5 days, 4 nights

Let us start from highway No 212 in Nakhon Phanom’s That Phanom District. When you are in the heart of this district, visit the Phra That Phanom Temple or Wat Phra That Phanom Woravihara. Every year, there is a week-long pilgrimage festival during which people pay homage to Phra That Phanom. Based on the lunar calendar, the festival runs between the 10th waxing-moon day and the first waning-moon day of the third month. Phra That Phanom is considered a particularly auspicious pagoda for people born in the Year of Monkey and those born on Sunday.

From the temple, move further along highway No 212 for about 15 km. Turn left into highway No 2031. Drive straight for about 7 km to reach Phra That Renu Nakhon Temple. People born on Mondays should ask for blessings from Phra That Renu Nakhon.

Drive back along highway No 2031 and make a left turn into highway No 212. From there or around 225 km, a 60-km drive will lead you right to Nakhon Phanom town. As this highway, which has two lanes each way, stretches along a portion of Mekong River, be ready for a scenic drive. You will also go past the Nakhon Phanom Police Station (0-4251-1266, 0-4251-5680). There is a small hotel called Ban Rim Kong (0-4252-1400) in its neighbourhood.

Around 25 km, you will see Tha Uthen Hospital (0-4258-1255). From there, drive straight for two km to visit Phra That Tha Uthen Temple. The sacred pagoda of this temple is facing the north of Phra That Phanom. According to Thai beliefs, the God Venus dwells in the North and people paying respect to this sacred pagoda will be blessed with prosperity.

|Return to highway No 212 and turn right at a three-pronged junction where a police booth is located. You will then be around 38 km on the two-lane highway No 2028. A 76-km-drive from here will lead you to Muang Sakon Nakhon district. However, when you reach zero km, you should turn right at a three-pronged junction where Kusuman District Office is located. After that, follow highway No 22 and turn right at the next junction. You will reach a two-lane road.

At around 166 km, you will reach an ecological attraction Nong Han. It is a great viewpoint for local scenery. You will also find an OTOP centre there. At the centre, you can shop for a variety of local products from Tambon Tha Rae Municipality or choose to be pampered with spa massages.

Before heading back to Muang Sakon Nakhon district, look for a place to stay overnight. There are many choices. For example, Dusit Hotel on Yuwapattana Road (0-4271-1198-9) offers a room at between Bt650 and Bt4,000 per night. Sakon Grand Palace Hotel, meanwhile, charges between Bt700 and Bt2,800 per room per night.

A number of local restaurants are available too. If you are looking for Vietnamese kitchen, head to Temkham Restaurant (0-4271-1566). Or you may try tasty dishes at Porjai Restaurant (0-4271-1767) in front of Siamrath Theatre.

The next morning, explore Sakon Nakhon residents’ way of life by strolling around a fresh market and nearby Suan Somdet Phra Si Nakharin (Sa Pangthong) public park. Locals love to exercise at this park, which is right by the big Nong Han Lake. This great recreational spot is near Sakon Nakhon Provincial Hospital (0-4271-1636, 0-4271-1615).

Visit Phra That Choeng Chum Temple to ask for blessings. Your next stop should be Suthawat Temple (Wat Pa Suthawat), which is located in a small soi opposite Sakon Nakhon Provincial Government Centre. This small soi has a 7-Eleven outlet at its mouth. Inside the Suthawat Temple lies Phra Achan Man Purithatto Museum and Luang Pu Louis Chantasaro Museum. The museums are open from 5am to 8pm daily.

From the temple, drive along highway No 213 until you reach the 24 km mark. Around there, make a right turn into the Western-style Phu Phan Ratchanivet Palace. Their Majesties the King and the Queen stay at this palace whenever they are in the Northeast. If Their Majesties are not at the palace, sightseeing is allowed. Before making your visit, check first with palace officials (0-4271-1550).

When leaving the palace, turn left and head along highway No 213. Make another left turn into highway No 22 for Udon Thani at a three-pronged junction. Highway No 22 is a two-lane rugged road. Drive straight for about 10 km and turn left at a three-pronged junction. By the time you reach 121 km, ensure you are driving on the right lane and make a U-turn to head towards Phanna Nikhom district. On your way, drop in at Achan Fan Acharo Museum inside Wat Pa Udom Somphon. Nearby are Phanna Nikhom District Office (0-4277-9232) and Phra Achan Fan Hospital (0-4277-9105).

After that, drive on the right lane along highway No 22. Then, make a U-turn so that you are on your way to Udon Thani. You will see Phang Khon Hospital (0-4277-1222) at a spot between 106 km and 105 km. Around 50 km, you will see a big sign showing how to get to Ban Chiang World Heritage Site. When you reach Ban Pulu three-pronged junction, there will be a sign showing direction to Ban Chiang National Museum. Follow it and turn right into highway No 2225. A 7-km drive from here will lead you to the highly-prized attraction.

This attraction is comprised of two zones. The first zone features an open museum in the compound of Po Si Nai Temple. Visitors here can observe the Bang Chiang excavation site that contains ancient earthenware pots, paintings and bronze bangles – artifacts once buried along with the dead. The second zone is an exhibition building, which also has a lecture room, audio-visual presentation and slide shows. Exhibits here richly reveal not just utensils but also the culture of Ban Chiang.

Ban Chiang National Museum is open to the general public from 8.30am to 4.30pm between Wednesday and Sunday with an admission fee of Bt10 per Thai visitor and Bt30 per foreign visitor (0-4220-8340-1). From the Sakon Nakhon to here, you would have covered 148 km.

After leaving Ban Chiang National Museum, follow a route to Ban Nong Mek. However, when you reach a three-pronged junction, turn right and you will be on a two-lane paved road, in good condition. You will also see a sign showing that Bang Dung is just 34 km away.

Drive straight along highway No 2096. On your way, you will see Somdet Phra Yuppharat Ban Dung Hospital (0-4227-3706) and then Chao Pu Si Sutto Shrine. From the shrine, drive straight until you reach 46 km. There, you turn right and drive 11 km further for Siri Sutto Temple.

The Chanot tree (Livistona saribus), which looks like a hybrid of palm and coconut trees, abound here. In the past, locals called this place “Wang Nakhin Kham Chanot” (Palace of Naga in Kham Chanot). It is widely believed that in the middle of the Chanot trees lies a sacred pond, which serves as a gate to the Underwater City. From Ban Chiang to here, you have already completed a 63-km drive.

Now go back to the same old route. At the junction, turn right and head towards Phon Phisai district. When you see the three-pronged junction, turn left into highway No 2230. By then, you will be around 5 km on the highway. Sandwiched between paddy fields, this highway has just one lane each way. When you reach 16 km, make a right turn. This route can lead you to Phon Phisai district, So Phisai district and Fao Rai Sub district. This portion of the road is rugged. But after 22 km, the road condition is better. When you reach the end of the road at a three-pronged junction, turn right into highway No 2267. From here, Phon Charoen district is just 50 km away,

However, as you reach 37 km, you will be entering So Phisai district. Go straight and you will be on highway No 2095. Drive further and you will be in the Pak Khat district at around 49-50 km. When you reach 67 km, turn right into highway No 212 and head towards the Bueng Kan district.

Sandwiched by the Mekong River on one side and green paddy fields on the other side, highway No 212 offers a scenic drive and a glimpse into the local way of life. After you are on highway No 212, look out for 115 km. When you see it, make a left turn and you will reach Ahong Silawat Temple. From Ban Dong Chanot to here, you would have driven 128.7 km.

This temple enshrines the Luang Phor Yai Kuwanan, which is cast after the Phra Buddha Chinnaraj image. Luang Phor Yai Kuwanan faces Mekong River. From the temple, you can enjoy a clear view of Laos’ landscape on the other bank of the river. In front of the temple’s pier, there is a whirlpool in the Mekong River. Locals call this spot “Navel of Mekong” and this is the first place where Naga fireballs are seen. It is believed that Phraya Naga stays overnight around here.

You can look for accommodation here too, or look for options in Pak Khat district.

Recommended: Kong Namkhun Resort by the Mekong River (0-4240-4080, 08-9712-8598); Rates – Bt350-500 per night

Now, head along highway No 212 and drop in at the Thai Temple (Wat Thai). Legends have it that an underwater city is hidden under this temple. Therefore, people from across the country flock to this temple on the full moon night of the 11 month in the lunar calendar. They all want to see the Naga fireballs. By gathering around here, they are convinced that the fireballs would be visible because they believe the Naga has to travel past here before going into the underwater city.

Drive further on highway No 212. At around 48 km, you will go past the Phon Phisai Hospital (0-4247-1204-2). At around 5 km (just three km from town), turn left into Sala Kaeo Ku or Wat Khaek. Here, you will feel like walking in an open museum. On display are a great number of giant religious statues, holy items, models of Buddhist sacred places, shrines and various peculiar sculptures, including Naga.

To go to Muang Nong Khai district, drive on the right lane and make a U-turn. Your next stop should be Pho Chai Temple (Wat Pho Chai). In this royal monastery is enshrined Luangpho Phra Sai, the sacred image of Nong Khai province. This Buddha image is cast in Mara-subduing posture and made of glittering gold. Every year, Nong Khai residents hold a Bangfai rocket festival to pay respects to Luangpho Phra Sai on the full moon of the 7th lunar month. The temple hall is open between 7am and 7pm daily. Nearby are Nong Khai Police Station (0-4241-1021, 0-4241-1071), Nongkhai Hospital (0-4241-1504, 0-4241-2316) and Nong Khai-Wattana Hospital (0-4246-5201).

