Nong Ki
6. Lahan Sai
7. Prakhon Chai
8. Ban Kruat
9. Phutthaisong
10. Lam Plai Mat
11. Satuek
12. Pakham
13. Na Pho
14. Nong Hong
15. Phlapphla Chai
16. Huai Rat
17. Non Suwan
18. Chamni
19. Ban Mai Chaiyaphot
20. Non Din Daeng
21. Ban Dan
22. Khaen Dong
23. Chaloem Phra Kiat
Tourism
Lower Northeastern Cultural Centre (ศูนย์วัฒนธรรมอีสานใต้): The Centre collects and exhibits artefacts and precious historical objects, folk art and archaeological evidence. It is also the resource centre for conducting research.

The Monument of King Rama I (พระบรมราชานุสาวรีย์พระบาทสมเด็จพระพุทธยอดฟ้าจุฬาโลก): The monument was built in 1996 to honour King Rama I who founded Buri Ram while he was serving as Somdet Phraya Maha Kasatsuek.

Khao Kradong Forest Park (วนอุทยานเขากระโดง): This extinct volcano is now a relaxation spot. The top is 265 metres above sea level and it houses "Phra Suphattharabophit", a large Buddha image that is the symbol of Buri Ram.

Kradong Reservoir (อ่างเก็บน้ำกระโดง): From the entrance to Khao Kradong, there is a junction on the left side to "Bunyanusat" boy scout camp and a zoo.

Huai Talat Reservoir and Buri Ram Bird Park (อ่างเก็บน้ำห้วยตลาดและสวนนกบุรีรัมย์): A survey found more than 100 species of birds living in this area during the dry season which lasts from November to April.

Phanom Rung historical park (อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์พนมรุ้ง): Prasat Hin Phanom Rung is a Hindu shrine dedicated to the God Shiva. On the occasion of the Thai Heritage Conservation Day in 1988, Phanom Rung Historical Park was officially opened by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on May 21 of that year.

Wat Khao Angkhan (วัดเขาอังคาร): Inside the temple compound, there are ruins of ancient monuments and sandstone boundary markers of the Dvaravati period. At present, it is one of the most beautiful and significant temples in Buri Ram.

Thung Laem Reservoir (อ่างเก็บน้ำทุ่งแหลม): It is a small reservoir which has been renovated into a recreational area with shelters for rest and relaxation. During the dry season, many species of waterfowl can be found at this reservoir.

Prasat Hin Mueang Tam (ปราสาทหินเมืองต่ำ): It is one of the Khmer sanctuaries with outstanding architecture in Buriram.

Ang Kep Nam Sanam Bin Non-hunting Area (เขตห้ามล่าสัตว์ป่าอ่างเก็บน้ำสนามบิน): The office of the non-hunting area is located on the left side of the road.

Stone Quarry (แหล่งหินตัด)': The quarry was used by the ancient Khmer people as a source of construction materials for building sanctuaries in the lower Northeastern region.

Ancient Kiln Sites (แหล่งเตาโบราณ): Archaeologists found ancient kilns and ceramics during their surveys. The kilns date from around the 9th – 10th century and served as a production centre for Khmer ceramics supplying other cities.

Prasat Wat Khok Ngio (ปราสาทวัดโคกงิ้ว): It is a Khmer stone sanctuary located behind Wat Khok Ngio, and it once served as an "Arogayasala" or a hospital.

Rao Su Monument (อนุสาวรีย์เราสู้): It was built in 1979 to commemorate the brave undertakings of civilians, police officers and soldiers who lost their lives during battles with communists who obstructed the construction of this strategic route.

Lam Nang Rong Dam (เขื่อนลำนางรอง): It is an area under a Royal Project for security development. The Lam Nang Rong Dam is an earthen dam with an asphalt road along the crest with an expansive view.

Prasat Nong Hong (ปราสาทหนองหงส์): It is a small archaeological site comprising three prangs made from brick on a single laterite base.

Big Buddha Image (พระพุทธรูปใหญ่) or Phra Phuttharup Patima Santayaphirom Satuek Udom Ratsadon Nimitmanin is a big standing Buddha image on the bank of the Mun River, opposite the Satuek District Office.

Phrachao Yai Wat Hong (พระเจ้าใหญ่วัดหงษ์): It is an old Lao-style Buddha image in the posture of subduing Mara, which was built during the late Ayutthaya period, or around the 18th century.

Silk Weaving Village of Amphoe Na Pho (หมู่บ้านทอผ้าไหมอำเภอนาโพธิ์): It is a silk weaving village, especially "Mudmi" silk, which has received support for their development of skills, the standard of production, and their patterns and colours from the Royal Folk Arts and Craft Centre under the royal patronage of HM Queen Sirikit.

Ku Suan Taeng (กู่สวนแตง): Ku Suan Taeng is also a Khmer architectural site, comprising three brick prangs lying from north to south, on the same laterite base.
Festivals

Aside from important religious days, Songkran Day and New Year’s Day, Buri Ram also has other local festivals such as the festival of the 5th lunar month when the locals make merit, bathe Buddha images and senior people, perform traditional sports such as Saba and tug of war. In some areas like Amphoe Phutthaisong, there is the Bang Fai traditional rocket dance, Khao Phansa, at the beginning of Buddhist Lent and Loy Krathong in the 12th lunar month. Some of the local festivals include:

Phrachao Yai Wat Hong Homage–paying Fair (งานนมัสการพระเจ้าใหญ่วัดหงษ์): Held in Amphoe Phutthaisong during the 14th day of the waxing moon to the 1st day of the waning moon in the 3rd lunar month of every year. It is a fair to pay homage to and for applying gold leaf on the Phrachao Yai, a highly revered Buddha image of the people of Buri Ram. The event lasts 3 days with numerous merit-making ceremonies and fun-filled activities.

