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:: Amphoe Buntharik
Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park
This was declared as a national park on 1 June 1987. Covering
an area of 687 sq. km over mountainous areas in Ubon Ratchathani,
the park is where borders of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia meet. To
get superb view of the three countries, visitors are recommended
to take hiking trails which lead on to the high plateau. The best
view can be seen from the cliffs at Pha Pheung. Interesting attractions
include: the 40-metre Bak Tew Yai waterfall, which is located approximately
4 kms from the park office, rock formations at Phlan Yaw and a group
of springs in the forest at Bo Nam Sap.
:: Amphoe Khong Chiam
Kaeng Tana National Park
This park can be reached on two routes. The first route
is by taking Highway No. 2222 where visitors will be presented with
a beautiful view of Kaeng Tana. On the other hand, visitors can
take the route to the National Park Office along Highway No. 217
(Phibun Mangsahan-Chong Mek route) and turning left onto Highway
No. 2173 and proceeding for another 13 kilometers.
Khong Chiam District
The Khong Chiam district overlooks the Mekhong River and
is located 80 kilometers from Ubon Ratchathani. Boat rental services
are available here to go to Kaeng Tana cataract and to go sightseeing
at Mae Nam Song Si or the bicolor river where the Mekhong and Mun
Rivers meet.
Maenam Song Si
Maenam Song Si or the Bi-colored River or the Mun Rivers
alluvium, is the place where two rivers join: the brown Mekong River
and the blue Mun River. It is located in Khong Chiam District, about
84 kilometers from Ubon Ratchathai City centre. Visitors can hire
a boat from Khong Chiam district to see the alluvium.
Namtok Saeng Chan
This waterfall is only 1 kilometer from Thung Na Muang Waterfall.
This is a very beautiful waterfall with a special characteristic
of its own the small stream of water cascades down the face of the
cliff through an opening in the rock resembling a hole. Visitors
viewing the waterfall at noon when the sunlight shines through the
hole will be presented with a view of the cascading water similar
to that of the full moon shining onto the world. Travelling can
be made from Highway No. 2134, followed by Highway No. 2112, and
then turning right to the waterfall.
Namtok Soi Sawan
This is a big waterfall cascading from two sides of steep
cliffs about 20 metres high and is located 30 kilometers from Khong
Chiam District.
Namtok Tat Ton
This waterfall is on Highway No. 2173, which is about 6
kilometers off Highway No. 217. This beautiful waterfall is created
from Tat Ton Brook flowing past a stone platform and plunging onto
the plain forming a basin large enough to swim in that is surrounded
by flowering shrubs and forests in the shady area.
Pak Mun Dam
Constructed from stone and reinforced with clay soil, this
dam has a width of 17 metres and a length of 300 metres. The dam,
which facilitates agriculture and generates electricity, is located
approximately 75 kilometers from town, or about 6 kilometers from
the area where the Mekong River meets the Mun River. It is possible
to travel along the top of the dam wall as a short cut from Khong
Chiam District to Amphoe Sirinthon without driving back to Phibun
Mangsahan District. Cruising along the beautiful Mun River is possible
from the end of the dam to the Bicolored River, where the Mun River
joins with the Mekong River.
Pha Taem National Park
This park covers an area of 140 square kilometers, where
plateaus and hills dominate the parks landscape. There are sheer
cliffs, which resulted from earthquakes. Most trees are of the deciduous
dipterocarp forest. Irregular shaped sandstone is found scattered
throughout the area. Beautiful flowering plants grow among the rocky
ground. Travelling can be made from Khong Chiam District along Highway
No. 2134, followed by Highway No. 2112, and then turning right for
another 5 kilometers. Places of interest within the park are:
Pha Taem and Pha Kham are located near the national park headquarters.
On the cliffs surface are numerous prehistoric cave paintings dating
back 3,000-4,000 years ago that offer insight into the way of life
that existed during the pre-historic days and reflect the ancient
lifestyle of the people who once lived in the area. These painting
depict scenes of fishing, rice farming, figures of people, animals,
hands and geometric designs. It should be noted that the most extensive
site for cave paintings in the country is that of Pha Taem.