Go shopping at the Tha Sadet Market by the Mekong River. There are a great variety of products from both Indochina and Eastern Europe.

From the Tha Sadet market, head along highway No 212 and go past the Nong Khai train dtation. You can seek a temporary border pass to visit Laos around there.

Dining Places: Rabiang Restaurant (0-4282-1532) and Ban Ton Kong (0-4282-1775, 08-5854-7679)

If you prefer sightseeing on the Thai side, it is a good idea to enjoy the scenic view along the Mekong River by driving towards Tha Bo district. When arriving at the three-pronged junction where the Tha Bo Municipal Market is located, turn left into highway No 2020 for Ban Phue District of Udon Thani. You will start from around 1 km of this highway. Drive straight until you find a three-pronged junction. At that junction, turn right into highway No 2021. This highway will lead you to Ban Phue district. On your way, you will go past Ban Phue Police Station before you turn right at the next three-pronged junction. After you go past Ban Phue Post Office, turn left and drive for 12 km.

Now, you are going to start from 1 km of highway No 2348. Around 8 km look out for directions to Phu Phra Bat Historical Park. You will need to drive for 5 km before you actually reach this tourist destination. Admission fees are Bt10 per Thai visitor and Bt30 per foreign visitor. This historical park puts on show human civilisation alongside stunning natural landscape. Prehistoric paintings, which date back 2,000 to 3,000 years ago, are still clearly visible. Even more outstanding here are rocks modified into religious space and religious statues made since the historic times. The park is open daily from 8am to 5pm. Nearby are Udon Thai Police Station (0-4222-2285, 0-4222-3304), Udon Thani Hospital (0-4224-4253-3) and Kai Prachak Hospital (0-4234-1710).

From Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, turn left and head towards Nam Som district. Although this portion of highway No 2414 offers just one lane each way, the road is in good condition. After you go past Nam Som Pittayakom School, there will be two lanes for each traffic direction. When arriving at the three-pronged Pak Chom-Sangkom junction, turn left and you will find yourself around 1 km of highway No 2414. From here, there are many curves lying ahead as this highway zigzags across a mountain. If you follow this route for 60 km, you can reach Pak Chom District.

By the time you reach 7 km, you are already in Ban Na Mueang Thai Community and will start seeing the complex of mountain range ahead. Such scenery will be with you until you reach 26 km. Make a right turn for Chiang Khan district at the next junction and you will be on highway No 2108. From here, a 69-km drive can bring you to Loei.

After going past a three-pronged junction at around 14 km of highway No 2108, you will go past Ban Song Puei Health Station. Go further until you find the big, three-pronged junction at the end of the route and make a right turn. You will be around 29 km of highway No 201 and Chiang Khan town will be just 20 km away. Drive to the town and check in at a good place.

Recommended: Home-stay at Grandma Sriphan’s home, where sticky rice will be provided for your alms-giving activity in the morning and it costs just Bt150 per person per night; Tel 0-4282-1797

Ruean Ram Look Mai; rate – Bt400-Bt500 per night

Suksomboon Hotel (0-4282-1064); rate – Bt500 up.

In the morning, wake up early to join the sticky-rice alms-giving ritual amid the peaceful environment. Then, drive for five km towards Pak Chom district. Along the way, visit Tha Khaek Temple (Wat Tha Khaek). This is an ancient temple by the Mekong River. Inside the temple hall are enshrined ancient and sacred Buddha images. Today, this temple embraces the Dhammayutika Sect.

Kaeng Khut Khu is a nearby tourist destination. This small islet is located in the middle of Mekong River. Washed repeatedly by water currents over a long period of time, the boulders of this islet impressively have various colours.

The Best Time to Visit Kaeng Khut Khu is between February and May, which is the dry season. When the water level in Mekong subsides, more of this colourful islet is visible

If you wish to visit the Phra Buddhabaht Phu Kwai Ngeon, drive along the Chiang Khan-Pak Chom route for about 6 km. When you reach Ban Pha Baen, you will follow a local road towards Ban Umung. A 3-km drive on this road will lead you to a road that goes uphill. Drive up for one km and there lies a footprint of Lord Buddha on a whetstone. Locals respect this sacred footprint and celebrate it with an annual festival on the full moon of the third or fourth Thai lunar month.

From Chiang Khan district, follow highway No 201. When you reach 32 km, make a left turn and head towards Ban Na Si. After that, when you reach Ban Pa Nad, just drive another 10 km and you will find Tai Dum Cultural Village. Since 1905, a group of Tai Dum people from Laos’ Chiang Kwang migrated to Ban Pa Nad in Thailand. Currently, their Tai Dum culture is still well-preserved. All local houses and daily utensils are in line with Tai Dum traditions. This village clearly reflects how Tai Dum people lived in the past. Also, you can see fabric-weaving demonstration and shop for the handmade fabric at this Tai Dum village.

If you are interested in booking a home-stay tour here, please contact Tai Dum Culture Conservation Association one week in advance (08-1048-2000). A one-night accommodation with two meals will be quite cheap.

After the visit to this village, drive towards Muang Loei and Wang Saphung districts. On your way, you will go past Muang Loei Ram Hospital (0-4383-3400). At around 185 km, you will see Wang Saphung intersection. From there, drive straight. The road is in good condition. Muang Loei Police Station (0-4281-1254) and Loei Hospital (0-4281-1541) are also nearby.

By 164 km, you will see a sign showing the entrance to Suan Hin Pha Ngam Park. Follow its instruction and drive further for 19 km along Nong Hin-Pha Wai. The road is rugged in some portions. On your way, you will go past Bodhisat Cave, Suan Hom Waterfall and Piang Din Waterfall.

Suan Hin Pha Ngam, dubbed as Thailand’s Kunming, is actually a small limestone mountain with more than 400 caves, abundant mixed deciduous forest and rich dry evergreen forest. A stroll around the area can lead to the discoveries of more than 1,000 rare plant species. A path, which winds through the park, also takes visitors to the lovely Suan Hom and Phiang Din Waterfalls.

Tourist guides are available. Admission fee is Bt10 for a visitor who comes alone. If you come as a group with two persons up, the admission fee is Bt100 per group. Each visitor must also pay Bt15 for a farm tractor ride, which will take them on a memorable tour around the park. (Information is as of January 1, 2008).There is a camping ground and tents can be rented at Bt150 per tent with a complete set of necessary equipment. Each visitor planning to spend the night in the camping ground must pay a Bt20 fee too. If you visit Suan Hin Pha Ngam Park in October or November, Mexican sunflowers would be in full bloom.

When leaving Suan Hin Pha Ngam Park, turn right into highway No 201. At around 128 km, this highway will lead uphill towards Chum Phae district of Khon Kaen. At the three-pronged junction around 95 km, make a left turn. When you reach 49 km, a three-pronged junction will catch your eyes with giant dinosaur models. At this junction, make a left turn into highway No 2038. A 19-km drive will lead you to Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum. On your way, you will go past Phu Wiang Police Station (0-4329-1233).

This great museum is a research centre dedicated to the study of dinosaurs and the conservation of dinosaur fossils. This museum also educates its visitors about dinosaur and geographical information. Inside this museum, you will find yourself in a park with trees, waterfalls, streams and life-sized dinosaur models.

The museum also has an exhibition hall where dinosaur fossils are on display. Three large dinosaur models, made of iron structures, also tower outstandingly inside this hall. There is also a palaeontology lab. The Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum is open from 9am to 5pm daily (0-4343-8204-6).

From the museum, drive for 3 km and you will reach Phu Wiang National Park – the site where many dinosaur footprints and fossils are found. These remains date back to nearly 200 millions years ago. Other attractions in this national park include Tak Fah Waterfall, Thap Phraya Suea Waterfall, Tham Famue Cave (Red Palm Cave) and Million-year-old shell cemetery.

For more information, please contact Phu Wiang National Park (043-249-052). Admission fees are Bt20 per Thai adult and Bt10 per Thai child. For foreign visitors, admission fees are Bt400 per adult and Bt200 per child. Each vehicle must pay a Bt30 fee before entering the national park compound. The Phu Wiang National Park is open between 8am and 4pm every day.

After leaving the national park, drive towards the Muang Khon Kaen district and you will go past the Vechprasit Hospital (0-4324-5544). Once inside the town, it’s time to look for a place to stay. Kosa Hotel (0-4322-5014-8) charges between Bt1,190 and Bt1,590 per night while PP Hotel (0-4322-6500) offers a room at Bt400 per night.

Recommended Dining Places: Kai Yang Ros Wises on Mittraphab Road (0-4322-5004), Pla Pa Yai near Beung Kaen Nakhon (0-4322-5411) and Pla Pa Noi near Beung Kaen Nakhon (0-4322-4694)

Next morning, visit Hong Moon Mang Mueang Khon Kaen (Treasure Hall of Khon Kaen city) near Beung Kaen Nakhon. This is a place to learn all about Khon Kaen. Admission fees are Bt20 per Thai adult, Bt10 per Thai child and Bt90 per foreign visitor. Hong Moon Khon Kaen is open from 9am to 5pm every day, except on Sundays. For more information, please call 0-4327-1173. Relax yourself in the nearby Bueng Kaen Nakhon (Kaen Nakhon Lake). This public park is a landmark of this northeastern province.

