Northeast Thailand / Phu Khieo, Chaiyaphum
Phu Khieo is a town in Chaiyaphum Province, some 70km (44mi) north of the town of Chaiyaphum and just 25km (16mi) south of the town of Chum Phae.
Accommodation
Phu Khieo; 49 Ratbamrung Rd, Tel 86-1418
13 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-150
Phunsuk; 105 Ratbamrung Rd, Tel 86-1541
14 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-150
Phuthong; 102 Ratbamrung Rd, Tel 86-1246, 86-1287
10 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-150
Places of Interest
Wat Phra That Nong Sam Mun
This old place of worship, 18km (11mi) from the town of Phu Kiew, is believed to have been constructed at the same time as the Phra That Phanom near Nakhon Phanom. In both cases, it is not certain when the structure was built, and estimates go as far back as the 5th century. The Wat has been restored and houses a large reclining Buddha and plaster sculptures depicting legends of heaven and hell, as well as figures from the popular legend of Sang Thong.
Chulabhorn Dam
The lake formed by Chulabhorn Dam near Khon San, some 60km (37.5mi) west of the town of Phu Khieo, is popular for day tours. There are also bungalows for over-night visits. Reservations should be made at the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand in Bangkok, Tel 424-4794.
Tung Kramang
Khao Khieo Forest, between the towns of Phu Khieo and Khon San, with an area of over 160,000 hectares (400,000 acres) is particularly rich in wildlife. In its realm is a water reservoir and even a royal palace.
CHAIYAPHUM
Chaiyaphum is the capital of the province by the same name, about 342km (214mi) from Bangkok.
Accommodation
Charoen Hotel; 196/7 Soi 1, Yutitham Rd
Tel 81-1194 to 5; 36 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-200
Lert Nimit; 447 Niwetrat Rd, Tel 81-1522 to 3
96 rooms, sgl/dbl 100-400
Phaibun; 227/414 Yutitham Rd
Tel 81-1021; 20 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-200
Sirichai; Nonmuang Rd
Tel 81-1461, 81-1416, 81-1543
102 rooms, sgl/dbl 100-350
Places of Interest
Phaya Phakdi Chumphon Statue
The statue, built from voluntary donations of the town folks, honors the founder of Chaiyaphum. The spot were it stands is where Phaya Phakdi was killed by invaders from the Laotian principality of Vientiane. Every year, beginning with the first Wednesday in May, a week-long festival is held in his honor.
Prang Ku
Prang Ku, about 2km (1.25mi) from the town hall, is one of the oldest religious structures in Chaiyaphum. Built of sandstone, it enshrines a Dvaravati period Buddha image. Bathing rites are held each year on the day of full moon in April.
Wua Daeng Cave
The Wua Daeng Cave, some 90km (56mi) northwest of the town of Chaiyaphum is difficult to get to, but makes up for this inconvenience by its beauty and that of the surroundings. There are several more caves in the area.
Phu Koeng
This 7m (23ft) tall Buddha image is built on a high cliff at the top of Landa Mountain, some 30km (19mi) from the town of Chaiyaphum.
Pa Hin Ngam (Beautiful Stones Forest)
Near Thep Sathit, 90km (56 mi) southwest of Chaiyaphum, rocks of strange shapes and sizes are scattered over an area of over 32 hectares (80 acres). During the rainy season (May, June), wild flowers with a pinkish-violet hue, called Dok Krajieo, adorn the place and make it truly picturesque.
Transportation
Bangkok - Chaiyaphum
Buses from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal on Phahonyothin Road; 332km, non-aircon 66 Baht, 7:00, 8:02, 8:41, 9:21, 10:02, 11:31, 13:10, 14:30, 16:34, 20:31, 22:00; aircon 117 Baht, 6:30, 8:30, 10:00, 11:30, 14:30, 17:00, 19:00, 23:00
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