Home to one of the world's oldest agrarian communities, Ubon Ratchathani
is also the 'cradle of northeastern civilisation'. Recently discovered
archaeological evidence suggests that humans settled in the region
between 14,000 to 6,000 years ago.
Sao Chaling
Sao Chaliang, which is 11 kilometers from Khong Chaim District
on Highway 2112 is a place that is scattered with natural mushroom-like
piles of stone slabs with a large amount of shells embedded in their
surface. The area is believed by geologists to be a long dried up
seabed (over a million years ago).
Tham Heo Sin Chai
This cave is on Highway No. 2222, about 7 kilometers before
reaching Amphoe (district) Khong Chiam, turn left and proceed for
about 2 kilometers. This cave, which is on the same route as Kaeng
Tana, is a Buddhist center with a beautiful reclining Buddha image.
In addition, there is a waterfall cascading down the cliff to the
area in front of the reclining Buddha image making the place very
cool and beautiful.
Tham Muet
Tham Muet means dark cave. It is at Ban Sa Som, is a cave
approximately 4 meters wide and 6 meters high. Within the cave are
many carved Buddha images, indicting that it used to be a place
for religious ceremonies.
Wat Tham Khuha Sawan
This temple is on Highway No. 222 about 6 kilometers before
reaching Khong Chiam District. The temple was built in 1978 by Luang
Pu Kam Khaning Chula Mani and was his residence and place of meditation
during his lifetime. Despite the fact that he passed away many years
ago, his body remains in perfect condition. Along the route to the
temple are numerous scenic spots for visitors to admire the beauty
of the Mekong River and the Laotian border.
:: Amphoe Khueang Nai
Lion Pulpit at Ban Chi Thuan
Located in a sermon hall of Wat Si Nuan Saeng Sawang Arom,
the pulpit was elaborately crafted in the form of a lion upholding
a tower. This Vietnamese-style pulpit was built in 1925 by a Vietnamese
artist. The site is located approximately 26 kilometres from the
district town. To get there, travel along Highway No. 23 (Ubon Ratchathani
Yasothon) for approximately 24 kilometres. Upon reaching the 268-km.
marker, turn left to the village and proceed for another 5 kilometres.
:: Amphoe Muang
Ban Kan Lueang Archaeological Site
This is situated in Wat Ban Kan Lueang, 3 kilometers from
the town along Highway No. 212. Turn right onto Highway No. 2050
and proceed for 2 kilometers. In 1992, the Fine Arts Department
excavated the site. Discoveries include artifacts, implements, ornaments,
beads, pottery and iron axes. It is believed that this settlement
dates back at least 2,000 years.
Ban Pa Ao
This village is situated at Tambon Nong Khon, 18 kilometers
from the city on Highway No. 23. At the 273-km. marker, turn right
and travel along the track for another 3 kilometers. This village
is one of the oldest villages in Ubon Ratchathani. According to
history, the villagers migrated from Vientiane, Laos during the
reign of King Siri Bun San. The village is over 200 years old and
has a special identity of its own which has been handed down from
generation to generation by its ancestors, such as the craft of
making bronzeware and weaving beautiful silk.
Ban Tha Khong Lek
This village is on Highway No. 226 (Ubon Ratchathani-Si
Sa Ket Route) about 3 kilometers from the district center. This
whole village produces clay pots where the clay, taken from the
Mun River, is thoroughly mixed with chaff and other kinds of material.
The whole process is done by hand.
Hat Khu Duea
This is a sandy river shore on the Mun River bank about
12 kilometers from town. There are varieties of local food sold
along the shore.
Hat Wat Tai
This is a sandy island in the middle of the Mun River. The
island becomes larger than usual in summer. It is also used as a
recreation place by townspeople.
The Stone Inscription at Phu Manat Cave
This is believed to date back to the 12th or 13th Buddhist
Century. This sandstone inscription records the spreading of King
Srimahanetaravoramans (Jitrasane) power to the Mun River area. A
rectangular shape 82 centimeters in length and 24 centimeters in
height, it narrates the victory of the King in the Sanskrit language.
