 Kut
Ngong
is a village which has temple boundary stones
sculpted into various postures of Lord Buddha. The villagers have
gathered about 20 of the stones and placed them in Ban Kut Ngong School
in Tambon Nong Na Saeng. There are 2 ways to Kut Ngong; take the
Chaiyaphum : Bua Yai Road for 12 km. then turn right to Ban Kut Tum and
proceed to Ban Kut Ngong 12 km. away, another way is on the Chaiyaphum Si Khiu or Highway No.201 form Non Hai intersection to the south for 6
km. and turn left to Ban Khwa Noi, straight to Ban Bung Khla, and
another left for 2 km. To Ban Kut Ngong.
 Phra Chao Pho Phraya Lae
Shrine
is near Nong Pla Thao, 4 km. To the west of the
Provincial Hall on Highway No. 205 (Chaiyaphum : Ban Khawao). To the right is a sacred historical site which is
where Chao Pho Phraya Lae was executed by Lao soldiers. Locals built the
shrine to honor him and to have the spirit protect the Chaiyaphum and
Thai people. Every year, beginning on the first Wednesday of May, a week
long festival in his honor is held.
Prang-Ku
is an ancient late rite site. Inside is a Buddha
image from the Dvaravati period. King Chaiworaman Vll, the last great
king of the Khmer Empire, ordered it built during 782-1220. Regarded by
the people here as a sacred place, a festival is held at the site in the
middle of April every year. Prang Ku is in Chaiyaphum Municipality and
is 1 km. of the Provincial Hall. An asphalt road leads to the site.
 Tat Tone National Park
Only 20 kms. From town along the highway 2051, is
a highly scenic spot excellent for rest or picnic. The park has a total
area 135,738 rai. The area was proclaimed a National Park on December
31, 1980.
What to see in Tat
Tone National Park
Chao Pho Tat Tone Shrine (Duang)
is near Tat Tone Waterfall and is revered by
Chaiyaphum people and those from nearby provinces. Chao Pho Tat Tone was
a man of Khmer origin who migrated to Thailand at about the same time as
Chao Pho Phraya Lae. While he was in Thailand, he became a hermit who
mediated, followed strict Buddhist laws and cured people of illness. He
was widely revered by locals and when he died, several shrines were
built to honor him such as Chao Pho Achan Duang Shrine or Phu Duang
Shrine at Chong Sam Mo, Pu Duang Shrine at Wat Phra Puttha Chaiyaphum
Phithak and this shrine at Tat Tone Waterfall. A ritual is performed
every Wednesday to please spirits at the shrine, plus 4 major rites
every year.
Pha Eiang Waterfall
is around 32 km. northwest of the Provincial Hall
on Highway No.2159 (Chaiyaphum - Nong Bua Daeng). This is a medium-sized
waterfall that is a slant cliff across a stream which makes the
waterfall fall to one side of the cliff. The waterfall is west of Tat
Tone National Park at Lam Huai Chi Long. The area surrounding the
waterfall is a dry, thick jungle which has many big tress, making for a
shady area ideal for relaxation.
Phu Faet
in Tambon Na Siao is a low hill with the main
attraction being a footprint of Lord Buddha like that in Saraburi. About
18 km. from the Provincial Hall, visitors can take the same route as Phu
Phra and turn right for 5 more km. A variety of trees are planted here
and they are lined on both sides of the road leading to the temple.
People wishing to view the footprint can ask for a key from the nuns
there.
 Phu Phra
is in Wat Sila Asana, 12 km. north of the
Provincial Hall on Highway No.201 (Chaiyaphum - Kaeng Khro). This is a
low mountain which has a bas - relief of a meditating Buddha image which
is called Phra Chao Ong Tu by locals. Phu Phra is in Tambon Na Siao.
Tat Fa Waterfall
or Tham Tia Waterfall is both a small cave at the
foot of Khao Phu E Thao and a steep waterfall about 15-20 meters wide,
80-90 meters high and has a 30 degree angle. There is year - round water
flow and a pool provides splendid swimming. The waterfall is in Tambon
Na Siao, 25 km. north of the city on highway No.201.
 Sa Hong
is in Wat Khao Sa Hong. It is an ancient pool in
the middle of a small slope. About 3 meters from the pool is a swan
shaped stone which was designed by nature. The pool is in Tambon Na Siao,
12 km. to the north of the Provincial Hall on Highway No.2051 on the
left (the road to Cho Raka Reservoir).
Tat Tone Waterfall
is one of the highest and most beautiful
waterfalls in the Northeast. There is a stone terrace 50 meters wide and
6 meters high. It has a year-round flow of water, which is especially
abundant in the rainy season during April-September. The source of the
waterfall is the mountains that surround national forest reserves which
are Phu Khong, Phu Yuak, and Phu E Thao, all of which connect each other
to create the Lankha mountain Range. Rainwater accumulate here and
gradually flows down to Huai Prachao and eventually to Tat Tone
Waterfall. |