Before heading out of Khon Kaen, you should visit Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon to ask for blessings. This nine-storeyed stupa is located in Wat Nong Waeng, which is a royal monastery.

To return to Bangkok, take Mittraphab Road and travel down via Nakhon Ratchasima and Saraburi. Have a safe drive home.

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Souvenirs

Buddhasilp Mai Thai on Prempreeda Road, Sakhon Nakhon; Tel 0-4271-1548

Sodsri Mai Thai in front of Phra That Choeng Chum Temple, Sakon Nakhon; Tel 0-4271-1953

Racha Saikork on Meechai Road, Nong Khai; Tel 0-4241-2174

Mooyor Mae Tuan on Meechai Road Nong Khai; Tel 0-4242-0088

Tourism Authority of Thailand – Udon Thani office

Located in Muang district, Udon Thani Province; Tel 0-4232-5406-7 (It is in charge of tourism in Udon Thani and Nong Khai).

Tourism Authority of Thailand – Loei office Tel 0-4281-2812

Four days, three nights

Start this trip from Si Sa Ket town and make your first stop at Khunampai Panich Building on Ubon Road. Adorned with elaborate Chinese stuccoworks, this beautiful building belongs to Si Sa Ket nobleman Khunampai Panich (In Naga-siharat). As this structure was constructed in 1925, the Fine Arts Department has now registered it as an ancient building.

From there, head towards Si Sa Ket Hospital (0-4561-1503). Take a left turn after the hospital and go along a traffic circle. When you go past Si Sa Ket Technical College, the Somdet Phra Si Nakharin Park will be in sight. Located inside the Si Sa Ket Agricultural College’s compound, this park is full of White Cheesewood or “Lamduan” in Thai. This is one of the best spots to relax or gather botanical knowledge.

The full bloom of yellow Lamduan flowers lasts between February and March every year. Because Si Sa Ket was formerly known as “Si Nakhon Lamduan”, the Lamduan tree is the symbol of this northeastern province today. Featuring a green, shady area, this Somdet Phra Si Nakharin Park also has a large pond for visitors to enjoy various recreational activities including boat rowing. This attraction is open from 6am to 7pm every day.

When you leave this park, make a left turn and drive straight. Drive across a railway line before finding an intersection where you should turn left. Cross Khao Bridge into highway No226. At 8 km you will reach Thep Prasat Temple, Sa Kampaeng Noi.

Thep Prasat Temple or Wat Thep Prasat is made of laterite and its gate was formerly adorned with a lintel. Featuring the Bapuan arts, this lintel features three swans carrying the God of Rain. It is believed that this structure was built around the 16th century because it also bears the Bayon influence. The overall characteristics of the temple’s building suggest that this place used to be an ancient hospital or Arogayasala.

From the temple, turn left to visit Phra That Rueang Rong. To reach this destination, travel along highway No 2373 for about 6 km before you turn right. After this turn, you will find a rugged road but from there, a two-km drive will bring you right to a unique pagoda. Phra That Rueang Rong features a stunning blend of Lao, Khmer, Suai, and Yoe arts. After paying respect to Lord Buddha’s relics on the fourth storey of this pagoda, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the local scenery too. From up there, you will see villages lying across golden paddy fields during winter.

When you leave Phra That Rueang Rong, make a left turn. But when you find a three-pronged junction ahead, turn right so that you will be on highway No 2373. Follow this route for Yasothon. At a spot between 15-16 km, you will cross a bridge that stretches over Mool River. Go further until you see a junction where the Kho Wang District Office of Yasothon is located. Also in sight are Kho Wang Police Station and a branch of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives.

At this junction, make a left turn to enter highway No 2351. Around 10 km, you are entering the Maha Chana Chai district and will see a sign saying “Ban Hua Don”. At the sight of this sign, you should be reaching a curve. From there, turn right to Yor Sor 4010 Local Road and look for a sign saying “10 km to Maha Chana Chai district” (This is a shortcut). Follow its instruction. Along this local road lie paddy fields. At the end of this road, you will find a junction where you must turn right into highway No 2083. Around 60 km, you will enter Kham Khuean Kaeo district. When you reach the end of this highway, turn right. Then, stay on the left lane and turn into the first soi. From there the Ban Si Than is just 10 km away and the Kham Khuean Kaeo Hospital (0-4579-1133) is nearby.

Ban Si Than is a village where typical Khit-patterned pillows are handmade. In this village, most farmers weave fabrics and make traditional pillows during non-farming seasons. A visit to this village not only educates you how such handicrafts are made, but you can also buy the items at a very good price. The Khit-patterned pillows are the second biggest income-earning activity for local people. The No 1 earning activity is farming.

From Ban Si Than, follow the Yor Sor 2002 local road until it meets at highway No202. At that junction, make a left turn so that you can head into Muang Yasothon district. When you reach the Ban Sadao, turn left into a soi next to the Ban Sadao School.

Drive for 3 km and you will find Phra That Kong Khao Noi. Located at Phra That Kong Khao Noi Temple, this ancient Khmer-style pagoda bears a distinctive shape and looks very much like a meal box used centuries ago. While its middle part has designs of arched gates on all four sides, its upper part is tapered. Behind Phra That Kong Khao Noi is enshrined a sacred brick Buddha image. Local people treat this Buddha image as the holy item of their province. In the fifth month of every year, they come to sprinkle water and place gold leaves on this Buddha image. Locals believe that if they fail to do this, their province will be doomed to drought.

From Phra That Kong Khao Noi, you have to drive straight along the soi until it meets highway No 23. At that three-pronged junction, turn right to Muang Yasothon district. About 7 km down you will see Yasothon Hospital (0-4571-2580). When you are around there, pay a visit to the nearby Maha That Temple where Phra That Anon Phra Phut Bussararat is enshrined. The Yasothon Police Station (0-4571-1683-4) is located nearby.

Take highway No 23 and head towards Ubon Ratchathani. When you reach the inner town of the province, look for a place to stay overnight.

Recommended: Si Isan Hotel (0-4526-1011); rate – Bt600 per night. It is located near a market

Nevada Grand Hotel (0-4528-0999); rate – Bt1,000-Bt1,200 per night In the morning, you should pay respects to the City Pillar Shrine and the statue of Ubon founder Phra Pathum Worarat Suriyawongse (Chao Kham Phong). The shrine is opposite the Ubon Ratchathani Municipal Court. In the same neighbourhood lies the Ubon Ratchathani National Museum. It is open between 9am and 4pm from Wednesday to Sunday. Right next to it is a public park called “Thung Si Muang”. A number of locals show up at this park both in the morning and in the evening to do workout. Ubonrak Hospital (0-4526-6300) and Central Memoral Hospital (0-4525-4721) are nearby.

On your way out of the Ubon Ratchathani town, don’t forget to visit Thung Si Muang Temple to seek blessings. After that, take highway No 217 and cross the Rattanakosin 200th Anniversary Bridge. Stretching over Mool River, this large bridge will lead you to a smooth national highway. When you hit this route, you will be around the 2 km mark and will see the Kai Supasit Prasong Hospital (0-4532-1173). From there, you can take a straight route into Warin Chamrap district. Along this highway, you will go past the Sawang Weerawong Police Station at a spot between 24-27 km. At 41 km, you will find Phu Khao Kaeo Temple in Phibun Mangsahan district. Located about 44 km away from the nearest town, this temple boasts an outstanding Ubosot (temple hall). Elaborately adorned with porcelain pieces, this structure has a golden castle-like top. Featuring Thai arts, its gable has delicate Kankhot patterns that fit nicely with its Indian-style pillars.

Near the Phu Khao Kaeo Temple are many snack stalls. All of them sell Chinese stuffed bun and dumplings at almost the same price.

From the temple, go straight until you find a three-pronged junction at the end of the highway. Make a left turn and stop by the Kaeng Saphue. Ranked as one of the most beautiful islets in Ubon Ratchathani, it clearly reveals natural rocks in the middle of Mool River during the first four months of each year. This site is both a lovely spot to take photos and a great dining zone.

After you leave Kaeng Saphue, take highway No 217 and head towards Chong Mek. However, it is worth visiting a new tourist area, Little Pattaya, at around 62 km. This area has a 1.4-km-long sandy beach and lines of coconut trees, which can easily remind its visitors of the famous seaside Pattaya. Shops, public baths and parking lots are available, and sport lovers can even enjoy water skiing and boat riding at Little Pattaya. At around 68-69 km, you will see the Sirindhorn Police Station and the Sirindhorn Hospital (0-4326-7172-3).

At the 70 km, you will reach Sirindhorn Dam. Here, you can find eateries, accommodation and a golf course.

At the end of highway No 217, you are right in front of the Chong Mek Pass. Get a temporary border pass from here and you can easily cross the border to visit neighbouring Laos. When you arrive at Chong Mek, you would have already driven 337.8 km.

For your next stop, you should head towards the Khong Chiam district. At 76 km turn right into highway No 2173. Drive further until you reach the end of this highway. There, you will find the entrance to Kaeng Tana National Park. This tourist site features a giant sandstone rock, which looks very much like a small islet in the middle of Mool River. This national park is south of Don Tana. Tourist season here is between November and June. Thailand’s longest suspended pedestrian bridge across a river is inside this national park. A stroll along this bridge promises a wonderful experience and definitely a fantastic view of local scenery above the Kaeng Tana. Moreover, many other attractions such as Phra Cave and Lan Pha Pheung are located right inside this vast national park.