Buddha’s Footprint Homage–paying Fair (งานนมัสการรอยพระพุทธบาทจำลอง): The event takes place at Khao Kradong, Amphoe Mueang, on the full moon day of the 3rd lunar month. A large number of local people visit Khao Kradong to pay homage to a replica of the Buddha’s footprint and the Phra Suphattharabophit image whilst enjoying the big celebration.

Phanom Rung Fair (งานประเพณีขึ้นเขาพนมรุ้ง): Phanom Rung Sanctuary was once a sacred Hindu shrine which was later changed into a religious site for Buddhists. During the time it was deserted, a replica of the Buddha’s footprint was taken to be enshrined at Prang Noi. It has become a tradition for local people to climb up to the mountaintop to pay respect to the Buddha’s footprint and put gold leaf on it. Every year, on the full moon day of the 5th lunar month, there is an annual festival to pay respect to the site. Because Phanom Rung is a beautiful and important historical site, the province also organizes an annual festival on the first weekends of April when a colourful parade is held following ancient royal Khmer tradition as well as a sound and light show at the Phanom Rung Sanctuary.

Buri Ram Long Boat Races (ประเพณีแข่งเรือยาวจังหวัดบุรีรัมย์): It is organized annually on the first weekend of November when the Mun River is high. Oarsmen from Buri Ram and other nearby provinces would gather to join the boat racing which is held in front of Amphoe Satuek’s district office. Each year, there are about 40 to 50 boats in the competition. There is also a parade of fancy decorated boats during the event. Boat racing was once a traditional festival celebrated among friends and relatives to pay homage to Chaopho Wang Krut, a spirit named after a whirlpool in the Mun River. Since 1986, it has become a festival of the province.

Isan Kite Festival (งานมหกรรมว่าวอีสานบุรีรัมย์): Held annually at the sports stadium in Amphoe Huai Rat on the first weekend of December, or during the harvest season when the cold northeastern wind blows. At this time of the year, local people make "aek" kites, a traditional kite of the Northeastern people. Buri Ram province organized the first Isan Kite Festival in 1986 to conserve and publicize the local tradition of the Lower Northeast. There is also a kite competition among the locals who come from the surrounding districts and villages. A kite to enter the competition must be more than 2.5 metres wide and it is judged for its beautiful design, the sound of the "aek" – a sound–making device attached to the kite - and the way it floats in the sky. During the event there are also colourful kite parades, folk performances, shows and booths displaying the local products.

Isan or Northeast Thailand

Isan (Isan/Thai: อีสาน; also written as Isaan, Isarn, Issan, or Esarn) is the northeast region of Thailand. It is located on the Khorat Plateau, bordered by the Mekong River (along the border with Laos) to the north and east, by Cambodia to the southeast and the Prachinburi mountains south of Nakhon Ratchasima. To the west it is separated from Northern and Central Thailand by the Phetchabun mountain range.

In the beginning 20th century the region of northeast Thailand was officially named as Isan, a term adopted from Sanskrit that means “northeast.” The Lao-speaking people from this region, who comprise a majority of the population, distinguish themselves not only from the Lao of Laos but in addition also the central Thai by calling themselves as Khon Isan. The Khmer and Kuy (Suai) who live in the southern part of the northeast region of Thailand communicated in languages and follow custom that are more similar to Cambodia than to the tradition of either the Thai people or the Lao people. [1]

Agriculture is the main economic activity, but due to the socio-economic conditions and hot, dry climate output lags behind that of other parts of the country. Isan is Thailand's poorest region.

The main language of the region is Isan, which is similar to Laotian. Considered by some to be a dialect of Laotian, but written in the Thai alphabet, Isan is among the Chiang Seng and Lao-Phutai languages, which are members of the Tai languages of the Kradai language family. Thai is also spoken, with regional accents, by almost everyone. Khmer (the language of Cambodia) is widely spoken in regions near the Cambodian border (Buriram, Surin, and Sisaket). Most of the population is of Lao origin, but the region's incorporation into the modern Thai state has been largely successful.

Prominent aspects of the culture of Isan include the indigenous form of folk music, called mor lam (Thai: หมอลำ), Muay Thai (Thai: มวยไทย) boxing, cock fighting, and celebratory processions (Thai: กระบวน). Isan food, in which sticky rice (Thai: ข้าวเหนียว, khao niao) and chillies are prominent, is sufficiently distinct from Thai cuisine that it is considered unique. Sticky rice is a staple of Thai Northeastern cuisine, and it accompanies meals frequently.
History
Isan has a number of important Bronze Age sites, with cliff paintings, artifacts and early evidence of rice cultivation. Iron and bronze tools, such as found at Ban Chiang, may predate similar tools from Mesopotamia. The region later came under the influence first of the Dvaravati culture and then of the Khmer empire, which left dozens of prasats (sanctuaries) throughout the Isan region with the most impressive of them at Phimai and Phanom Rung.

After the Khmer empire began to decline from the 13th century, Isan was dominated by the Lao Lan Xang kingdom, that had been established by Fa Ngum. Thereafter the region was increasingly settled by Lao and Thai migrants. Siam held sway from the 17th century, and carried out forced population transfers from Laos to Isan in the 18th and 19th centuries. Franco-Siamese treaties of 1893 and 1904 made Isan the frontier between Siam and French Indochina.