Blurred but still readable, it is now kept at the National Museum
of Ubon Ratchathani.
Thung Si Muang
This is a wide-open area in the middle of the city used
as a recreation and festival celebration area for the townspeople.
A monument of the founder of Ubon Ratchathani is also located here.
Ubon Ratchathani Cultural Centre
Located in Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, the centre
features several halls that display Isans history, local wisdom,
religion, geography and culture. The centres 7-story building is
constructed in an Isan-contemporary style of architecture. Inside
the centre are seminar rooms, theatre, banquet rooms, restaurants
and hotel rooms.
The centre opens daily except Sunday and public holidays from 9.00a.m.
4.00p.m. For more information, call 0 4525 0115-20 for more information.
Tourists are welcome to stay, please contact 0 4526 2901-2 to reserve
your room.
Ubon Ratchathani National Museum
This is on Khuean Thani Road. Built in 1918, the building
was once used as the City Hall. It is regarded as the museum with
the best arrangements and displays artifacts from all districts
in the province. Within the museum are displays of prehistoric events,
history, and culture of Ubon Ratchathani natives. The Museum is
open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Wat Ban Na Mueang
Wat Ban Na Mueang is 5 kilometers from town. The temple
has a very beautiful ordination hall built of ceramics in the shape
of the Suphannahong Royal Barge.
Wat Buraparam
This temple was once the residence of many famous monks
who practiced meditation. Their statues, carved from stones from
various rivers, are kept here for the people to visit and pay their
respect.
Wat Chaeng
Wat Chaeng, on Sapphasit Road in the municipal area, has
one of the oldest ordination halls in the province that is well
preserved and illustrates the perfect northeastern style.
Wat Maha Wanaram
Wat Maha Wanaram, located on Sappasit Road, is an ancient
temple in the city that enshrines the holy Buddha image, Phra Chao
Yai Indra Plaeng that is greatly revered by the people of Ubon Ratchathani
and nearby provinces. An additional attraction is an engraved stone
tablet interred behind the pedestal of the Buddha image.
Wat Nong Bua
This is the only temple in this province that has a rectangular
Chedi, which is an imitation of Chedi Buddhakhaya of India. The
temple is located on the outskirts of Ubon Ratchathani on Highway
No. 212 (Ubon-Amnat Charoen). At the 3-km. marker on the highway,
turn into a side road and proceed for 800 meters to the temple.
Wat Pa Nanachat
This temple is approximately 15 kilometers from the province
on the Ubon-Si Sa Ket route and is renowned for its meditation activities
and the large number of foreign monks practicing there.
Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram
This is a royal temple on Upparat Road beside the City Hall.
The ordination hall is in the same style as the Marble Temple in
Bangkok. The main attraction enshrined within this temple is the
towns sacred Topaz Buddha image.
Wat Supattanaram
This is a royal temple of the Dhammayut Sect in the northeast.
The temple, built in 1853 on the bank of the Mun River surrounded
by beautiful and tranquil scenery. There is a Thai-Chinese-European
style ordination hall, which houses the principal serene Buddha
image of the temple.
Wat Thung Si Muang
This temple is located on Luang Road in the municipal area.
The temple was built during the reign of King Rama III and has a
beautiful ordination hall in the northeastern architectural style.
A scripture hall is located in the middle of a pond, featuring a
roof that shows the Burmese architectural style while the lintel
was carved in the Laotian architectural style. Mural paintings in
this temple feature the civilizations and cultures of the people
of Ubon Ratchathani over 200 years ago.
:: Amphoe Phibun Mangsahan
Kaeng Saphue
Kaeng Saphue, which is the most beautiful cataract in Ubon
Ratchthani, is in the Mun River near the Phibun Mangsahan District
Office, about 45 kilometers from Ubon Ratchathani City center, on
the left-hand side of Highway No. 217. This beautiful cataract of
natural rocks is visible for half the year during the dry season.