After you leave the Kaeng Tana National Park, take the previous route back to the junction that can take you to Khong Chiam district. At that junction, make a left turn and drive for 8 km for Pha Taem National Park. You will need to cross a bridge across Mool River here too.

Recommended: There are many fresh-fish shops here for you to choose. You could take the fish uphill and cook it there. You can stay overnight inside the Pha Taem National Park.

Highway No 2173 actually ends in front of the Pha Taem National Park. Once you drive inside, you are on highway No 2112 or the strategic route between Khong Chiam and Khemarat. Drive for some 19 km before making a right turn into highway No 2368. From there, a 5-km drive will bring you to the Office of Pha Taem National Park.

Admission fees for Thai visitors are Bt20 per child, and Bt40 per adult. For foreign visitors, admission fees are Bt100 per child, and Bt200 per adult.

From the admission-fee collection spot, you need to drive for just one km to reach Sao Chaliang. The effects of the weather, including water erosion, have left this area a natural wonder. Rising from the Sao Chaliang area are many mushroom-like stone slabs.

Another highlight of this national park is the Pha Taem Viewpoint or Phu Pha Kham. From up here, you can see the flowing Mekong River down below. Around the viewpoint are also numerous prehistoric paintings, which date back some 3,000 years ago, and are right over the cliff surface. It is a marvellous place to enjoy the scenic sunrise and sunset.  Stay overnight around the viewpoint.

To see the sunrise earlier than anyone else in Thailand, you should get up in the early hours of the day and reserve a spot over the Phu Pha Kham. The scenery of the rising sun is beautiful beyond description because the water in Mekong River will be glittering gold. After you capture the lovely scenery in your camera and your memory, it’s time go down the mountain. Then, make a right turn into highway No 2112 and drive further for about 20 km. Turn right into a rugged road. Although there are many holes on this road, a 14-km drive along this route will lead to Soi Sawan Waterfall. Surrounded by wild flowers, the waterfall provides a great spot for you to dip into water in the natural, exquisite environment. The vast field of flowers is a riot of colours. Soi Suwan (yellow) flowers, Tipkesorn (pale-pink) flowers, Dusita (purple) flowers, Manee Tewa (white) flowers, Jok Bo Wai (red) flowers are just parts of the field.

Tips: Wild flowers on this field usually bloom between October and January.

About 20 km away from here, a right turn out of highway No 2112 will lead to Saeng Chan Waterfall or Namtok Ru. As the water from Tha Long Stream is pouring down via a crescent hole over a local cliff, it forms this small but unique waterfall. When you look at the water surface here, you will see the picture of a heart.

Giant Creeping Plants is a nearby interesting attraction. If you take the highway No 2112, you will find this attraction around four kilometres before you reach the Saeng Chan Waterfall.

When leaving the waterfall, you should turn right into highway No 2112. Drive for about 300 metres before you make a left turn into highway No 2135. A road sign will inform you that the Si Muang Mai district is 32 km away.

However, when you reach km 19, you need to turn left to go to Trakan Phuet Phon district. Drive straight and you will be on highway No 2134. After 30 km you will see an intersection where Toyota’s office in Ubon Ratchathani is located. At that intersection, turn right into the Amnat Charoen-Khemarat route. Once you are on this route, you must turn left at the first intersection. If you have time, you may check out Khulu Scripture Chapel.

Now, it’s time to head along highway No 2134 until you reach 31 km. When you reach Amnat Charoen, start looking for a three-pronged junction. At the first junction you see here, turn left towards Lueamnart district. When you see the next three-pronged junction, drive straight into Phana district. A three-km drive from there will bring you to Phra Lao Thep Nimit Temple.

Enshrined at this temple is the sacred “Phra Lao Thep Nimit”. Considered the holy item of Amnat Charoen, this Buddha image mirrors Laotian art style from Vientiane.

After a visit to this temple, go back to the three-pronged intersection and turn left for Lueamnart district. From 19 km here, the Phuttha Utthayan ofamnat Charoen is just 40 km away.

However, along the way, you can drop in at Banamnat Temple to pay respects to Phra Chao Yai Lue Chai, too. After leaving this temple, just go straight and turn right into highway No 212. On this highway, you will go past Sawang Mongkhon intersection and the City Pillar Shrine before reaching Phuttha Utthayan of Amnat Charoen at around 78 km.

Enshrined at this sacred place is the holy item of Amnat Charoen, Phra Mongkhon Ming Mueang or Phra Yai. On Makha Bucha Day (which falls on the full moon of the third month of Thai lunar calendar), a big religious festival takes place here every year. During the festival, Buddhists from both Amnat Charoen and nearby provinces pay homage to the Phra Mongkhon Ming Mueang. Amnat Charoen Police Station (0-4551-2007 and Amnat Charoen Hospital (0-4551-1940-8) are nearby.

Highway No 212 can lead you to Mukdahan. However, you need to be extra careful while driving at 160 km because it has a dangerous curve around there. Drive straight along this highway and you will enter the Muang Mukdahan district. Turn left into highway No 2034. After you go past the Mukdahan International Hospital (0-4263-3301-9), it’s time to visit Ho Kaeo Mukdahan Chalerm Phrakiart. Standing 65 metres high, this giant tower has a modern look. On its sixth storey, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Mukdahan town, Mekong River, and Laos’ Sawannakhet. In the same neighbourhood are the Mukdahan Police Station (0-4263-3533) and the Mukdahan Hospital (0-4261-2977).

Drive further along highway No 2034. At 15 km make a right turn for the Mukdahan National Park or Phu Pha Thoep. The national park boasts an amazing complex of giant, peculiar-shaped sandstone slabs. If you make a visit during the tourist season that usually lasts between September and December, a beautiful flower field will also be waiting for you here. Inside the national park are various facilities, including accommodation, camping ground and shops (0-4260-1753). Admission fees are Bt20 per Thai visitor, Bt200 per foreign child and Bt400 per foreign adult. Admission fee for each vehicle is Bt30.

From Muang Mukdahan town, you can drive along the Mekong River for about 3 km on the Samran Chai Kong Nua Road to reach the Second International Mekong Bridge viewpoint. A night visit is bound to impress you as the lighting along the riverside road and the bridge adds to the lovely scenery. Also, there are many riverside restaurants on the Samran Chai Kong Nua Road. Drive along this road and go under the international bridge to enter highway No 212. Then, it’s time to check into a hotel or a resort.

Recommended: SC Residence Hotel on Soi Anurak 2 (0-4261-5252-3); Rate – Bt800-Bt1,000 per night. Rooms are clean and the hotel has Internet services.

River City Hotel (0-4261-5444-7); Rate – Bt700 per night

Kimcheksin Hotel (0-4263 1041); Rate – Bt400 per night

Enjoy your breakfast at Im-Aroi food shop. Serving Vietnamese pasta soup, this shop is next to Huanam Hotel and is very close to the Tha Kham Indochina Market Pass.

From the town, drive along highway No 212 until you reach 170 km and turn right for the Second Mekong International Bridge. At the bridge, you can get a temporary border pass to visit Laos.

After that, go back along highway No 212. At around 187 km, turn right into Wan Yai district. Drive further for 9 km and you will see a junction showing how to get to Kaeng Krabao. This long islet in the Mekong River is an outstanding attraction in Mukdahan. Famous local dish is barbecued sucking pig.

Dining places

Indochin on Sanphasit Road near Chaeng Temple, Ubon Ratchathani; Tel 0-4525-4126

Kufad Food Shop behind Muang Mukdahan Police Station; Tel 0-4261-2252

Krua Saigon on Samutsakdarak, Mukdahan; Tel 0-4261-2621

Souvenirs

Ubon Moo Yor on Khuen Thani Road, Muang Ubon Ratchathani District, Ubon Ratchathani;Tel 0-4525-4951

Wattanasilp Krueang Ngern on Ratchabut Road, Muang Ubon Ratchathani, Ubon Ratchathani; Tel 0-4525-5661

Sai Krok Nualprang on Palochai Road, near central Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani; Tel 0-4525-5356

ไส้กรอกนวลปรางค์ ถ.พโลชัย ข้างโรงพยาบาลเซ็นทรัล จ.อุบลฯ โทร 0-4525-5356

2 Days, 1 Night

From Roi Et town, take highway No 2044 to Phon Thong district and then turn right into highway No 2136. You will pass Phon Thong Vocational College before seeing a three-pronged intersection. At the intersection, there is a sign showing how to go to Pha Nam Yoi. Follow that instruction and when you reach 34 km, turn left for the entrance to Wat Pha Namthip Thep Prasit Wararam or the Chai Mongkhon Pagoda Temple. From the arched entrance, you will have to travel for 5 km on a slightly rugged and winding road uphill to get to the temple. Along the way, there are stalls selling somtam (Thai spicy salad), roasted chicken and grilled fish. The splendid Chai Mongkhon Pagoda or Maha Chedi Chai Mongkhon,in Northeastern style, is located inside the temple compound. At 101 metres high and rising from a 101-metre-wide and 101-metre-long base, this pagoda ranks as one of the most beautiful and largest pagodas in Thailand. Lord Buddha’s relics are enshrined in this five-storeyed Chai Mongkhon Pagoda. Exemplifying the blend of contemporary Central and Northeastern arts, the pagoda’s elaborate structure has combined outstanding features from both Phra Pathom Chedi and Phra That Nakhon Phanom.

