Split off from Udon Thani in 1993, Nong Bua Lam Phu is a scenic province famous for its prehistoric sites. Fossilised shells about 140 million years old can be seen in the cliffs 10 kilometres outside the main town; archaeological sites at Kudkormuey and Kudkwangsoi villages are also attractions.

Well worth a visit is the huge Erawan Cave, full of beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. A very long stairway leads up to the cavern, where a large Buddha sits at the entrance.

Wat Tham Klong Phen, a tranquil forest monastery outside of town, is revered as the home of the famous meditation monk, Luang Phu Khao Analayo. A museum in the compound is dedicated to the monk. A beautiful nature reserve is found at Phu KaoPhupan Kham National Park covering 320 square kilometres, including a large lake formed by Ubon Ratana Dam, which is a popular fishing area.

Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Saraburi and Highway No. 2 to Udon Thani via Nakhon Ratchasima and Khon Kaen, then take Highway No. 210 to Nong Bua Lam Phu, a total distance of 608 kilometres.

Bus
Buses depart from Bangkok’s Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Nong Bua Lam Phu every day. Contact Transport Co.Ltd at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information

Rail
There is no direct train from Bangkok to Nong Bua Lam Phu. Visitors can take a train to Udon Thani and continue the journey by bus to Nong Bua Lam Phu. Call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20 for more information.

Air
Visitors can fly from Bangkok to Udon Thani and then continue the trip by bus to Nong Bua Lam Phu. Call Thai Airways, Tel: 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 for more information.

Boon Bung Fai Festival (Rocket Festival)
In June of every year, the town hosts the exuberantly celebrated Boon Bung Fai Festival (Rocket Festival) amidst a carnival atmosphere. The two-day event is staged to ensure plentiful rains during the coming rice-planting season. The first day features a parade of carnival floats and huge, colorful bamboo rockets made by the locals themselves, as well as fairs, music and folk entertainment. The huge, homemade rockets are then launched on the second day.

Holy Erawan Cave Pilgrimage
The annual, holy Erawan Cave Pilgrimage pays homage to the Buddha image situated in the cave perched atop a mountain in April.

King Naresuan the Great Fair
The King Naresuan the Great Fair is held on January 25th of every year to pay homage to the highly revered king and features religious ceremonies and fun-filled activities.