:: Khong Chiam part 2


The Bi-coloured River , or the Mun River's 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 kilometres from Ubon Ratchathai city centre.

Pak Mun Dam was constructed from stone and reinforced with clay soil. It has a width of 17 metres and a length of 300 metres. The dam facilitates agriculture and generates electricity. It is located approximately 75 kilometres from town, or about 6 kilometres 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 Klong 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 Bi-coloured River , where the Mun River joins with the Mekong River.

Pha Taem National Park covers an area of 140 square kilometres, where plateau and hills dominate the park's 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 in the rocky ground. Travelling here can be accomplished from Klong Chiam District along Highway No. 2134, followed by Highway No. 2112, and then turn right for another 5 kilometres. Places of interest within the park are:

Sao Chaliang is on Highway No. 2112, about 11 kilometres from the office on the route to Pha Taem. Sao Chaliang is a natural formation of rocks sitting one upon another forming a mushroom-like shape. Fossils of sea shell, pebbles, and sand grains can be seen in big stone slabs, leading academicians believe that this area must have been a sea bed about a million years ago.

Pha Taem and Pha Kham are located near the national park headquarters. On the cliff's surface are prehistoric paintings dating back to 3,000-4,000 years ago that reflect the ancient way of life of the people who once lived in the area. These painting depict scenes of fishing and rice farming. Figures of people, animals, hands and geometric designs were also depicted.

Tham Mut , at Ban Sa Som, is a cave some 4 metres wide and 6 metres high. Inside there are many carved Buddha images, indicting that it used to be a place for religious ceremonies.

Soi Sawan Waterfall is 30 kilometres form Khong Chiam District. It is a big waterfall cascading from two sides of steep cliffs about 20 metres high.

Saeng Chan Waterfall is only 1 kilometre from Thung Na Muang Waterfall. It is a very beautiful waterfall with a special characteristic of its own-water cascades down through a rock pile resembling a full moon shining onto the world.

:: Si Mueang Mai

Phu Lon Buddhist Centre is in Tambon Song Yang, about 20 kilometres from Si Muang Mai district. It is a small hill with trees and rocks. There is a cave built by Phra Achan Man Phuritatthathera; it is very tranquil and suitable for relaxation and meditation.

:: Amphoe Bunthairk, Amphoe Nam Yeun and Amphoe Na Chaluai

Phu Chong-Na Yoi National Park covers an area of 686 square kilometres. The area features scenic viewpoints overlooking Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. It has many shady tress and many kinds of flowers. At night, wildlife such as tigers and deer can be seen. It is located on Ubon Ratchathani-Varin Chamrab-Decth Udom-Nan Yeun-Na Chaluai Highway. The Park is on Highway No. 2248 and about 20 kilometres from Na Chaluai District.

Interesting attractions in the National Park include Huay Luang Waterfall, Kaeng Sam Pan Pi, and Natural Walking Track. To visit these attractions, official permission from the national park's headquarters is needed.

:: Thung Si Udom

Prasat Ban Ben is located at Ban Nong Om, about 63 kilometres from town. It is a small Khmer sanctuary, which comprises three brick stupas on laterite bases built separately. During the excavation by the Fine Arts Department, two pieces of lintel depicting the nine gods of directions and the God Indra on his Erawan carrier were found. According to its architectural design and the sculptures shown, this structure is assumed to have been established some time during the end of the 10 th century and the beginning of the 11 th century.

:: Festival

The Candle Festival is the largest religious ceremony in Ubon Ratchathani. It is celebrated yearly on Asalha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) Day in July. The ceremony is held at Thung Si Mueang and Chaturamuk Pavillion. At night, there is entertainment to celebrate the Lent candles. The reflection of lights on the candles creates a picturesque effect during the festival.

Kaeng Sa Peu Songkarn Festival is held yearly in April. Villagers will splash water on each other and swim in the Mun River. The festival also features local sports and northeastern folk music.

:: Hotels and accommodation

Apple Guest House :: 267 Kaeo Pradit Road, Opposite Khongchiam Post Office Amphoe Khong Chiam [0 4535 1160] :: :: 90-300 baht

Araya :: 500 Phukamchai Road Amphoe Khong Chiam [0 4535 1191] :: :: 500-1,000 baht

Ban Rim Khong :: Rim Khong Road Amphoe Khong Chiam [0 4535 1101] :: :: 1,000 baht

Ban Suan Ubon :: 199 Mu 2 Warin Chamrap-Si Sa Ket Road, Tambon Kham Nam Saep Amphoe Warin Chamrap [0 4526 8290 Fax: 0 4532 3678] :: :: 400-500 baht

Bodin :: 14 Phalochai Amphoe Muang [0 4524 1444, 0 4524 3000] :: :: 280-450 baht

Chai Thung Rim Nam :: 296 Chayangkun Road Amphoe Muang [0 4524 1467] :: :: 220-300 baht

Dollar :: Surityat Road Amphoe Muang [0 4524 2310] :: :: 220-300 baht

Kaeng Tana National Park :: Contact in advance at National Park Department Amphoe Khong Chiam [0 2579-7223, 0 2579-5734] :: :: 900-1,500 baht


Khongchiam Marina Resort :: 77 Mu 1 Khongchiam Amphoe Khong Chiam [0 4535 1145-6] :: :: 450-1,000 baht

Khongchiam Resort :: Km. 7-8 Highway No. 2222 Amphoe Khong Chiam [-] :: :: -

Krung Thong :: 152 Si Narong Road Amphoe Muang [0 4525 4200, 0 4524 1609, 0 4525 4245, 0 4524 2308] :: :: 280-480 baht

Lai Thaong :: 50 Phichit Rangsan Amphoe Muang [0 4526 4271, 0 4526 4265-9] :: :: 1,160-1,605 baht

Montana :: 179/1-4 Upparat Road Amphoe Muang [0 4526 1748-50] :: :: 600 baht

Navada Grand :: Chayangkun Road Amphoe Muang [0 4528 0999] :: :: 900-2,500 baht