From Wat Pha Namthip Thep Prasit Wararam, a 7-km drive uphill will lead you to the Northeastern Botany in Literature Park inside the Dong Ma-ee National Forest Reserve. Located in Tambon Phayam, this botanical garden has dedicated each of its sections to a classic literature. A stroll around this garden will allow you to see plants and flowers mentioned in famous stories like Lilit Phra Lo, Ramakien, Wetsandon the Charitable Prince, and Lord Buddha’s biography. Also, some sections in this garden show herbs with health benefits. Visitors will find it easy to understand given that these herbs will be grouped based on their properties. To enjoy beautiful scenery around the area, two viewpoints – Pha Nang Khoi and Kiew Lom – are must-visit spots.

From there, you only have to travel for 2 km to reach Tham Pha Namthip Wildlife Sanctuary. Spanning over 150,000 rais of land, this sanctuary features a complex of rugged and steep sandstone mountain range. Inside the complex, there are zones of dry forest, mixed deciduous forest, evergreen forest, dry dipterocarp forest, grassland and bamboo forest. The sanctuary is home to more than 10 mammal species: tigers, deer, barking deer, boars, foxes, monkeys, langur, civets, jungle fowls, pheasants, Indian rollers, bulbuls, and barbets.

Before you reach Wat Pha Namthip Thep Prasit Wararam, you can find a room with air-conditioner, water heater and TV at just Bt300 per night at both Nattawan Resort and OK Resort. The Nattawan Resort has a car park for 20 vehicles.

Now, you should travel down the hill on the same route and head for highway No 2136. Then, take a left turn and go straight until you see the 41-km mark. Turn left and drive for just 9 km to find Banphot Khiri Temple or Phu Jor Kor. Located on Phu Jor Kor of Ban Waeng in Mukdahan’s Nong Sung district, this temple embraces the Dhammayutika Sect. Enshrined in this temple is the “Khempatta Chedi of Luang Pu Lah Khempatto”. This chedi or pagoda is built to house Luang Pu Lah Khempatto’s remains and necessities, as well as his wax statue. This holy place serves to remind visitors of morals taught by Luang Pu Lah, a famous disciple of Luang Ta Maha Bua Yannasampanno.

From the temple, take highway No 2136 and head to Muang Roi Et district. However, after you go past Nong Pok Police Station

(0-4357-9139, 0-4357-9149) and Nong Pok Hospital (0-4357-9073-4), you should drive towards Selaphum district instead. As soon as you enter this district, you will notice open paddy fields along the highway. Roi Et Hospital (0-4351-1336) is nearby.

At the 1-km mark, you will see an intersection. Turn right although the direction sign shows you are heading back to Roi Et. After Selaphum Police Station (0-4355-1491), you must follow highway No 23 towards Thawat Buri district. Muang Roi Et Police Station (0-4351-1766) is nearby.

Make a right turn for Phon Thong district. When you reach 13 km, you will find Phon Thong intersection. From there turn right and drive for 4 km. You will see an entrance to Prang Ku on your right. From the entrance, a 1-km drive on a rugged road will lead you to a stone castle of Prang Ku. Built in the Lop Buri or Khmer style, this castle is purely made of laterite. The main building of this castle is surrounded by a wall and has an arched entrance. In 1991, the Fine Arts Department renovated Prang Ku and discovered a lintel behind the castle’s main building. This lintel is engraved with the picture of a man riding an elephant, which refers to Indra riding Erawan,the elephant. The renovation also led to the discoveries of pillars, laterite door frames and a large Hindu phallic symbol. These characteristics are in line with Bapuan architecture, and are similar to what were found at Arogayasala or Ancient Hospital in Roi Et. Currently, this ancient hospital has been officially registered as a historic site.

On your way back, take the same routes back to the Phon Thong intersection. From there, you just need to drive for 4 km to reach a town. It’s time to look for a place to stay overnight.

Recommended: Saket Nakhon Hotel on Hai Soke Road (0-4351-1741, 0-4351-1937). Its room rates range between Bt400 and Bt800 per room per night, and its car park can accommodate 30 vehicles.

Start your morning with a visit to Bueng Phlan Chai right in the heart of Roi Et town. This landmark features a vast lake with an islet. On this islet is located the Somdet Phra Srinakharindra Park with a large Buddha statue in walking posture in the middle. This recreational area includes not only a zoo, an artificial waterfall and a sports field, but also the sacred City Pillar Shrine. The Bueng Phlan Chai and its islet are open between 4am and 9pm every day.

A nearby attraction is Mueang Roi Et Municipality Aquarium. Here, you can find a variety of aquatic animals that live in Thailand’s Northeastern region. Some nearly-extinct species are also on display. This aquarium provides a great source of knowledge. Aside from 24 small fish tanks, this place also has a 400-cubic-metre tank. The tunnel that stretches through this large tank gives a memorable experience as visitors can see fish swimming all around them. The aquarium is open between 8.30am and 4.30pm from Wednesday to Sunday. There is no admission fee but donations are welcome.

From Bueng Phlan Chai car park, turn left and go straight. After you see the Roi Et Technical College, drive under a flyover and take a left turn. By then, you will see the Roi Et National Museum on the right.

Displaying handicrafts and arts of the Northeast, this museum also offers all interesting information about Roi Et. It is open between 9am and 4pm from Wednesday to Sunday. Admission fee is Bt10 per Thai visitor and Bt30 per foreign visitor.

From the museum, you will have to go past two intersections before taking a right turn for Burapha Phiram Temple. Enshrined in this temple is the world’s tallest standing Buddha statue, Phra Phuttha Rattanamongkhon Mahamuni or Luangpho Yai. Cast in the blessing posture, this Buddha statue is 59.2 metres tall and including the base, it is 67.85 metres tall. There is a museum at the base too. Behind this giant statue lies a pagoda, which houses Lord Buddha’s relics.

After your visit to this temple, head towards Maha Sarakham and make a left turn for Wapi Pathum district at an intersection. Then, follow highway No 2045 until you see Wapi Pathum District Office at a three-pronged junction around a portion between 26-27 km. At that junction, make a right turn and go along highway No 2045. Turn right again when you see the first three-pronged junction on this route. After that, you will be on highway No 2381. A 2-km drive from there will bring you to the entrance of Ku Santarat.

This attraction features a laterite castle in square shape, a style very similar to the Prang Ku. The lintel on Ku Santarat’s main gate is engraved in magnificent elaborate patterns.

From here, you drive another 5 km. After going past the Na Dun Hospital, make a left turn for Phra That Na Dun or the Buddhist Complex of Northeast. In this complex are located a religious and cultural museum, and a botanical garden that is landscaped into important Buddhist sites.

Accommodation

Roi Et Thani Hotel, Ploen Chit Road, Muang Roi Et district, Roi Et; Tel 0-4352-0387-400; Rate – Bt900-Bt4,920 per night

Mai Thai Hotel, Hai Sok Road, Mueang Roi Et District, Roi Et; Tel 0-4351-1136, 0-4351-1038; Rate – Bt410-Bt720 per night

Restaurants

Fai Khieo: Noodles in air-conditioned space around the Bueng Phlan Chai in Roi Et; Tel 0-4351-4782, 0-4351-5265

Ko Liang, Tewapiban Road, around the Bueng Phlan Chai

Souvenirs

Local Product Centre is right behind the Roi Et Provincial Hall (0-4351-1260).

Silk and Handicraft Centre on Rajdamnoen Road (0-4351-4097, 0-4351-1120). This centre sells locally-made fabrics.

3 days 2 nights

(suitable for children and family)

It would be ideal to start with a merit-making trip from Khon Kaen. Take highway No 229 until 12 km. Turn right to the entrance of Wat Udom Khongkha Khiri Khet. Follow the road for 12 km to the temple. The revered Luangpu Phang, a Buddhist monk famous for his meditative practices, once lived here. In the temple are located the container of Luangpu Phang’s remains and images. The temple is cool and pleasant, and perfect for meditation.

Take the same route back from the temple to highway No 229, turn left and go straight until the end of the road. You will see a sign to Mancha-Khiri district. Turn right and go straight to a three-pronged junction, then turn left again. You will be at Tortoise Village. Notice a shrine with tortoise replicas. Here, brownish yellow-shelled tortoises called Tao Phek have been living for ages.  In the Tortoise Garden stands a shrine to the revered guardian spirit of Chao Khun Pu Fah Ra Ngeum or Chao Pho Mahesak. Home-stay service is available. On April 14 every year, villagers organise a tortoise-bathing ceremony and a ceremony to pay homage to the guardian spirit.

For more information, call 08-5768-5323 (about the Tortoise Garden) and 08-6327-0310, 0-4338-1275, 08-9574-3480 (about home-stay).

From Tortoise Village, turn left in the direction of Mancha Khiri district. At the T-junction at Mancha Khiri municipal market, go straight for 500 metres and turn right to visit Wat Pa Mancha Khiri and its wild orchid garden.

Chang Kra Orchid (Rhyn. Gigantean) is a colorful wild orchid with various colors and pleasing scents. The red ones are called Chang Daeng (Red Elephant) while the white ones are called Chang Phueak (White Elephant). They blossom from December to February. There are more than 4,000 Chang Kra orchids growing naturally on more than 280 tamarind and other trees in the monastery.

