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 Kaeng Tana National Park can
be reached by two ways. One is by Highway 2222. Along this route you get
a beautiful sight of Kaeng Tana because more rocks can be seen on this
side. The other way is the route to the National Park Office along
Highway 217 (Phibun-Chong Mek route) and then turn left to Highway 2173
for another 13 kilometers. The total area of Kaeng Tana National Park is
50,000 rai. It was proclaimed a national park on 13 July 1982.
Attractions in the park
include:
Kaeng
Tana is the biggest cataract in the middle of the Mun River.
The cataract itself is a big stone platform lying across the Mun River,
causing the water which flows through Kaeng Tana to take the form of
beautiful waterfalls.
Don Tana
is a sand bar of 450 meters in width and 700 meters in length that
emerges and splits the Mun River into two branches. To the north, lies a
sandy beach, which is an ideal place for recreation. Generally viewed
covering the whole area is dry evergreen forest. There are big trees
providing shade, and growing naturally among them are some teak trees.
Now, visitor can reach Don Tana by walking across a suspension bridge.
Kaeng Khanwhe is a cataract which is approximately 1 kilometer
long and 300 meters wide. there is a sandy beach which has large and
small stones scattered sink holes and jagged rocks prevail. The large
amount c water in December running fiercely against the rocks creates a
picturesque scene.
Tat Ton Waterfall is on Highway 2173, which is about 6 kilometer
off Highway 217. This beautiful waterfall is created from Tat Ton Brook
flowing past a stone platform and plunging onto the pain forming a basil
large enough to swim in. The water is cool and clear. The area is
surrounded by forest and flowering shrubs.
There is accommodation for tourists at the park, and prior reservation
is needed by contacting Tel. 5790529,5794842.
Heo Sin Chai Cave is on Highway 2222, about 7 kilometers before
reaching Amphoe Khong Chiam, turn left for about 2 kilometers. It is on
the same route as Kaeng Tana. The cave is a Buddhist center with a
beautiful reclining Buddha image. This center is famous for its strict
discipline. It is hill around the temple with many big rocks, trees, and
beautiful flowers. Besides there is also a waterfall cascading down the
cliff to the area in front of the reclining Buddha image making the
place very cool and beautiful.
Wat Tham Khu Ha Sawan is on
Highway 222 about 6 kilometer before reaching Khong Chiam District. The
temple was built in 1978 by Luang Pu Kam Khaning Chula Mani. It was his
residence and place o meditation while he was still alive. Despite the
fact that he passed away many years ago, his body remains in perfect
condition, so his disciples keep it in glass coffin to worship it. There
are scenic spots for tourists to admire the beauty of the Mae Khong
River and the Laotian border.
The Bi-coloured River or the Mun
River's alluvium is the place where two rivers join: the Brown Mae Khong
and the Blue Mun River. It is located in Khong Chiam District about 84
kilometers from Ubon Ratchathan city center.
Pakmun
Dam is constructed from stone reinforced with clay soi across
the Mun River at Ban Huawhe in Amphoe Khong Chiam. With a width of 17
meters and a length of 300 meters, the dam facilitates agriculture and
generates electricity. It is located approximately 75 kilometers from
town, or about 6 kilometers far 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 Amphoe Khong Chiam to Amphoe Sirinthon without
driving back to Amphoe Phibun Mangsahan. In addition, cruising along the
beautiful Mun River is possible from the end of the dam to the so-called
bicoloured river, where the Mun River joins with the Mekong River.
Pha Taem National Park covers a
total area of 140 square kilometers in Khong Chiam, Amphoe Si Muang Mai,
and Amphoe Pho Sai. It was announced officially as a national park on 31
December, 1991. Plateaus and hills dominate the park's landscape. There
are sheer cliffs which are a result from earthquakes. Most trees are of
the deciduous dipterocarp forest. Irregular shaped sandstone is found
scattered in the area. Beautiful flowering plants grow among the rocky
ground. Traveling can be made from Amphoe Khong Chiam along Highway No.
2134, followed by Highway No. 2112, and then turning right for another 5
kilometers, the total distance is 18 kilometers.
Places of interest within
the park are:
 Sao
Chaliang
is on Highway 2112, about 11 kilometers 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 shells, pebbles,
and sand grains can be seen in big stone slabs believe that about a
million years ago this area must have been a sea bed.
Pha Taem and Pha Mon
are on Highway 2112 about 98 kilometers from Ubon Ratchathani, about 3
kilometers further from Sao Chaliang in Tambon Nong Phua Noi. Pha Taem
and Pha Mon are two steep cliffs overlooking the Mekong river with a
clear view of Laos on the other side. On the cliffs' surface, there are
prehistoric paintings dating back to 3,000-4,000 years ago reflecting
the ancient way of life of the people who once lived in the area, such
as Buk fishing (Buk is a species of large scaleless fish found in the
Mekong river), and rice farming. Figures of people, animals, hands, and
geometric designs were also depicted.
Tham Mut
is in Ban Sa Som on Highway 2112, turning left and continuing for about
15 kilometers to Ban Thung Na Muang. This is a cave some 4 meters wide
and 6 meters high. Inside there are many carved Buddha images,
indicating that it used to be a place for religious ceremonies.
Soi Sawan Waterfall
 on Highway 2112, is 30 kilometers from Khong Chiam District. It is a big
waterfall cascading from two sides of steep cliffs about 20 meters high.
It resembles a necklace. The water is plentiful all year round. The area
is surrounded with trees and various kinds of flowers.
Thung Na Muang Waterfall
is on Highway 2112 about 12 kilometers from Soi Sawan Waterfall. It is a
beautiful medium - sized fall and is near the road. The water cascades
down the rocks; the highest level is about 25 meters. The area is full
of blossoming plants.
Saengchan
Waterfall (Ru Waterfall)
is only 1 kilometer from Thung Na Muang Waterfall on Highway 2112. It is
a very beautiful waterfall with a special characteristic of its own that
is the water will fall down through a rock pipe looking like the full
moon shining onto the world. Around the area, large and small rocks are
scattered together with many kinds of trees. Below is a cave very
suitable for camping. |
Attractions in 
