History of the park

Looking at the history of Phanom Rung historical park and the ancient richness in the architecture, it is evident that this site is worth being a world heritage site. Prasat Him Phanom Rung is the actual name of this historical park and is located in Chalerm Phrakiat district of Buri Ram province. The construction of this temple complex is carried through 3 centuries, starting from 10^th century and up to 13^th century. The majority of the construction took place during the reign of King Suriyavarman II, following Angkor architecture, while some of the portion is built between 16^th and 18^th century during the Buddhist reign. One common thing about most of the khmer sites is that they face the eastern side and phanum rung is not excluded. Right from the 13^th century, Phanom Rung Historical Park is enthralling visitors with its vivid architecture and gorgeous elegance. In 1971, the Thai government, with the help of Thailand’s department of fine arts, worked hard for 17 years on the restoration process and revamped its architectural marvel. This historical site was submitted to UNESCO to be listed as the world heritage site.

Architectural Marvel

The temple complex of Phanom Rung historical park is built using Laterite and Sand stone. It consists of 3 naga bridges. Going through the walkway, visitors can reach the first naga bridge. There are 70 sand stone posts on either side of the walkway. The third naga bridge takes the visitors to the main sanctuary. A striking feature of this architecture marvel is that the sun rays strike through all 15 doorways, 4 times a year. This phenomenon occurs at the morning sunrise sometime around the first week of March and September and during the sunset of the first week of April and October. This phenomenon occurs prior to the actual schedule on leap years. The visiting hours of the Phanom Rung historical park are extended during these special days. Planning a visit during these times would be a delight to explore.

Another important occasion at Phanom Rung National Park is the Climbing Khao festival. This is celebrated with great enthusiasm on the first Saturday of April, every year, remembering the restoration of this heritage site. A procession is taken to the top of the hill during the morning time and late in the night, visitors get to watch dramas and dances along with some light shows.

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Travelers from all over the world draw here to watch the unforgettable sunset and to spend a remarkable day on the fascinating rocky ground.

Sam Phan Bok (The three thousand holes) has been formed due to water erosion, and the Mekong River is the great artist who created this masterpiece. Some holes are filled with water which reflects the sky, like mirrors, some of them even bigger than a swimmingpool.

We will take a 2-hour private cruise down the river and visit interesting places, like the spot where the French soldiers back in the colonial period marked digits to gauge the water level of the Mekong river.

We will take our lunch at a floating restaurant by the Mekong river where we can sit and watch the fishermen throw their nets.

This tour is normally not available during the rainy season. Please contact us for updated information.

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Phu Kradueng, basically a sandstone mountain and completely covered by green savannas, is located at an altitude of 1316m in Amphoe Phu Kradueng of Loei province. While it got recognition in 1943 as a national protected park, Phu Kradueng national park was nationalized in the year 1959.  Kradueng means Bell in Thai and this might be one reason for naming this bell shaped park as Phu Kradueng National park.

As you enter into the park, a delightful aroma from the flora and fauna welcomes you in style. Every corner of the park displays a great amount of beauty and elegance. Amusing waterfalls enchant your day by rejuvenating your body, mind and soul. Lam Nam Phong river, in particular, offers an enticing pleasure with its bubbling waters. The top of the Phu Kradueng national park is a plain 60 kilometers area with full of savannahs. Elegantly standing thick forest with blooming orchids makes this place an ultimate choice for environmental freaks. The weather on the top of the mountain has a soothing effect on you. In winter, the temperature can fall drastically and it is important to be prepared with the environmental changes here and this is where an experienced travel agent like Travel Isaan makes your day.

The vegetation on the park is a mixed ecosystem with Hill evergreen forest, deciduous forest, pine forest and dipterocorp forest. November and December are two months which offer a delight of viewing colorful flowers of rarity. Precious animal species like Asian black bear along with sambar deer, wild elephants, gibbons and tigers are found here. Phu Kradueng national park is popular for variety of flowers like violets and slipper orchids.

The most popular point of attraction here is trekking and many young people from Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani visit Phu Kradueng national park with their friends on every weekend. Trekking usally takes 3-6 hours. The distance from the base to the mountain top is 9 kms. While the first 5 kms is easy, the remaining 1000 meters is steeper and requires greater energy levels. There are several rest spots available on the climb, though. Phu Kradueng national park remains closed between June and September and reopens on October. It is evident that you would receive a lifetime experience at Phu Kradueng. While choosing the right travel agency can make a big difference, make no compromise and choose only the leader in Thai tours, Travel Isaan.

Travel Isaan is one agency which offers a customized package wherein the visitor’s passions are more valued. Create your own tour itinerary and enjoy every moment of your stay in Phu Kradueng National park.

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Historic overview

The history of Ubon Ratchathani takes us back to 18th century when Thao Kham Pung, the first ruler, founded this area while escaping from King Sirubunsan of Vientiane. It was made a province in 1792. In 1899 Northeaster Monthon supervised this region which is when it was named as Isaan and this is the reason Ubon is also called as Isaan even today. Ubon was the largest province for many years until 1972, when it was split into smaller provinces. During the World War II, there was a dominant presence of the Japanese, followed by US, Australia and Britain forces which resulted in a population explosion. However, Ubon Ratchathani did not lose its elegance and today, it still depicts a vivid picture, combining Buddhist practices and ancient culture and heritage of Khmer era.