Back to highway No 229, around 14 km you will see a sign to Sala Mai Thai (Thai Silk Pavilion) in Khon Kaen Industrial and Community Education College, Chonnabot district. Here is a centre for studies, development and distribution of Thai silk and local fabrics, where you can find collections of ancient-pattern and applied-pattern silks as well as products made from Thai silk. Furthermore, you can visit the traditional Northeastern-style Thai pavilion, which exhibits northeastern people’s lifestyle and local instruments and also demonstrates silk-worm rearing and silk weaving. The centre is open daily from 9am to 5pm. (0-4328-6160)

Take highway No 229 past Chonnabot Hospital (0-4328-6084). The two-way road is in good condition. Follow the road until you reach Ban Phai intersection, crossing Mittraphap Road and take highway No 23. Cross the railway line and pass Ban Phai Bus Station. Go straight and turn left to Maha Sarakham around 44 km. From 46 km, drive past Kalasin-Roi Et intersection and get into Maha Sarakham city. Find accommodation for the night.

The next morning, enjoy the taste of Jok (rice porridge). Driving along the Somthawin Canal, about 100 metres past Taksila Hotel, turn left. You will find a rice porridge restaurant where Kuai Jab (boiled Chinese pasta soup) is also available for reasonable price. The restaurant is open daily from 5am to 8am.

From the restaurant, go straight to the Museum of the Northeastern Culture in Wat Mahachai (Mahachai Temple). There are many antiques of the region such as stone-made Sema (boundary of a temple), ancient Buddha images, door panel and carved Kan Tuay (decorating part of the roof of Thai traditional house) about 100 to 200 years old. Also stored here are many ancient literature and Buddhist teachings written on Bai Larn (palm leaf manuscripts).

In front of the museum, you can find souvenirs, including Pla Ra Bong (seasoned pickled fish) with various seasonings.

Return taking the same route, turn left along the canal and cross the bridge. Go straight into highway No 208 (Maha Sarakham-Roi Et) until you find a T-intersection. Go straight for 200 metres and you will see a sign to Ban Mor (Pottery Village) on your left. Turn left for about two km to reach the village whose inhabitants earn their living by making hand-moulded potteries. The processes are traditionally passed on through generations while the raw material comes from the clay in a pond in the village.

From the village, turn right to the same route. Visit and pay homage to the City Pillar Shrine opposite Maha Sarakham Technical College. Then go straight past a three-pronged junction into highway No 213 where it begins.

Around 7-8 km, you will pass Maha Sarakham University. The two-way road is in good condition. Around 14 km, you are at Wat Phuttha Mongkhon (Phuttha Mongkhon Temple) in Kantharawichai district. In the temple is housed the Phra Phuttharup Yuen Mongkhon, a Buddha image of the local people made from red sandstones in Dvaravati period. The characteristics of the image are similar to Phra Phutthamingmueang. Historically, male villagers built the Phra Phutthamingmueang while female villagers built Phra Phuttharup Yuen Mongkhon. They made the Buddha images and prayed for rain. It rains perfectly in the area, according to the season, since then.

About 500 metres from there is the Suwannawat Temple on your left. Phra Phutthamingmueang is housed there.

Go straight past 18 km, and you will pass Kantharawichai Hospital (0-4378-9205). Though it is a one-lane road on each side, the condition is good. You will pass Yang Talad Police Station (0-4389-1350) when you pass 28 km.

Around 39-40 km, take a road diversion to the left. The road will take you to the city where you can visit Kalasin City Pillar Shrine, Wat Si Bun Ruang (Nuea), Wat Klang and Phraya Chaisunthon Monument. The four places are in the same area.

Phraya Chaisunthon Monument is located in front of the provincial postal office. The Kalasin people donated to build the monument to show their gratitude to the city founder.

Wat Si Bun Ruang (Nuea) is an old and important temple. The Sema (stones marking a temple’s boundary) from Fah Daet Song Yang city, made in the 13th-15th Buddhist Century, are kept here.

The most beautiful piece has the picture of an angel flying over a castle while the king, the queen and their son are portrayed in the lower part.

Wat Klang is a royal monastery housing a beautiful bronze Buddha image. There is also a stone inscription with the Thai ancient alphabet. Phra Chaisunthon respected the Buddha image as the city’s Buddha image. The people of Kalasin would bring the image to a procession and pray for rain when it was dry that year. At the temple is also a replica of Lord Buddha’s footprint, made from laterite.

After visiting the places, find accommodation for the night.

The next morning, start from the Phraya Chaisunthon Monument past Kalasin Hospital (0-4381-1021, 0-4381-1169), then turn left and go straight until you find the Dinosaur Roundabout.

Follow the roundabout clockwise, turn left at the intersection and go for another 30 km. Take highway No 227.

You will arrive at the dinosaur museum on your right. Turn right at 29 km and drive for 2 km. Follow the road to the right and you will arrive at Sirindhorn Museum, from the Phu Kum Khao Dinosaur Excavation Site in Sahatsakhan district. There are eight exhibition zones showcasing the origins of dinosaurs in ages as well as the pictures of discovered dinosaur skeletons. Souvenirs are available. The museum (0-4387-1014, 0-4387-1394) is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

From the museum, take the road uphill for 300 metres to Wat Pa Sakkawan, the largest site where dinosaur fossils were found in Thailand. There are exhibitions of origins of dinosaurs in different eras and a building covering the excavation site where fossils were found. Here, 700 pieces of complete fossils of herbivore dinosaurs were found. They are believed to have been part of seven dinosaurs.

From the museum, turn right and follow highway No 227. Turn left at the T-junction to 37-38 km. Turn left for about one km and you will find Wat Phutthanimit Phu Khao on your left. The temple is in Ban Na Si Nuan, housing a reclining Buddha image, which is leaning on the left side and without the aura around the Buddha image’s head. There are also carved scenes depicting the Jataka tales of the Lord Buddha’s 10 previous lives on the doors, windows and ceiling.

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Accommodation

Taksila Hotel, Maha Sarakham; Tel 0-4371-9999, 0-4372-2222

Suan Warun (Warun Garden in Maha Sarakham Rajabhat University); Tel 0-4374-2618

Suphak on Saneha road, Kalasin city: Tel 0-4381-1315, 0-4381-1051; Rate – Bt250-550

Rim Pao on Kudyangsamakkee Road, Muang district, Kalasin; Tel 0-4381-3631-9l; Rate – Bt850-950

Restaurants

Pailin: Tel 0-4387-3700

Udom Phochana on Sompamit Road, Kalasin; Tel 0-4381-1912

Paiboon Garden Sompamit Road, Kalasin; Tel 0-4381-1661

Leelawadee; Tel 0-4381-6699

Natcha Suki; Tel 0-4381-2320

Suki House; Tel 0-4381-2804

3 Days 2 Nights

From Bangkok, take the East Outer Ring Road (Bang Na- Bang Pa In highway No 9) to Saraburi. Take the Saraburi flyover, which turns right into highway No 2. Around 193-194 km, you can relax at the rest area of the Department of Highways’ Northeastern region-Lam Takhong. Head towards Muang district and pay respects to Thao Suranari (Ya Mo) monument.

Take the road to Khon Kaen. About 300 metres from the junction, you will see an LPG gas station next to St Mary Hospital (0-4426-1261). Go straight until you reach 49 km. At the junction, turn right and drive 10 km to Phimai district on highway No 206, passing Phimai Hospital (0-4447-1288, 0-4447-1511). Cross the bridge and visit the Phimai Historical Park 100 metres away. There, you can appreciate the Naga Bridge, Gopura (porch) and the outer wall of the sanctuary as well as the gate and the inner wall (gallery) of the sanctuary. You can also look at the main pagoda (prang), which was made of white sandstone, as well as Prang Phra Brahmadat in front of the main pagoda and Prang Hin Daeng. The site is open daily from 7.30am to 6pm. Admission fee is Bt 10 for Thais and Bt40 for foreigners.

Visitors to Phimai Historical Park also visit Sai Ngam on the bank of Mun River near Phimai Dam. Cross Tha Songkran Bridge into the town and drive 2km on a diversion to the dam.  Nearby are souvenir shops and several restaurants. The most popular dish for tourists is Phimai noodles or Khorat noodles with paste so soft and delicious, no less than the famous Chanthaburi noodle.

From Sai Ngam, take highway No 226 to Buri Ram province. Follow the sign to Phanom Rung. At Lam Plai Mat junction around 91 km, take the right turn to highway No 2073, heading for Chamni district. The road condition is good. Go straight past Chamni Hospital (0-4460-9054-8) until you find a large swamp and a lotus swamp where you can take pictures. After that, turn left into highway No 24 at the junction. You will see Bangkok Bank and TMB Bank. After about 500 metres, you will be passing Nang Rong Police Station (0-4463-2014) while Surachet Hospital (0-4463-1187) is on the opposite side.

Around 84 km, you turn right into highway No 2117 and go straight for 12 km. You will see a sign pointing left to highway No 2221. Go straight for six km, passing Chaloem Phra Kiat Hospital. From there, the road will be uphill and you must turn to lower gear. The Phanom Rung Historical Park is located on an extinct volcano.

If you visit the place in November-December, you will see the golden paddy fields along both sides of the road while farmers are harvesting their crops.

On every full moon day in March, April, September and October, the first light of daybreak will shine through the 15 doorways of the Phanom Rung sanctuary, giving a wonderful view. You should try taking photos of the scene. Phanom Rung Historical Park is open from 6am to 6pm daily. Admission fee is Bt10 for Thais and Bt40 for foreigners.

