Isan hotels and travel guide, Thailand. Hotel reservation for Khon Kaen and all north-easter regions of Thailand.

The Buddha Utthayan and Phra Mongkhon Ming Mueang
Located within the Muang municipality. It is about 3 kms. to the north of town. The surrounding is naturally decorated with rocks and stones and rich in various plants and trees, transforming it into a park (Utthayan). The Phra Mongkhon Ming Muang statue, commonly referred to as Phra Yai, in the Mam Vichai (Victory Over Evil) posture. has a lap width of 11 m. and is 20 m. tall from the ground level to the top of the edifice. Artistic influence of North India (Pala) prevalent a thousand years ago, can be detected. The original statue, with a 8.4 m. wide base, a length of 12.6 m. and 5.2 m. tall, has later been renovated and covered with golden mosaic tiles in 2508 B.E. (1995). Phra Mongkhon Ming Muang is a marvelous statue of the Northeast and a historic image of both Amnat Charoen and Ubon Ratchathani. Behind the statue are two other images but of different characteristics. Covered with soft yellow robes, they are called "Phra La Hai" or "Phra Khi Lai", meaning not beautiful. The description is based on the shape of ancient Buddha statues. They were discovered in 2505 BE. (1962) during restoration undertakings around the area. They are regarded as talisman of luck and the local people regularly seek blessings from them.

Wat Chaiyatikaramit
Located in Ban Phone Muang, Tambon Mai Klon, Phana district, houses a 55 cm.-tall bronze Buddha statue in the Marn Vichai posture classed in the style of Laotian artists of Vientiane. It is comparable to the statue of the same posture at the Phra Kaew hall in Vientiane and the one at Wat Vichun in Luang Phrabang, believed to be cast between the 22nd and 23rd century BE.

Located in Phana district on Highway No.2134 about 2 kms. from the district town, or 40 kms. from Amnat Charern itself. The Ubosot (convocation hall) is of the Lanna architectural style and houses the Phra He-la Thepnimitr, which is the principal Buddha statue. The image in the Marn Vichai posture is beautifully gilded in gold and lacquer and cast in 2263 B.E. (circa 1720), said to be the most splendid of Buddha statues in the northeast The influence of indigenous craftsman ship after the 21st-22nd century B.E. can be detected, such as the outline of the face, the stretched-out ray over the head, the proportion of the knees and feet, all similar to wooden and bronze statues during the 23rd-24th century B.E. Wat Pho Sila is situated at Ban Puay Hua Dong, Tambon Puay Hua Dong of Muang district. Its special features are the Sema (usually heart-shaped stone pieces placed along the top of the walls around a temple). Here the sandstone Semas are tapering in shape with a spear-tip-like end and with narrow lower part. The base itself is carved with lotus in full bloom. On the Sema piece over the lotus leaves is carved the likeness of a water pot doubling over an upturned bell. The entire design is influenced by the Tharavadi style of the Central Region. Located within the Muang district on the Amnat Charoen-Khemarat road, about 18 kms. from the provincial town and 2 kms. further on a left access road. Within the huge compound are a Viham on a tall hill, to the north of which is a large cave. The cave houses a large Buddha statue of great beauty which is highly revered by visitors. From the Sala Phan Hong area can be viewed the pleasant and beautiful nature, adorned by large and small rocky formations. It is called Tham Saeng Phetch, Cave of Diamond Sparkles, because of the gleam and twinkles from the stones scattered around. A number of foreign monks usually are in residence to study the Dharma. Phu Sa Dok Bua National Park
Located in areas covering three provinces-Nikhom Kham Soi and don Tan Districts of Mukdahan, Lerng Nok Ta district of Yasothon and Senagka-nikhom of Amnat Charoen, with a total of 252 sq. kms. The terrains in general are mountainous stretching from the northwest to the southeast. Its rich and fertile jungles are habitats to a great number of different plant life. There are several large stone flatlands in different locations locally called "Dan". The jungles of mostly mixed plants and trees and arid jungles are scattered around with numerous wildlife. Around Phu Sa Dokbua in particular, which is vast tract of jungles with plentiful water sources, can be found wildlife such as deer, wild boar, wild hare, squirrel, porcupine and fowls such as pheasants. Within the national park are mixed with scenic natural beauty, the fascinating stone cliffs and evidence of former armed struggles due to political differences. Major attractions in the park include:-

• Phu Pha Taem is a cliff adorned with pre-historic pictures of palm-prints and color paintings believed to be of the same age as the color paintings at Phu Pha Terb National Park in Mukdahan and the Pha Taem National Park. The cliff face itself looks somewhat like caves because of rock slides. The paintings are about 7-12 m. over the cave floor, the cave being about 60 m. long.
• Pha Ma Klua is a site suitable for relaxation and for viewing the surroundings. Located near Phu Pha Taem, it is stone ground under the cliff hangings and pleasant with an assortment of plants and trees.
• Phu Wat Stone Ground is popular relaxation spot for the local people. Crowds of villagers visit the site over Songkran and religious days.
• Phu Pha Hom offers a panoramic view from the Phu Pha Taem mountain. Other mounts such as Phu Mu, Phu Phang Ma, Phu Mai Samg, Phu Song and Phu Akrachart can be seen from here. Visitors come here to witness the sunset to record the beautiful scene and to spend the night.
• The 423 m-high Phu Sa Dokbuais situated on the bordering points of three provinces. Atop the mount are several rocky depressions, each measuring about 2-5 m. wide filled with different genres of water lilies throughout the year, the blooms of which are most attractive and lovely. Nearby is a large cave which used to be the hide-out of Communist followers which could accommodate up to 100 persons.
• Phu Pha Taek ,known as Hill 420 during past armed conflicts, is today a viewing point for the beautiful scenery in the area. From the north side can be seen the far-off mountain range of the Mukdahan National Park. Many stone grounds and timber woods can be found. The stone grounds can be as extensive as covering an area of 20-40 Rai (one Rai equals 1,600 sq.m.) while timbers alternate with prairies creating some interesting scenery.
• The Phu Sa Dok Bua National Park can be reached by Highway No.2277 (Lerng Nok Ta-don Tan route). It is about one kilometer off the highway at a point between markers Km. 24-26, a distance of 60 kms. from the provincial town. The park headquarters are located at the Huay Hin Chai Reservoir at Moo 3, Ban Nong Mek, Don Tan district, Mukdahan province.

Further information from the park office at Tel: (042) 619076, or call the National Park Division, Forestry Department, Tel:5790529, 5794842.
Chanuman is a district about 80 kms. from the provincial town where the land runs alongside the Mekong River for a distance of some 38 kms. affording a wonderful view of the natural scenery of both sides of the river. Rapids which emerge during the dry season (February-May) such as Kaeng Hin Khan (13 kms. south of Chanuman) are quite exciting and eye-catching. The Don Chao Phu, is a 260 Rai community park with assorted plants and serves as habitat to large groups of monkeys. Located on the outskirts of Amnat Charoen near the Chit Sakon Resort, is a garden of flowering plants, notably the marigolds. Visitors can take park in some activities at the facility. Ban Kham Phra Handicraft
On the Hua Taphan Amnat Charoen highway about 2 kms. from the district office, or 37 kms. from the provincial town, is a facility offering handicraft products made by housewives groups. Items available include the Khit fabric and items made from Khit materials.
Ban Sarng Toh Occupational Center produces and offers training on several types of local handicraft such as weaving and gem-cutting. Open to the public, it is located about 5 kms. from the district town of Hua Saphan accessible by asphalted road.

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