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Geographic location of Ubon Ratchathani

The city, going by the name Ubon, is actually called Amphur Muang and is the eastern tip of Thailand on the Korat plateau. Ubon is surrounded by Amnat Charoen province on the north, Cambodia on the south, Laos on the east and Yasothon and Sisaket provinces on the west. The distance from the capital city Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani is approximately 650 kilometers towards northeast. Most of the area is covered with forests which is why we see many national parks and botanical gardens all over the place.

Urbanization Trends in Ubon

The population of Ubon Ratchathani is not very high but expanding at a rapid pace. With two universities and hundreds of colleges and schools, students are migrating to the city from the nearby areas to pursue academics. In addition, there are several people settled in the city owing to their jobs or business ventures. The main income for the city comes from agriculture. While travelling through the province you would experience a delight of watching greenery everywhere which is not very common in today’s urbanizing trends. Ubon Ratchathani is the central hub for the transportation of the whole province. Ubon International Airport was once accommodating international flights. Today, it has turned into a domestic airport. There are several trains and buses, operating between Ubon and other parts of the country. You can find diversified groups of people from Japan, Vietnam and western countries, settled in Ubon Ratchathani. However, the culture, language and food depict Isaan to the maximum extent.

Ubon’s Heritage and Culture

With people practicing Buddhism to the core, you see hundreds of temples and monuments, depicting the religious beliefs and the artistic vividness of the people. The Ubon candle festival which marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent is celebrated here with high regards. Another important festival is the popular Ubon festival observed on the full moon day sometime in July.

Tourist places in Ubon Ratchathani

Ubon Ratchathani is a place of versatility comprising of temples, monuments, parks and botanical gardens. Tourism, if managed in the right way, can earn a huge income for the city. People, tired of beaches and resorts can enjoy a different holistic experience, during the stay at this city. There are historically significant temples, nationalized parks, botanical gardens and waterfalls which leave you poised on choosing the tour itinerary.

City parks

The Thung Si Muang Park is centrally located in the city and is famous for the bright yellow candle sculpture of 22 meters long, along with other statues and monuments within the park, depicting Isaan art styles and culture. Another important historic piece of art is the statute of Phra Phatumvoraratsuriyawang, honoring the founder of Ubon Ratchathani. There is a monument of Merit, erected in remembrance of the kindness shown by Ubon public during the Second World War. This is the most famous park which demands your visit.

Historic Temples build with splendid architecture

The temples seen in Ubon Ratchathani depict a historic angle with an artistic and religious architecture. Wat Nong Bua is a famous temple which hosts the white angular chedi, resembling the Bodhi Stupa in India. This stupa was built in 1957 and incorporates modern architecture. Wat Pah Nanachat is the international Forest Monastery which hosts a wide range of Buddhist monks from other parts of the world. Wat Nong Pah Pong is another forest monastery with 70 odd monks, stupas and museums displaying the Isaan heritage and culture. Wat Thung Si Muang is another popular temple in Ubon Ratchathani which gains its accolades for its marvelous wooden sculpture hall.

Amusing Waterfalls

The magnificence of Ubon Ratchathani is actually seen in the natural greenery and amusing waterfalls. There are several waterfalls in and around Ubon namely, Soi Sawan waterfalls, Saeng Chan waterfalls and Thung Na Muang waterfalls, showering a splendid bliss to the visitors. Pha Taem Cave paintings are not worth missing. These cave paintings date back 3000 years and are a delight to watch. Lan Hin Wild Flower Fields is a beautiful place which hosts wild flowers. Visiting this flower field after the rains can enthrall you with a splendid experience.
Ubon Ratchathani is a diversified city offering everything right from green earth bed to splashing waterfalls, historic monuments to architectural elegant temples and much more. The only drawback with the city is that you need ample time to enjoy the entire magnificence offered by the city and only Travel Isaan is one agency which has expertise in designing your tour in Thailand, optimizing your time at the very best.

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Pha Taem

The Phataem National park covers 340 square kilometers of spectacular scenery close to Laos, divided by the Mekong river. Arriving at Pha Taem national park you will be greeted by Sao Chaling, a natural rock formation made of sea shell fossils, looking like a giant mushroom, which was actually created 130-180 mio. years ago, when the dinosaurs was still walking around. Also here you will get a stunning bird-eye view over the Mekong river and its surroundings. We continue by foot to witness the 300 prehistoric cave paintings done more than 3000 years ago, including fish traps, elephants, human hands and geometric designs.

If you travel from late september to end of december you will be able to see what the park calls the largest flower field in Thailand, and from june to november a 25 meter high waterfall. This can be chosen instead of the two temples Wat Don Tat and Wat Tham Kuu haa Sawan.