About 3 km back from Phanom Rung, turn right for about 4 km past a large swamp excavated by ancient people manually. This place is located at the Mueang Tam Stone Sanctuary (Prasat Mueang Tam) of Buri Ram province. The main characteristic of the sanctuary is the five brick pagodas built on the same foundation and enclosed by two walls. The sanctuary is open from 6am to 6pm. Admission fee is Bt10 for Thais and Bt30 for foreign tourists. Buri Ram Police Station can be contacted on Tel 0-4461-1234 or 0-4451-3555.

From there, take highway No 24 heading for Prasat district of Surin province. At around 131-132 km, turn left into highway No 214 past Prasat Hospital (0-4455-1295). Go straight to Surin town, where you can find accommodation.

Recommended: Rung Tawan Resort on the way to Si Khoraphum district, about 5 km away from Muang Surin district. Room rate: Bt350-500 per night. New rooms with television set, water heater and refrigerator are available with parking space for 30 cars.

Accommodation in Surin

Le Bien Resort on Surin-Buri Ram Road; Tel 0-4472-5559, 08-1732-4615; Rate – Bt800

Kasem Garden Hotel on by-pass road around the city (Prasat district-Sangkha district); Tel 0-4471-3485-6; Rate – Bt450

The next morning, take highway No 226 until you find a junction from Surin’s Sangkha district to Roi Et province. Take highway No 214 to Chom Phra district. Notice the Surin highway district as marker. Starting from 1 km inbound, take the asphalt road to the world’s largest elephant village or Elephant Studies Centre. Around 36 km, notice a sign on your left pointing to Elephant Studies Centre. Turn left into rural road Sor Ror 3027 for 22 km. The road is asphalted but a little rugged in some parts.

Go straight until the end of the road in front of Pho Thong Temple, then turn right for another 4 km to reach the world’s largest elephant village.

You can study the lives of human beings and elephants as well as their relationship from birth to death. This is the unique characteristic of the community.

Activities at the Elephant Studies Centre include sight-seeing on elephant back, seeing elephants bathe at Wang Thalu, where Mun and Chi rivers meet. Elephant shows are at 10am and 2pm. You can also buy elephant-made One-Tambon-One-Product (OTOP) souvenirs here.

Travel back on the same route, which will meet highway No 214. Turn right until 15 km, then turn left for 4 km to Ban Khawao Sinnarin, the Silverware and Silk Village. The place is famous for its OTOP silver handicrafts as well as silk and local fabric. Famous silver and golden beads are suitable and popular as ladies’ accessories.

Follow rural road Sor Ror 3036 past Ban Khawao Sinnarin Police Station. Cross the junction to Sor Ror 3020 rural road. The road is flanked by paddy fields. When you meet the three-pronged junction, you will see a sign to Si Khoraphum Sanctuary. Cross the railway line and then turn right. At the three-pronged junction around the Muang Tee Tambon Administration Organisation’s office, turn left into highway No 226 heading for Si Khoraphum district.

At 34 km, cross the junction and prepare to turn left. After 200 metres, you will be at the Si Khoraphum Sanctuary (Prasat Si Khoraphum). It comprises five pagodas on the same elevated foundation, three sides surrounded with reservoirs. The pagoda at the centre is the main pagoda while the other four at the corners are satellite pagodas. The sanctuary is open from 7.30am to 6pm daily. Admission fee is Bt10.

Recommended: Taste the Boon Mee Vietnamese pasta soup, which is famous for its taste and reasonable price. The restaurant is next to Bangkok Bank. Government Savings Bank and Krung Thai Bank are nearby.

From Si Khoraphum district market, turn left into highway No 226 for 300 metres. Turn left into highway No 2371, heading to Sangkha district. For about 40km towards the district, you will find paddy fields on both sides.

Before entering Sangkha district, you will see a sign indicating the end of the highway. Turn left at the three-pronged junction past Sangkha Police Station and you will find a sign at Sangkha junction. Turn left into highway No 24. At 211 km, you are at the end of Surin boundary and entering Si Sa Ket province’s boundary. Follow highway No 24 until the Karn Chang Junction at 267 km. Turn right, following highway No 221, heading to Katharalak district from 55 km. You will then pass Kantharalak Provincial Court. In the same area you will find a large swamp where you can take beautiful pictures.

Go straight to Katharalak city. Look out for the Katharalak City Pillar Shrine. Find accommodation for the night.

Recommended: SB Hotel (0-4566-3103) on Anata Phakdi Road; Rate – Bt300-500

In the morning, visit Kantharalak market for a delicious breakfast. Many local dishes are available. This is a must-visit place for tourists who enjoy shopping in the market and observing local people’s lifestyles. From there, you can take highway No 221 for about 44 km. You will find an office collecting admission fee for Khao Phra Wihan (Preah Vihear) National Park. The fee is Bt20 for Thais, Bt10 for students and free of charge for those over 60 years old. The fee for foreigners is Bt400 and Bt30 for a vehicle. Four km from the office is a Khao Phra Wihan National Park tourist service centre.

Visit a viewpoint at “Pha Mo I Daeng”. It is a natural stone plateau on a high cliff on the Thai-Cambodian border. A sanctuary located to its south under the cliff houses a Nak Prok Buddha image (a Buddha image protected by Naga) and the oldest Khmer-style bas-relief in Thailand from the 15th Buddhist Century. Take a walk to the Prasat Khao Phra Wihan (Khao Phra Wihan Sanctuary), a gigantic complex comprising a four-layered castle with different levels. Interesting artifacts include Naga Bridge or Larn Nakarat and Maha Prasat or the main pagoda. You can have a clear view of Cambodia below.

You would have to pay the fee for a pass of Bt5 to Kantharalak district at the Thai border and Bt50 for Thais and Bt200 foreigners to the Cambodian authorities at the Cambodian border.

After returning from Khao Phra Wihan, take highway No 2235, which will meet highway No 2127, past Namtok Samrong Kiat (Samrongkiat Waterfall). There, you can relax with cold and fresh water falling from the 8-metre-high cliff along the rock plateau. The place is splendid in rainy season.

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Accommodation:

MK Hotel on Anata Phakdi Road, Kantaralak district, Si Sa Ket; Tel 0-4566-1171; Rate – Bt250- 400

Kantharalak Palace on Sinpradit Road, Kantharalak, Si Sa Ket; Tel 0-4563-5157; Rate – Bt230-550

Dining places

Racha Khao Tom (Raja Boiled Rice) on Sinpradit Road, Kantharalak, Si Sa Ket; Tel 0-4566-1619

Santi Pochana on Khao Phra Wihan Road, Si Sa Ket; Tel 0-4566-1238

Suan Pa Resort on Surin-Prasat Road; Tel 0-4452-1411-2

Hospitals

Surin Hospital: 0-4451-1757, 0-4451-4646

Surin Ruam Phaet Hospital: 0-4451-1523

Police Station

Si Sa Ket Police Station: 0-4561-2732

Si Sa Ket Tourists Centre: 0-4561-1574

3 days 2 nights

(Recommended for children and family)

Start on highway No 304 (Nakhon Ratchasima- Pak Thong Chai). At 108-109 km, you will pass Pak Thong Chai Hospital (044-441-011). Turn right at 121 km, heading in the direction of Suranari University of Technology (Entrance 2) for two km, then turn left to Mittraphap-Nong Pling Road for 7 km. You will see a sign pointing to the Petrified Wood Museum on your left.

The Petrified Wood Museum is located on Mittraphap- Nong Pling Road, Mu 7, Ban Krok Duean Ha, Tambon Suranari, Muang district, Nakhon Ratchasima. It comprises three interesting buildings:

Petrified Wood Museum: This is the first museum of gigantic ancient plants in Asia and one in seven such museums in the world. Located is a petrified wood, 1.3 metres in diameter and also an exhibition of the origin of petrified wood in Khorat, wood petrified turning into gems, petrified wood from the palm family.

Ancient Elephant Museum: Khorat had eight out of 42 genus of ancient elephants around the world. Most of them are older than mammoths in Siberia and North America. You will find a gigantic elephant model with exhibits of genuine elephant trunk and skeleton as well as petrified 1.53-metre long elephant ivory.

Dinosaur Museum: It showcases the real-size multimedia presentation of six varieties of Korat dinosaurs living 100 million years ago, including Iguanodon, Siammotyrannus and Siamosaurus. More than 100 carnivore dinosaur teeth are also displayed.

The museum opens daily from 9am to 4pm.

For more information, call 044-216-617-18, 044-216620-21.

After leaving the Petrified Wood Museum, turn right towards Kham Thale So and Dan Khun Thot districts. When you see the road diversion, take the route on your right. Turn right again and follow the road until you meet Mittraphap Road, then turn left. Follow the sign to highway No 2068 and take the U-turn flyover, then turn left to highway No 2068. Cross over the railway line. The road changes to a two-lane road. You will pass Kham Thale So Police Station (0-4439-7321, 0-4433-3258) after three km.

When you reach 20 km, take a left turn into Dan Khun Thot district. Enjoy the scenery of rice fields on both sides of the road. When passing 4 km, you will pass Luangphorkhoon Prarisuttho Technical College. At the end of the T-junction is the Dan Khun Thot district office. Take a right turn past Dan Khun Thot Hospital (0-4447-9396) into highway No 201.

Cross the bridge and past Chaiyaphum-Ram Hospital (0-4481-3666, 0-4483-6799) around km 116, go straight until you meet Nonhy five-pronged junction. Drive straight past Krung Thai and Siam Commercial Banks, and you will find Phraya Phakdi Chumphon (Lae) monument at Sun Ratchakan roundabout on the way into the city. The people of Chaiyaphum built it to honour the city’s founder. While the Chaiyaphum Police Station is not far away (0-4481-1318), you can visit and pay homage to the monument, before finding accommodation for the night. This monument is at Sun Ratchakan roundabout on the way into the city.

