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Amphoe Mancha Khiri
Chang Kra
Chang Kra 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.
How to get there: the temple is only a kilometre from downtown
Amphoe Mancha Khiri, 57 kilometres from downtown Khon Kaen. From
Bangkok, motorists can drive via Highway 2 (Mitraphap Road) then
turn left to Amphoe Chonnabot, via Highway 229 (Chonnabot-Mancha
Khiri). The entrance to the temple is on the left before reaching
Amphoe Mancha Khiri or some 35 kilometres from Mitraphap Road. From
Khon Kaen, motorists can go via Highway 2731 and 2062 through Amphoe
Phra Yuen.
Sim (ubosot of Wat Sa Thong Ban Bua )
Sim (ubosot of Wat Sa Thong Ban Bua ) This Sim, ordination
hall, is architectural heritage of Isan with outstanding local characters.
The exterior is decorated with colourful mural and glass. 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.
Tortoise Village
Tortoise Village 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.
How to get there: from downtown Khon Kaen, motorists can drive
via Highway 12( Khon Kaen –Chum Phae) for ten kilometres then
turn left to Highway 2062 (Khon Kaen-Mancha Khiri) for another 54
kilometres. The entrance to the tortoise village is on the left
at Ban Kok, two kilometres prior to Amphoe Mancha Khiri. It is easy
to notice with two tortoise replicas on the roadside opposite to
Wat Si Sumang. Turn left through Ban Kok, the tortoise village is
50 metres away.
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