After a good walk it’s time to relax and get some lunch. We will take this on a beautiful situated restaurant with a view over the Mekong river and Laos, watching the fishermen throw their nets from their boats.

Kaeng Tana – Thailands longest suspension bridge

Close to Pha Taem national park, you will find Kaeng Tana national park. Here you can cross Thailands largest suspension bridge and watch the water rapids below you. Its also possible to take a boat trip below the suspension bridge.

The suspension bridge is 450m long, and you can watch the sunset from it.

Travel Isaan makes a stunning 2-day tour to this area.
See it here: Ubon Ratchathani national parks – 2 day tour.

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The area is mostly high plateau, with dense forest area facing west.

Mukdahan is home to several minority groups from Laos. Once every year, in January, The Thai Mukdahan Cultural Heritage festival take place. This event promotes the cultural heritage of the 8 ethnic groups in Mukdahan; the Thai I-San, Phu Thai, Thai Kha, Thai Kaso, Thai Ka Loeng, Thai Yo, Thai Saek and Thai Kula, and also promotes local handicrafts from this community.

The Indochina market Mukdahan

The Indochina Market, located in the centre of the town, is a famous trading center for local produced goods like hand-woven matmee silk, the pha khao ma cloth and the Khit triangular pillow, and attracts customers from all over Isaan. The Indochina Market is also the place to go to get products produced in countries like Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and China. Prices are very low and bargaining a must.

Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge

This bridge connects the Mukdahan province with Savannakhet in Laos. Construction of the 1600 meter long and 12 meter wide bridge started in 2004, and was ready for the public in January 2007.

In Laos cars drive to the right, so the cars exchange side on the Thai side of the bridge.

Mukdahan tower

Ho Kaeo Mukdahan is a 65 meter high observation tower build in 1996, to honor the 50th anniversary celebration of the throne to his majesty the king.

Within the tower you can get a glimpse of the cultural heritage of Mukdahan. 1st floor has an arts and culture museum, 2nd floor shows the history and culture of the 8 ethnic tribes of Mukdahan. You can see ancient artifacts, old photographs and ethnic costumes.

The 6th floor has a panorama observation deck with excellent view of Laos and the Mekong river, and the 7th floor has a silver Buddha image designated for each day of the week.

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Khao Yai National park is a part of Sankamphaeng mountain range, an extension of Dhong Phaya Yen Mountains of Khorat Plateau. While the majority of the park lies in Nakhon Ratchasima province, it extends into Prachinburi, Nakhon Nayok and Saraburi provinces. This national park was established on September 18, 1962 by the then Prime Minister of Thai, Marshall Sarit Thanarat and is the first nationalized park in Thailand. Before being nationalized, this place was a sub-district named Pak Ple and was an adobe for criminals and fugitives as it was far away from authorities and comprised of thick jungles

The beauty of Khao Yai National park cannot be described in words. The rich elegance of blooming orchids and the evergreen flora makes it a splendid delight to watch. Visitors during the rainy season, from June to the end of July, can enjoy the splendid magnificence of blooming orchids. As you travel upwards, you get to see beautiful environmental variations. Out of the five vegetation zones seen on Khao Yai national park, evergreen rain forests occupy 100m to 400m altitude, followed by semi-evergreen rain forest from 400m to 900m. Mixed deciduous forests can be seen from 400m to 600m and hill evergreen forest occupy 1000m and above. Savannahs can be found in places wherein cultivation was done earlier.

Khao Yai National park homes around 153 precious wild life species. There are around 250 wild elephants, Sambar deers, Gibbons, Gaurs, Malayan sun bears, including rarely found Asiatic black bears, tigers and leopards. In addition to a wider range of wild animals, several precious bird species can be seen here. The king of the bird kingdom, the great hornbill, is found in great numbers here. In addition, there are other species like Indian pied hornbill, wreathed hornbill and brown hornbill. The best time to view these rare species is between January and March, at the time of their breeding. A wide variety of vegetation and fruits are available inside the park. Mangoes and rambutans are abundantly grown here. Out of the two entrances into the Khao Yai National park, the northern entrance lies within Nakhon Ratchasima province. The southern entrance in Prachinburi province is very closer to Bangkok city which is why this park is the popular weekend for the residents of Bangkok and even Ubon Ratchathani.

The beauty of Khao Yai National park is such that you need an efficient travel agency who has expertise in customizing your travel to suit your availability, while matching your passions, and there is no match to Travel Isaan, when it comes to exploring Khao Yai National park. The unique feature of Travel Isaan is the customized tour design, focusing on the passions and wishes of the visitor, while offering an option to modify the tour itinerary on the go.

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With AirAsia, travellers can now access Ubon Ratchathani directly from the North, east and south part of Thailand.

The new domestic route to Chiang Mai opens up 16. november, with flights monday, wednesday and friday.

The plane will depart from Chiang Mai 07:20 and arrive in Ubon 08:35, depart again 09:00 and arrive back in Chiang Mai 10:10.

Tickets start at 500 Baht and can be booked directly on the web at www.airasia.com.

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