In the 20th century a policy of "Thaification" promoted the incorporation of Isan as an integral part of Thailand and de-emphasised the Lao origins of the population. This policy extended to the use of the name "Isan" itself: the name is derived from that of Iśāna (Sanskrit: ईशान), a manifestation of Shiva as deity of the northeast, and the Sanskrit word for northeast. The name therefore reinforces the area's identity as the northeast of Thailand, rather than as a part of the Lao world. Before the central government forcibly introduced the Thai alphabet and language in schools, the people of Isan wrote in the Lao alphabet, a very similar, and mutually understandable script. Most Isan people still speak the Isan language which is closely related to the Lao language.

Culture
Isan's culture is predominantly Lao, and has much in common with that of the neighbouring country of Laos. This affinity is shown in the region's cuisine, dress, temple architecture, festivals and arts.

Isan food is distinct from Thai and Lao cuisines, but has elements in common with each. The most obvious characteristics are the use of sticky rice that accompanies almost every meal rather than plain rice, as well as fiery chillies. Popular dishes include tam mak hung, or in central Thai, som tam (papaya salad), larb (meat salad) and gai yang (grilled chicken). These have all spread to other parts of Thailand, but normally in versions which temper the extreme heat and sourness favoured in Isan for the more moderate Central Thai palate.Conversely Central Thai food has become popular in Isan, but the French and Vietnamese influences which have affected Lao cuisine are absent. The people of the region famously eat a wide variety of creatures, such as lizards, frogs and fried insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, silkworms and dung beetles. Originally forced by poverty to be creative in finding foods, Isan people now savour these animals as delicacies or snacks. Food is commonly eaten by hand using the sticky rice pressed into a ball with the fingers as a tool. Soups are a frequent element of any meal and contain either vegetables and herbs, noodles, chunks of fish, balls of ground pork or a mixture of these. They are eaten using a spoon and chopsticks at the same time.

The traditional dress of Isan is the sarong. Women's sarongs most often have an embroidered border at the hem, while men's are in a chequered pattern. They are worn "straight", not hitched between the legs in Central Thai style. Men also wear a pakama—a versatile length of cloth which can be used as a belt, a money and document belt, as headwear for protection from the sun, as a hammock or as a bathing garment. Isan is the main centre for the production of Thai silk. The trade received a major boost in the post-war years, when Jim Thompson popularised Thai silk among westerners. One of the best-known types of Isan silk is mut-mee, which is tie-dyed to produce geometric patterns on the thread.The Buddhist temple (or wat) is the major feature of most villages. These temples are used not only for religious ceremonies, but also for festivals, particularly mor lam, and as assembly halls.The people of Isan celebrate many traditional festivals, such as the Bun Bungfai Rocket Festival. This fertility rite, originating in pre-Buddhist times, is celebrated in a number of locations both in Isan and in Laos, but most vigorously and most famously in Yasothon province. Other Isan festivals are the Candle Festival, which marks the start of vassa in July in Ubon and other locations; the Silk Festival in Khon Kaen, which promotes local handicrafts; the Elephant Round-up in Surin; and the bangfai phayanak or Naga fireballs of Nong Khai.

The main indigenous music of Isan is mor lam; it exists in a number of regional variants, plus modern forms. Since the late 1970s it has acquired greater exposure outside the region thanks to the presence of migrant workers in Bangkok. Many mor lam singers also sing Central Thai luk thung music, and have produced the hybrid luk thung Isan form. Another form of folk music, kantrum, is popular with the Khmer minority in the south. Although there is no tradition of written secular literature in the Isan language, in the latter half of the 20th century the region produced several notable writers, such as Khamsing Srinawk (who writes in Thai) and Pira Sudham (who writes in English).

Mor lam needs a special mention as its festival-type production which is very commonplace in Isan, has not been exported to other regions. Although it is a very exciting affair, not being on the tourist trail it is largely ignored by foreign visitors. When the locals speak of mor lam (pronounced mor'ram with stress on the second syllable), one will often hear them say pai doo morram (lit. 'go see mor'ram'). They are referring to the most common form of evening entertainment in the region. Somewhere, in a village within easy reach, there will be a mor lam festival on a Friday or Saturday evening. Usually, the rock-festival sized stage is constructed either in a temple compound or on a sports field. Thousands of people will sit on mats on the ground and watch the fun-filled program of variety entertainment. The traditional music and song is accompanied by extremely colorful choreography, executed by a group of up to fifty female (and some male katoey) dancers. The fantastic costumes are changed several times throughout the program, and the transitions are bridged by often raunchy gags, slap-stick comedy, and speeches by local dignitaries. A mor lam festival is a family affair and the area is surrounded by food and drink stalls.

Isan is known for producing a large number of muay Thai boxers: as with Western boxing, kickboxing provides a rare opportunity to escape from poverty. Isan's most famous sportsman, however, is tennis player Paradorn Srichaphan, whose family are from Khon Kaen.

Marriage and courtship in Isan still mainly follows strict tradition, especially in rural areas, and most young women are married by the time they are 20 years old. Many girls, in spite of the legal requirement, marry as young as fourteen to escape poverty as usually marriage is associated with a dowry paid by the husband to the bride's family. A dowry will not normally be less than 40,000 Thai baht, and according to the status of the bride and/or her family, can often greatly exceed 300,000 baht. Isan women rarely have boyfriends until they meet the man whom they will eventually marry, and tradition requires that the betrothal is then announced. Younger fiancées will be chaperoned, usually by a female friend, brother or sister while in the company of their future husband. The wedding ceremony usually takes place in the bride's home and is normally officiated by one or several monks or a respected village elder who has been a monk. Young couples are increasingly registering their marriages at the city hall which they can do if they are over 17. The extended family system is still very much the traditional social structure in Isan, with newly wed couples often living with in-laws or building a home on the family compound or farmland. It is not unusual however, for many women to remain single until much later. Tradition demands that the youngest or only daughter continues to live at home to take care of her parents. They are then only free to marry when both parents are deceased. There is also the tradition that a woman should 'marry up' in status. If the woman is tied to an occupation in a rural area as a farm or business owner, teacher, or similar profession, finding a suitable husband and one who is prepared to relocate is often not easy.

