:: Non Sang

Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park covers 322 square kilometres. The park headquarters is near the lake at Ubonrat Dam at the foot of Phu Phan Mountain in Non Sang. From Nong Bua Lam Phu, take Highway No. 2146 (Nong Bua Lam Phu-Non Sang) for about 40 kilometres to the intersection at Ban Sok Chan, then a left onto the Ban Sok Chan-Ubonrat Dam Road for about 14 kilometres to the park office. From Khon Kaen, there is a 7-kilometre road from the dam to the park office.


Phu Phan Kham is a part of Phu Phan mountain range. Stretching north to south, it divides Nong Bua Lam Phu and Khon Kaen. The view of the lake at Ubonrat Dam is magnificent. Tourists frequently overnight near the park office beside the lake.
Phu Kao consists of 9 mountains. The most interesting spots branch out eastward from the Non Sang-Nong Bua Lam Phu Road. On the laterite road to Ban Kut Bak are observation points, prehistoric drawings at Mum cave, Wat Phra Phutthabat Phu Kao, rock recesses shaped like human and dog footprints that are the source of local folklore, dinosaur footprints on a rock plateau near a stream, and Tat Fa Waterfall. A park official is required as guide into Phu Kao.

Non Wat Pa is an ancient site about 20 kilometres from Amphoe Muang on the Nong Bua Lam Phu-Non Sang Road. It is believed that it was an old Khmer temple as a Buddha image and some building remains from that period were unearthed here.

Ban Kut Kho Moei and Ban Kut Kwang Soi Archaeological Sites are where prehistoric artefacts were discovered. They include earthenware similar to that at Ban Chiang, bronze and stone bracelets, sandstone moulds for making bronze axes, iron utensils, glass beads, and human skeletons. Both sites are from the same period. Ban Kut Wang Soi is at the eastern foot of Phu Kao. To get there, take the Nong Bua Lam Phu-Non Sang Road for 30 kilometres to Ban Sok Kan Luang, then a right for 5 kilometres. Ban Kut Kho Moei is in Tambon Kut Du at the western foot of Phu Kao. All artefacts found at both sites are now stored in the Khon Kaen National Museum.

:: Na Wang

Erawan Cave is 45 kilometres from town on Highway No. 210 (Nong Bua Lam Phu-Loei) past Na Klang and Na Wang to the 13-km marker, then a right for 2 kilometres and up about 600 steps by foot up the mountain. At the mouth of the cave is a large Buddha image clearly visible from a distance. Inside the cave is a large space with lovely stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is the origin of local folklore called Nang Phom Hom.

:: Suwannakkhuha

Wat Tham Suwannakhuha is around 5 kilometres from the district office. A Buddha image built by Phra Chaiyachetthathirat of Vientiane in 1555 is here. It was built at the same time as Phra Chao Ong Tu and Luang Pho Phra Sai in Nong Khai.

Phu Pha Ya Archaeological Site is north of Ban Na Charoen in Tambon Dong Mafai. In Wat Phu Pha Ya Thammasathit are prehistoric drawings on a mountain. The drawings are of red paint and depict geometric figures, animals, palm prints, and humans. They date from 2,000-3,000 years ago.

:: Festival

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.

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

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.

:: Hotels and accommodation

Sawang Chit :: 53 Wichan Rangsan Amphoe Muang [0 4231 1349] :: - :: 80-130 baht

Si Somphon :: 68 Pho Chai Road Amphoe Muang [0 4231 1084] :: :: 100-200 baht

Suan Hin Thani :: Km. 34 Nong Bua Lamphu-Udon Thani Amphoe Muang [-] :: ::

:: Restaurants

Local Cuisine

 

Buathong Food Court (Thai and local food) :: 290 Nong Bua Lam Phu-Udon Thani Rd., Tel: 0-4231-1949

Kinnaree Food Court (Thai and local food) :: 274 Nong Bua Lam Phu-Udon Thani Rd., Tel: 0-4231-1537

 

Krua Tongta (Thai food) :: 388 Warapakdee Rd., Tel: 0-4231-1286

Rim Phu Rab Ped (Thai and local food) :: 256 Nong Bua Lam Phu-Udon Thani Rd., Tel: 0-4231-1624

:: How to get there

:: By car

:: By bus

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.

Buses depart from Bangkok's Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Nong Bua Lamphu every day. Contact Transport Co.Ltd at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66 for more information.

:: By train

:: By plane

There is no direct train from Bangkok to Nong Bua Lamphu. 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.

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