On the second day of the trip, you can experience the atmosphere of the fresh market in the morning and also learn about the lifestyle of the people in Muang district, who live not so far away from the Phraya Phakdi Chumphon (Lae) monument. After that, head for Prang Ku by driving to the left of the monument for about two km. Located in Ban Nong Bua, Tambon Nai Mueang, Prang Ku is a Khmer sanctuary built in 18th Buddhist century as an Arogayasala or Ancient Hospital. Besides supporting evidence of such historical information, lintel pictures and other architecture composition were also found.

Follow the road until you reach highway No 202. Turn left on the main road, passing Chaiyaphum bus station. Take a left turn at the T-junction and follow highway No 201. Turn right at the T-junction past Chaiyaphum Hospital (0-4481-1061, 0-4483-7100-4). Go straight and you will find Cho Raka intersection, and then take highway No 2051. The road will become one-lane on each side. You can see the 6km mark.

When you reach 13 km, you will pass Chaiyaphum Rajabhat University and find a rest area. Go straight and you will enter the Tat Ton National Park. The road is winding uphill and downhill. You need to drive carefully with a lower gear. Watch out for vehicles from the opposite direction, switch to a lower gear and follow the traffic signs.

The entrance fee for the Tat Ton National Park is Bt40 for Thai adults, Bt20 for Thai children, Bt200 for foreign adults and Bt100 for foreign children. The entrance fee for one vehicle is Bt30. Food, consumer products and souvenirs are available in the national park compound. This is a restricted no-littering area. Therefore, food is prohibited in the waterfall areas.

Tat Ton Waterfall is one of the best waterfalls in Thailand. The water here cascades down wide rock plateaus, creating breathtaking scenery. The waterfall is at its best from April to September. The atmosphere is cool and pleasant. Nearby, Chao Pho Tat Ton (Duang) Shrine is also revered by people of Chaiyaphum and adjacent provinces.

From Tat Ton Waterfall, after 22 km, turn right towards Mo Hin Khao (Stonehenge of Thailand). When you turn right, you are on a rural, two-way asphalt road. Parts of the road climb uphill. When you reach 9 km, turn left and follow the road for 10 km. The last 6 km is non-asphalt road.

Mo Hin Khao – the amazing one-million-year-old standing stones – is in the Phu Laen Kha National Park, Ban Wang Kham Kaen Village, Tambon Tha Hin Ngom. It is naturally formed with five well-arrange gigantic standing stones and is about 12 metres high. It would take about 22 people embracing to cover the perimeter of the largest stones of Mo Hin Khao. There are also groups of giant stones forming strange and interesting shapes.

Another stone ground is sometimes called Pha Kluai Mai (the Cliff of Orchids) as it is home to lineages of orchids and wild flowers such as Ueang Mai Na (Crape Ginger), Ueang Mah Wing (Doritis Pulcherrima) and Kradum Ngern(Eriocauulon smitinandii Moldenke). They blossom in the transition period of rainy season and winter from September to October.

Further, you can see Pha Hua Nark (the Cliff of Naga), which is a cliff with a Naga-like head pointing to the West. This is another excellent place to watch the sunset. Many people call Mo Hin Khao the Stonehenge of Thailand. The stones are estimated to be 175 million to 195 million years old formed by the sediment accumulation of silt and clay sediment.

The last 6 km of the road is still a non-asphalt road. The place has not been officially announced as a tourist attraction as many things are under development. However, tourists can visit and stay overnight there.

The vehicles driven there should be four-wheel-drive. Travelling by car, and during rainy season, is not recommended as the vehicle could be stuck in mud holes.

Accommodation

Siam River Resort on Bunnakan Road, Chaiyaphum; Tel 0-4481-1999; Rate: Bt900-2,000

Lert Nimit Hotel, Chaiyaphum; Tel 0-4481-1522-3

Restaurant

Choraka Larb Koi (Choraka Minced Meat) on Bunnakan Road, Chaiyaphum. All dishes cost Bt50 each. Tel 08-7246-7951, 08-4067-7834

Song Lok Suay restaurant on Chaiyaphum-San Chao Pho road; Tel 0-4483-7155-6

Hong Te Noodle House: Tel 0-4487-5607

Tourism Information Service

Chaiyaphum Tourism Information Centre: Tel 0-4481-2516, 0-4481-1376

Study nature in one of the seven biospheres in Asia Bangkok - Nakhon Ratchasima

2 days, 1 night

(suitable for children and family)

Starting from Bangkok, head for Sakaerat Environmental Research Station in Tambon Phu Luang, Pak Thong Chai district, Tambon Wang Nam Khieo and Tambon Udom Sap in Wang Nam Khieo district of Nakhon Ratchasima. The station is about 300 km from Bangkok and 60 km from Nakhon Ratchasima city. It is around 79 km on highway No 304.

From Bangkok, you can take either of these three routes:

1. Bangkok-Nonthaburi-Pathum Thani-Saraburi-Muak Lek-Pak Chong-Si Khio-Pak Thong Chai: The distance is about 300 km. (This is the longest route, but on main roads in good road condition.)

2. Bangkok-Nonthaburi-Pathum Thani-Nakhon Nayok-Prachin Buri-Kabin Buri-Na Di-Wang Nam Khieo: The distance is about 220 km.

3. Bangkok-Min Buri-Chachoengsao-Kabin Buri-Na Di-Wang Nam Khieo. The distance is about 230 km. (The roads uphill in Kabin Buri are a little steep and require careful driving.)

We recommend the third route on highway No 304 Min Buri-Chachoengsao. The road condition is in good condition. Pass Chachoengsao Railway Station, cross Chachoengsao Bridge then turn left at a major intersection. You can see the 5-km mark.

Around 22-23 km, take a break at a PTT petrol station where you can even change vehicle oils. You’ll also find a coffee shop and restaurants. Credit cards are accepted. Go straight for another 12 km and you can find an LPG gas station next to a PTT petrol station. They are near Phanom Sarakham Police Station (0-3855-1666, 0-3855-1561) and Phanom Sarakham Hospital (0-3855-1444, 0-3855-1888).

When you reach 56 km, you will be in Prachin Buri. Around 86-87 km, you will pass Kabin Buri Police Station (0-3728-1586). Some parts of the road are three lanes on each side and in good condition. Go straight until you meet Kabin Buri intersection. Take the flyover (following a sign to Pak Thong Chai district) then around 56 km you will pass a Kasikorn Bank branch. Drive for about one km and you will find a Wang Nam Khieo Service Centre. Around 59 km, you will pass Wang Nam Khieo Hospital (0-4422-8242, 0-4422-8243).

When you reach 79 km, you are at the entrance to the Sakaerat Environmental Research Station. Take a left turn and go straight for about 3 km before arriving at the research station, the first biosphere in Thailand and one of seven biospheres in Asia. The area is mainly covered with two forests – a Dry Evergreen Forest having Takien or Iron Wood (Hopea ferrea Pierre) and Krabao Klak (Hydnocarpus ilicifolia) and a Dry Dipterocarp Forest having teng (Shorea obtusa Wall.), rang (Shorea  siamensis Miq) and white meranti (Shorea talura Roxb.) You will also find bamboo forests, forest plantation area and grass fields.

The station is perfect for environmental and ecological research and students’ field studies while it is also a natural laboratory suitable for schools organising science camps. The forest area in front of the station is a location for forest nature studies.

Moreover, the station is equipped with facilities necessary for seminars and conferences such as accommodation, conference room and meeting facilities.

Tips: The transition period from rainy season to winter is the most suitable time for visiting this station.

Sakaerat Environmental Research Station is an eco-tourism site, both for one-day and two-day trips. However, advance reservation is required. A group of at least 10 people are welcome alone while a smaller group would have to join with other groups to do activities. Activities on the first day include sight-seeing in Dry Evergreen Forest, bird-watching and watching Siamese Fireback Pheasant, one of the most beautiful pheasants in Thailand, with a guide lecture. Then you can have dinner and enjoy the presentation about Sakaerat forests.

At night, you can enjoy watching night insects, survey the sky with a telescope before going to bed, preparing yourself for the next morning.

To contact the station, call 0-4425-8642, 0-4424-2533, 0-4424-4474, 08-9813-4101.

The next day, you can learn how to watch birds through the telescope, enjoy trekking in Dry Dipterocarp Forest and Dry Evergreen Forest. Local scholars will be your guides. Lunch is served in the woods.

On Mittraphap Road to Bangkok, at around 196 km, you can take a left turn for 3 km to visit Suan Mueang Porn (Mueang Porn Garden), an eco-tourism spot, which provides you with more than 500 kinds of fruit seeds and seedlings of tropical and exotic plants. There, you can clearly appreciate the view of Lam Takhong Dam.

Recommended: The balcony is very close to Lam Takhong Dam. You can enjoy your meal with music in a pleasant atmosphere. The garden is open daily from 8am to 9pm. Call 0-4332-3263 or 0-4432-3459-60.

Important contacts

Nakhon Ratchasima Police Station: Tel 0-4424-2010

Wang Nam Khieo Police Operation Centre: Tel 0-4422-8252-3

Tourism Police: Tel 0-4434-1777-9

Maharat Hospital: Tel 0-4425-4990-1