Water buffalo are a regular feature, even in the suburbs, being walked to and from the fields at dawn and dusk. Although rarely used nowadays for working the land, they are considered an important status symbol. The current value (2006) of one head of buffalo is about 20,000 Thai baht (2006: USD 530).

The cultural separation from Central Thailand, combined with the region's poverty and the typically dark skin of its people, has encouraged a considerable amount of discrimination against the people of Isan from non-ethnic Thais of Chinese descent.[citation needed] Even though many Isan people now work in the cities rather than in the fields, many hold lower-status jobs such as construction workers and stall vendors and tuk-tuk taxi drivers, and discriminatory attitudes have been known to persist with many Thai-Chinese inhabitants. Nevertheless, Isan food and music have both been enthusiastically adopted and adapted to the tastes of the rest of the country.

The process of Thaification has diluted somewhat the distinctive character of Isan culture, particularly in the cities and in provinces, such as Khorat, which are closest to the Central Thai heartlands and which have been under Thai rule the longest.

Transportation
Rail

The State Railway of Thailand has two main lines in Isan, both connecting the region to Bangkok. One runs east from Khorat, through Surin to Ubon; the other runs north through Khon Kaen and Udon to Nong Khai. In early 2009 an newly completed rail link from Nong Khai came into operation. It crosses the Friendship road bridge into Laos territory to a terminus a few kilometre north of the land border crossing. It remains unclear whether this line will be extended the remaining 20 kilometres to Vientiane, the capital of Laos.

Road

There are 15,000 km of highway, centred on the Thanon Mitraphap ("Friendship Highway") built by the United States to supply its military bases in the 1960s and 1970s. A road bridge (the Saphan Mitraphap or Friendship Bridge) jointly built by the Australian, Laos and Thai governments forms the border crossing over the Mekong River on the outskirts of Nong Khai to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, about 25 km away.

Most roads in Isan are paved. All major roads interconnecting the province capitals are in excellent condition for driving and most are centrally divided four or six-lane highways. Many roads connecting province capitals to larger district towns are also currently (2008) being widened to four lane highways with median strip. The paving on some very minor roads in the poorer districts may be navigable with difficulty due to large, deep potholes. Unpaved, graded roads link some of the smaller, remoter villages but they are comfortably navigable at normal driving speeds for wheeled vehicles. Most of the stretches of paved roads through villages are lit at night, many with powerful sodium lighting some of which are on independently solar-powered masts. Reflecting 'cats-eyes' marking the central line of two-lane roads are a common feature. Crash barriers are installed along the sides of dangerous bends and precipitous verges. Signposting is excellent and follows international style. Since 2002 (with the exception of some poorer sub-districts) all signs are bilingual in Thai and Roman script, although the spellings in Roman script may defy the logic of English pronunciation, and vary significantly.

The main highways have frequent, Western-style rest and refuelling stations which accept payment by major credit/debit cards. In 2006, all fuel stations sell 91 and 95 octane gasoline/petrol and diesel fuel, but LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) and NGV (Natural Gas for Vehicles) is very rare outside the cities of Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen and Udon Thani. Since 2009, bio-diesel fuel is becoming increasingly available.

Bus

Buses provide the mass transport throughout the region. All province cities are connected to Bangkok by daily and nightly, direct, air-conditioned bus routes. All district amphoe towns operate at least one similar nightly route to and from Bangkok. All towns and villages are interconnected with frequent services of songthaew (Thai: สองแถว, lit. 'two rows') a covered truck-style bus or covered pick-up trucks with bench seats in the cargo bed.Taxi transport is not well developed, even in the very large cities where samlor (Thai: สามล้อ, lit. "three wheels"), three-wheeled motorcycle taxis similar to the Bangkok tuk-tuk, provide the mainstay of urban transport. The large cities do have some pick-up trucks operating on regular inner-city and suburban routes. Airports are served by collective vans which tend to be expensive for the local population and samlors for private hire.

Air

There are airports at Khorat (no scheduled services due to its proximity to Bangkok), Khon Kaen (international), Ubon Ratchathani (domestic), Udon Thani (international), Nakhon Phanom (domestic, scheduled services), Sakon Nakhon (domestic, scheduled services), Roi Et (domestic, scheduled services) and Buriram (domestic, scheduled services). Domestic air travel between the capital and the region is well developed, particularly since 2002, and has become a viable alternative to rail, long-distance bus and self-driving. Fares are cheap and Udon and Khon Kaen which both opened brand new airport terminals in 2005 and 2006 respectively, are served by many daily flights and also have routes connecting other major destinations in Thailand with some companies operating wide-bodied aircraft. Most domestic flights to and from Bangkok operate to and from Don Muang, the original Bangkok international airport, while Thai Aiways filghts serve Bangkok International Airport at Suvarnabhumi.