Wat Phukhao Kaeo
This temple is on the slope of a hill in Phibun Mansahan
District along Highway No. 217, 43 kilometers from Ubon Ratchathani.
The main attraction inside the temple is a beautiful ordination
hall built entirely from ceramics. In addition, within the hall
are replicas of all the Buddha relics found in Thailand.
:: Amphoe Thung Si Udom
Chong Mek Border
Chong Mek is the boundary between Thailand and Laos that
marks the end of Highway No. 217, which is 89 kilometers long. This
highway will be connected to a 38-kilometre road in Laos leading
to Pak Sae, which will be part of the Asian Highway.
Prasat Ban Ben
This is a medium-sized Khmer stone castle found in Ubon
Ratchathani. The whole compound consists of three brick Prangs seated
on separated laterite bases. Several religious art objects including
Lintel depicting God Indra and Erawan elephant, etc. were discovered
on site in 1990. Archeologists believe they can be dated back to
the late 15 to the beginning of 16 Buddhist Century.
The Sirindhorn Dam
This is about 70 kilometers from the city center on Highway
No. 217. Turn right at the 71-km. marker and proceed for about 500
metres. A multi-purpose dam, it was built to generate electricity
and to facilitate agriculture across a tributary of the Mun River.
The nearby forests have been turned into the park which recently
has gain an increasing amount of popularity. As an ideal recreational
area, water sports and boat trips are available.
:: Amphoe Warin Chamrap
Ban Tha Khong Lek
The village is located on Highway No. 226 (Ubon Ratchathani
Sri Saket), approximately 3 kilometres from the districts town.
The specialty of the villagers lies in the wisdom in making pottery.
All earthenware are made by using special clay taken from Mun River.
They are all hand made.
Wat Nong Pa Phong
Wat Nong Pa Phong is a mediation center with a quiet and
peaceful atmosphere where a number of foreigners practice Buddhism.
The center is located on Highway No. 2178 about 6 kilometers from
the city.
Wat Nong Pa Phong and Wat Pa Nanachat, provide a special opportunity
for non-Thai speakers to find out more about Buddhism and to experience
the insight meditation (Vipassana-style of meditation). For those
interested, it is recommended that you can pay a visit to the temple
of your choice and discuss with foreign monks beforehand. The participation
in the meditation course may require some commitments. Call Wat
Nong Pa Phong at tel. 045 322729 for more information. Staff speaks
English.
Necessities to take with you when staying in Buddhist temple/monastery/retreat
Centre:
The following items are suggested as useful to take:
- Clothes:Loose fitting, easily cared for. Simple sandals and some
loss fitting tops, especially T-shirts are highly recommended. An
umbrella can be useful in the rainy season. In the cold season a
sweater or two would be practical. Also a blanket or sleeping bag.
- Medicine:Pills for diarrhea and constipation, mosquito repellent
and coils, tiger balm or other ointment for bites. Some kind of
antibiotic or disinfectant for cuts, band-aids, minor first-aid
stuff. Eye wash can be very useful. Anti-malaria preventives.
- Food items:Most of the temples/monasteries provide both food
and accommodation. However, there are some useful items you might
bring along but not necessary: thermos, coffee, tea, sugar, milk,
ovaltine, hot plate, cup and kettle.
- Toilet articles:Toilet paper, soap, mirror, all toilet articles.
Helpful to have a small scrub brush for laundry.
- Tips: Behave with full awareness, dress conservatively, have
much patience to yourself and others.
Wat Pa Nanachat
Located at Ban Bung Wai is perhaps the second most famous
temple amongst tourists. The temple is the 19th branch of Wat Nong
Pa Phong. What attracts foreigners most is the monastery's peaceful
ambience and its practice of Buddhists insight meditation a unique
meditation style that also known as Vipassana in Pali.
Travelling to the monastery can be made from Highway No. 226 (to
Sri Saket Province). Approximately 14 kilometres from the districts
town, turn right and proceed to the temples entrance which is the
same to the entrance of Wat Pa Mongkol.
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