Administration
Isan is divided into 19 provinces, although the southwestern province of Nakhon Ratchasima is considered by some to be more closely connected with Central Thailand. 1. Amnat Charoen
2. Buriram
3. Chaiyaphum
4. Kalasin
5. Khon Kaen
6. Loei
7. Maha Sarakham
8. Mukdahan
9. Nakhon Phanom
10. Nakhon Ratchasima
11. Nongbua Lamphu
12. Nong Khai
13. Roi Et
14. Sakon Nakhon
15. Sisaket
16. Surin
17. Ubon Ratchathani
18. Udon Thani
19. Yasothon

Isan returns 136 of the national parliament's 400 constituency MPs. In the 2005 election the Thai Rak Thai party took 126 of these seats, with six for Chart Thai and two each for the Democrat party and Mahachon Party

Tak Province

Tak (Thai: ตาก) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani and Kanchanaburi. The western edge of province has a long boundary with Kayin State of Myanmar (Burma).

History
Tak was a historical kingdom built over 2,000 years ago, even before the Sukhothai period. The ancient kingdom had its peak around the 1st century. By the 5th century the capital of this kingdom was moved south to Lavo (present day Lopburi Province). A city named Ban Tak was established by Jamadevi (พระนางจามเทวี), princess of the Lavo kingdom, around 663 AD. It became part of the Sukhothai kingdom through battles led by Ramkhamhaeng the Great and formed the main fortress on the western front. The city was moved further west and renamed Mueang Rahang when the Ayuthaya kingdom was lost to Burma during King Maha Thammaracha's reign. The city was moved back to the east side of the Ping River during the early Bangkok period.

King Taksin was vice-governor of Tak before the Ayutthaya kingdom fell during the war with Burma. As his name was Sin, he became called Tak-Sin during his time in Tak.

Administrative divisions
The province is subdivided in 9 districts (amphoe). These are further subdivided into 63 subdistricts (tambon) and 493 villages (muban).

1. Mueang Tak
2. Ban Tak
3. Sam Ngao
4. Mae Ramat
5. Tha Song Yang
6. Mae Sot
7. Phop Phra
8. Umphang
9. Wang Chao
Tourism
Si Maharat City Pillar Shrine (ศาลหลักเมืองสี่มหาราช) A shrine was established in 1992 to commemorate the royal grace of the four great kings as well as be a public-spirit centre of the people of Tak.

King Taksin the Great Shrine (ศาลสมเด็จพระเจ้าตากสินมหาราช) In 1947, the people in the town considered that the existing shrine did not receive appropriate honour, they, therefore, built a new shrine and commissioned the Fine Arts Department to sculpture an over life-size statue of King Taksin the Great in a sitting position with a sword across his lap.

Wat Bot Mani Si Bunrueang (วัดโบสถ์มณีศรีบุญเรือง) The Ubosot (ordination hall) was built during the reign of King Rama IV. There is a Mon – styled pagoda that enshrines the Buddha’s relics in its umbrella-shaped top. The Wihan or Vihara hall houses the magnificent principal Buddha image called ‘Luangpho Phutthamon,’ which was built during the Sukhothai period.

Wat Doi Khoi Khao Kaeo or Wat Phrachao Tak (วัดดอยข่อยเขาแก้ว หรือ วัดพระเจ้าตาก) The important ancient places are the Ubosot (ordination hall) with double-slab-boundary stones signifying royal patronage, the Buddha’s footprint in the Ubosot, and two Chedis (pagodas) where the ashes of King Taksin the Great’s father and mother are contained.


Wat Mani Banphot Worawihan (วัดมณีบรรพตวรวิหาร) It is a provincial royal monastery and an example temple of development. It has an angular Mon-styled Chedi (pagoda) with 16 indented corners at the back. Inside the Ubosot (ordination hall), there is a portrait of King Rama V royally given to this temple, and a Buddha image “Phra Phuttharup Saengthong.”


Wat Sitalaram or Wat Nam Hak (วัดสีตลาราม หรือ วัดน้ำหัก) The Ubosot (ordination hall) and a wooden building were built in the European style of art. The ordination hall once burnt and rebuilt has a wood-carved gallery in the front and houses a Buddha image of the Ayutthaya period.


Trok Ban Chin (ตรอกบ้านจีน) This place is near Wat Sitalaram. Until the extension of the Ping River, the area had been a trading area and on a distribution route of goods and consumption products from the Pho estuary in Nakhon Sawan to Ban Tha Chin.


Wat Khao Tham (วัดเขาถ้ำ) Inside the temple, there is the Lord Buddha’s footprint, Phra Sangkatchai, and Kwan Yin (Goddess of Mercy). Luangpho Thanchai, the stucco Buddha image sculptured within one day, is housed in the Ubosot (ordination hall). There is a Chedi (pagoda) atop the hill overlooking Tak town.

Lan Sang National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติลานสาง) It covers an area of 65,000 rai. Various types of forest, such as rain forest, coniferous forest, hill everygreen forest, deciduous dipterocarp forest, and mixed deciduous forest, are found in different geographical areas. Wild animals found are common wild pig, barking deer, Siamese big-headed turtle, serow, civet, Black-crested Bulbul, flying lizard, etc.. Interesting Places in the Lan Sang National Park:

* Namtok Pha Lat (น้ำตกผาลาด) This waterfall flows through a split-level hill of rocks down a broad complex ground of rocks. The ground slopes a bit and is 25 m wide and 40 m long.

* Namtok Lan Liang Ma (1st tier)(น้ำตกลานเลี้ยงม้า (ชั้นที่ ๑) It features a small rocky hill with a hole of around 6 m wide in the middle. The currents of Lam Huai Lan Sang pass through the hole against the water surface below. The waterfall is around 5 m high.

* Namtok Lan Sang (2nd tier) (น้ำตกลานสาง)(ชั้น ๒) The water gushes from a crevice of the mountain and cascades in three tiers before flowing into a pond and falling down to Namtok Lan Liang Ma.

* Namtok Pha Ngoep (3rd tier) (น้ำตกผาเงิบ) (ชั้น ๓) The waterfall is 19 m high and has water only in the rainy and cool seasons. Its beautiful feature is Pha Ngoep, a high steep cliff with angular crevices.

* Namtok Pha Phueng (4th tier) (น้ำตกผาผึ้ง) (ชั้นที่ ๔) The waterfall features a 30 m high-flat surface cliff with a slope of 70 degrees. The water of Huai Lan Sang overflows the top of this waterfall and spreads whitewater to flow along the cliff and lower small layers of rocks covering the broad area before falling down to the pond below.

* Namtok Pha The (น้ำตกผาเท) This one-tier waterfall features a steep cliff of 25 m high. The water of Huai Lan Sang runs quickly through a small narrow channel towards the cliff top where the ground is abruptly low. The powerful sound of splashing can be heard in the distance.

* Namtok Pha Nam Yoi (น้ำตกผาน้ำย้อย) This waterfall flows through a narrow channel in layers down to a broad and very deep pond.

* Namtok Tha Le (น้ำตกท่าเลย์) This waterfall of 50 m high features a slope with water flowing in layers from a cliff.

* Viewpoint (จุดชมวิว) The Lan Sang National Park has a viewpoint on the top of Khao Noi overlooking nice vistas of Tak town.


King Taksin the Great National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติตากสินมหาราช) There are many types of forest: hill evergreen forest, coniferous forest, rain forest, deciduous dipterocarp forest, and mixed deciduous forest. The weather is cool all year round with an average temperature of around 20°C. Places of Interest in the King Taksin the Great National Park:

* Ton Krabak Yai: (ต้นกระบากใหญ่) It is a large tree that grows in the valley of a rain forest. This is the highest Krabak tree in Thailand.

* Natural Stone Bridge: (สะพานหินธรรมชาติ) It features a giant piece of stone linking two cliffs together, with 25 m in width and height.

* Namtok Pang A Noi: (น้ำตกปางอ้าน้อย) This middle-sized waterfall flows all year round. It is around 20 m high, and around 2 km away from Ton Krabak Yai to the east.

* Namtok Mae Ya Pa: (น้ำตกแม่ย่าป้า) This medium – sized waterfall originates from Lam Huai Mae Ya Pa in a dense forest. It flows in layers along the creek into Lam Huai Mae Tho.

* Namtok Sam Muen Thung: (น้ำตกสามหมื่นทุ่ง) This giant waterfall of 30 m high originates from Lam Huai Sam Muen Luang and has water flowing all year round.


Wat Mani Phraison (วัดมณีไพรสณฑ์) Within the compound, there is a unique building called ‘Chedi Wihan Samphutthe’ which contains 512,028 Buddha images and has 223 small pagodas on its outer surface. The ancient Ubosot (ordination hall) is more than 200 years old.


Wat Chumphon Khiri (วัดชุมพรคีรี) It is an ancient temple of more than 200 years old. A newly-built Chedi is an imitation of Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar. The principal Buddha image in the Ubosot (ordination hall) is of the Mara-subduing attitude. An ancient drum of more than 200 years old is kept in the Wihan (image hall).


Namtok Mae Kasa (น้ำตกแม่กาษา) There is a path leading the way up to a high mountain. A cave in front of the waterfall has a 5 m wide stream of water which serves as an entrance to the waterfall.


Bo Nam Ron Mae Kasa (บ่อน้ำร้อนแม่กาษา) This hot well of 2 m wide is located in Tambon Mae Kasa, right in the village. Hot and cool streams flow to meet at this well.


Hill tribe Development and Assistance Centre and Tak Plant and Production Factor Service Centre (Doi Muser) (ศูนย์บริการวิชาการด้านพืชและปัจจัยการผลิตตาก (ดอยมูเซอ) In the centre, the ‘Ban Umyom Hilltribe Cultural Centre’ was established to give knowledge and advice to hill tribe leaders in tourism management. There is a display of clothes, jewellery, and household utensils, and an imitation of the Muser’s house. Outside the cultural centre, there is an imitation of a “Chakhue” dancing ground. (Chakhue is a dance of the Muser).


Doi Muser Horticultural Experiment Station (สถานีทดลองพืชสวนดอยมูเซอ) The station conducts experiments and research on coffee beans, tea, fruit, vegetables, and temperate flowers. During November to December, the area around the station is beautifully covered with Mexican sunflowers in full bloom.

Doi Muser Hill Tribe Market (ตลาดสินค้าพืนเมืองชาวเขาดอยมูเซอ) Located on the roadside of the Tak – Mae Sot route (Highway No. 105) around km 29.


Chaopho Phawo Shrine (ศาลเจ้าพ่อพะวอ) The story has it that Chaopho Phawo was a Karen warrior who was appointed by King Taksin the Great as chief of the Mae Lamao border pass to protect the land. Some told the sacredness of the shrine that if anyone went hunting on Phawo Mountain, they usually encountered irregularities, such as car trouble, sickness, or became lost.


Amazing Hill (เนินพิศวง) Here, a car can be astonishingly seen going up the hill without switching on the engine. A scientist gave an explanation that it was an illusion.


Wat Phothikhun or Wat Huai Toei (วัดโพธิคุณ หรือ วัดห้วยเตย) The interesting feature is the Ubosot (ordination hall). The boat-like Ubosot has three storeys. The ground storey has no decoration. Decorations were made to the walls, ceiling, and heads of the posts on the second storey. On the third storey where religious ceremonies are performed, it was finely decorated on the walls, posts, and ceiling, with the arts of bas-relief, painting, glass inlaying, and gilding.


Wat Thai Watthanaram (วัดไทยวัฒนาราม) This is a temple of the Mahayana Buddhism (Great Vehicle) of the Thai Yai people. Inside the temple, there is Phra Phutthamahamuni, an imitation image of the sacred Buddha image in Mandalay, Union of Myanmar, which gains great respect from the people of Tak.


Thai – Myanmar Friendship Bridge (สะพานมิตรภาพไทย-พม่า) The bridge is located in Tambon Tha Sai Luat, across the Moei River between Tak’s Mae Sot district and Myawadi in the Union of Myanmar.


Rim Moei Market (ตลาดริมเมย) It is a community on the bank of the Moei River. It is also a market of local products of Thailand and Myanmar, as well as a market of gemstones from the Union of Myanmar.


Phrathat Hin Kio (พระธาตุหินกิ่วที่ดอยดินจี่) It is a miracle of nature that a gigantic rock can stay on such a cliff. The rock is so slim at some point that it seems to be parted into two pieces. A Mon-styled Chedi was built on the exact width of the rock.

The Moei River (aka Thaungyin in Myanmar) (แม่น้ำเมย) This river is the borderline between Myanmar and Thailand. It is 327 km long, flowing towards the north unlike a river in general.


Amphoe Mae Ramat is another district of Tak that borders Myanmar, 120 km from Tak town. Most of the areas are forests and mountains. It was presumed that the Mae Ramat district was a community of the Karen.


Wat Don Kaeo (วัดดอนแก้ว) One of the three marble Buddha images built at the same time in a Burmese style of sculpture was invited from Yangon to house in the Wihan (image hall) here.


Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary (เขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่าแม่ตื่น) Most of the areas are a range of high steep and complex mountains where there are different types of forest: hill evergreen forest, dry everygreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, and deciduous dipterocarp forest. Places of interest in the Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary:

* Doi Khun Mae Tuen: (ดอยขุนแม่ตื่น) There is a wide rocky ground and a small cave with stalagmites and stalactites. Inside, where many wild animals, such as barking deer, serow, bat, etc. live.

* Lam Nam Mae Tuen: (ลำน้ำแม่ตื่น) This large tributary of the Ping River flows to merge with the main stream above the Bhumibol Dam. Whitewater rafting on a rubber dinghy is an activity on Lam Nam Mae Tuen.

* Doi Soi Mala: (ดอยสอยแม่ลัย) It is the highest mountaintop in the Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary, about 1,600 m above sea level. One interesting thing here is a salamander (or named as Chingchok Nam) which is a rarely-seen ancient species, similar to a lizard with a pink body.

Places of interest in the Khun Phawo National Park:

* Namtok Khun Phawo: (น้ำตกขุนพะวอ) It is a large waterfall of around 100 m high and an origin of Huai Mae Charao (Mae Charao creek).

* Huai Mae Lamao: (ห้วยแม่ละเมา) This large creek is in an unspoiled forest, offering whitewater rafting on a rubber dinghy going throughout surrounding nature and a forested mountain.

* Nature Trail: (เส้นทางเดินศึกษาธรรมชาติ) The walking path goes up and down the fairly steep hills, and passes along the river upstream and a small waterfall. During the period of change from the rainy to cool season, colourful wild flowers can be seen. The greenery is dotted with strikingly red Krathue (Boesenbergia prainiana) and yellow Mexican sunflowers.

* Namtok Pha Thewa: (น้ำตกผาเทวะ) It is on the nature trail and the most remarkable waterfall of the park. With its height of 150 m, the powerful flow falls against boulders and the pool below. In the woods, there is a pagoda containing cremated bones of a woman who hanged herself because she was heartbroken.

* Tham Mae Usu: (ถ้ำแม่อุสุ) This cave is around 12 km from the Tha Song Yang District Office to the north. To the west, there is a gigantic hollow rock. In the afternoon, rays of sunlight beautify the cave inside.

* Namtok Nang Khruan It is a medium-size waterfall with small layers of flowing water amidst a shady forest. It receives water from a canal beside rice fields.

* Namtok Pha Charoen National Park Most of the areas are high complex mountains of 1,765 m above sea level and feature a mixed deciduous forest and a coniferous forest.

Places of Interest in the Namtok Pha Charoen National Park:

* Namtok Pha Charoen It is a limestone waterfall receiving water from a creek that flows into a pool of water. This ninety-seven-tiered waterfall has water flowing all year round.

* Bo Nam Ron Huai Nam Nak This natural hot well measures at 12 degrees on the Celsius scale. Nowadays, there are gazebos provided by the Phop Phra District Administration next to the well at its side on the Ro Pho Cho road.

* Doi Kia Viewpoint This is the highest point of the borderline between Myanmar and Thailand. It is around 512 m high and overlooks a forest in Myanmar.

* Namtok Pa Wai The waterfall originates from Pa Wai Creek where water flows all year round and many rattan plants grow.

* Namtok Sai Fa and Namtok Sai Rung These waterfalls have spray of water which looks like a rainbow when being seen in sunlight.


Amphoe Umphang It is a district bordering with the Union of Myanmar and the largest district of Thailand. Umphang was once a gateway town on the western border subject to Uthai Thani Province. It was also a checkpoint for the Burmese people who crossed the border to trade in Thai territory.


Ban Boran The houses built on stilts have an open ground floor. There is a set of stairs in the front of the house. A bench is set in parallel to the portico.

Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary It covers a total area of 1,619,280 rai and has been maintained as a conservation forest to preserve natural resources. This western woodland is also an origin of a World Heritage Site. Most trees are species of a rain forest and a deciduous forest. Wild animals found are clouded leopard, Malayan tapir serow, hawk, pelican, etc. Places of Interest in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary:

* Namtok Thi Lo Su This large waterfall is on a limestone mountain, 900 m above sea level. It originates from Klo Tho Creek cascading along a steep cliff. It ranks among the world’s six most beautiful waterfalls.

* Namtok Thi Lo Cho or Namtok Saifon Its rapidly flowing stream against boulders causes sprays of water that look like falling rain from the sky, and a rainbow is therefore created.

* Namtok Se Pla This waterfall on a limestone mountain flows in tiers, and is 10 m wide and 50 m long. Its flowing stream against boulders looks like a beautiful white cloud.

* Namtok Thi Lo Re The main stream of water flows along the high steep cliff into the Mae Klong River from the height of 80 m amidst the beauty of nature.

* Doi Hua Mot There are no large trees on these mountains; only small grasses, such as cycad and Thian pa (Impatiens calcicola), grow in general. Wildflowers can be seen in full bloom during the rainy season.

* Tham Takhobi This large cave with a high ceiling has a wide path in tiers and many walking lines inside. Its stalagmites and stalactites are attractive.


Amazing Hill This is the second amazing hill of Tak.


Amphoe Ban Tak It was once a city of Tak and an important gateway to the west of the Kingdom of Sukhothai.


Wat Phra Borommathat The Ubosot (ordination hall) has a beautifully carved-wooden door. The old Wihan (image hall) has a high ceiling with double tiers, and is well equipped with ventilation channels so that it is cool inside. A gilded stucco Buddha image is housed in the Wihan. This temple is among the ones of great archaeological value.


Chedi Yutthahatthi or the Chedi in Honour of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great This Sukhothai – styled artwork stands on a cement square base of 12 m in width. There are traces of repair over the past time, but the pagoda still remains in its original form.


Petrified Wood This is the largest fossil of plants in Asia. It is a kind of fossil produced by nature by means of soaking decaying plants in ground water which contains silica. It was presumed that the formation occurred in the Quaternary Period, about 2 million years ago.


Mae Salit Stone Mortar and Production Site is the largest granite mortar in Thailand. The fact that the village of San Klang is where the famous stone mortar ‘Khrok Ang Sila’ is made as an OTOP handicraft, is known to a few.


Pha Sam Ngao There, three deep holes were carved into the cliff at the mountain foot, and a gilded Buddha image is housed in each of the three niches.

Doi Soi Malai An interesting thing here is a salamander or water lizard, a rarely seen ancient creature; its pink body is similar to the lizard’s. Most areas are covered with a pine forest.

Wat Chonprathan Rangsan The temple was established to replace the eight temples which were flooded in 1959. Important items of each of the eight temples were moved to be maintained in this temple.


Wat Phrathat Kaeng Soi It was presumed by the Fine Arts Department that this area was probably an important gateway town of the Hariphunchai Kingdom, named ‘Wiang Soi,’ over 800 years ago. Nowadays, the archaeological evidence of the town lays underwater, and it can be seen only when the water recedes just to a very low level.


Bhumibol Dam or Yanhi Dam It is the first multipurpose dam in Thailand. This large curve-shaped concrete dam is the highest one in Thailand. The dam is used for electricity production and irrigation. The area around the dam is used for recreational purposes and as a breeding site of freshwater creatures. Places of Interest at Bhumibol Dam:

* Phra Phutthabat Doi Khao Nam This Lord Buddha’s footprint is enshrined in Wat Phra Phutthabat at the top of a hill on an island.

* Ko Valentine This small island has a sandy beach.

* Sericulture Experimental Station This place is where the growing of mulberries and the raising of silkworms are done on a large scale.

[edit] Local Products

Miang Kham Mueang Tak or Miang Chomphon Its condiments include shredded coconut, fried dried rice, roast peanut, dried shrimps, crispy pork skin, small pieces of lemon, shallot, and ginger, fresh capsicum, soya bean sauce, and sesame cracker or leaves of Cha-phlu (Piper sarmentosum Roxb). The sesame cracker will be softened in water. The rest of the condiments will be wrapped by a soft cracker into a titbit and topped with a drop of soya bean sauce. Miang Kham is a kind of snack popular in Tak and nearby provinces.


Kuaitiao Phuen Mueang Remarkably, noodle soup here is cooked with small flat threads. Other condiments are powdered dried shrimp, small pieces of crispy pork skin, shallot, fried garlic, chopped pork, sliced cow pea, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and fish sauce.


Kabong Cho This kind of snack got its name from Burmese words: ‘Kabong’ means a pumpkin and ‘Cho’ means being fried. Pumpkin is coated with flour and fried until crispy. The tip of crunchiness lays on flour called ‘Paemong’ from Myanmar which is made from young soybeans. Nowadays, besides pumpkin, other vegetables, such as raw papaya, gourd, bean sprout, etc., are applied. The fried vegetables are eaten with sweet and sour dipping of which ingredients are tamarind juice, sugarcane juice, salt, ground peanut and garlic.


Seng-phe and Halawa These are typical sweets of the people of Thai Yai. ‘Seng-phe’ looks like red sticky rice conserve, cooked from sticky rice, sugarcane juice and coconut milk, and baked or grilled until its coconut creamy topping turns brown. ‘Halawa’ is cooked from rice flour, granulated sugar, coconut milk, and tapioca, and topped with coconut cream like Seng-phe. Both of them have a sweet and creamy taste.