
Phraya
Phakdi Chumphol Statue located at the circle leading
into town center, honors the founder of Chaiyaphum and was
built by voluntary donations from the local people.
Not too far from
the town center is the site said to be where Phraya Phakdi
was killed by invaders from Vientiane. Here was erected
a shrine in his memory called San Chao Pho Phraya lae, the
title his people bestowed upon him, with a statue of his
likeness inside. Every year, beginning on the first Wednesday
of May, a week long festival in his honor is held.
Prang
Ku one of the oldest religious structures in Chaiyaphum
is about two kilometers from the town hall. Built of sandstone,
it enshrines a Dhveravati Period Buddha image which is highly
revered by the local inhabitants. Bathing rites are held
each year on the day of Full Moon in April.
Ban Khwao
renowned for its quality and elaborately patterned hand-woven
silk, the village is located 13 kilometers from the provincial
city on Highway 225.
Tat Ton
National Park only 20 kilometers from town along
the Chaiyaphum-Kaset Sombun highway, is a highly scenic
spot excellent for rest or picnic.
Nam Tok
Sai Thong National Pank about 60 kms. from town
along the Chaiyaphum-Nakhon Sawan route with another 7 km.
after turning right to the Park's Headquarters. Main attraction
is Nam Tok Sai Thong or Sai Thong Waterfall, about 1km.
away from the headquarters. Another interesting spot is
the field of the pink "Kra Chieo'' flowers which will
require trekking and 1 night stay in the forest.
Pha Koeng
a high cliff on top of the Landa Mountain, is about
47 kilometers from Chaiyaphum proper. Here is a 7-meter
tall Buddha image built within a religious park.
Phu Faek
another restful and scenic spot, can be reached by following
the Chaiyaphum-Phu Kieo Highway twelve kilometers and turning
to a side by way for six kilometers. Phu Faek is a low sloping
area with tall trees providing cool shade. The Phu Faek
Holy Footprint is located nearby. |
Wua
Dang Cave Although getting there is still inconvenient,
the cave more than makes up for it by its beauty and the
surrounding areas. Sixty kilometers from the district seat
of Nong Bua Dang, the Wua Dang mount has a number of caves
to be explored.
Wat Phra
That Nong Sam Mun eighteen kilometers from Amphoe
Phu Kieo, is an old place of worship believed to have been
constructed in the 17th century. It had been restored and
renovated, with a large reclining Buddha and plaster sculptures
depicting the legend of heaven and hell, as described in
the popular literature of Sang Thong.
Chulabhorn
Dam in Amphoe Khon San is popular with both one-day
and over-night tourists. Its lake-like reservoir provides
beautiful scenery and surrounding. Accommodation, bungalow-style,
may be booked at the Bangkok office of the Electricity Generating
Authority of Thailand.
Pa Hin
Ngam National Park is a forested area in Amphoe
Thep Sathit situated 140 kilometers away from Chaiyaphum.
Huge rocks of curious shapes are scattered throughout the
area. In early season during May to July, Pa Hin Ngam is
carpeted with pink flowers growing wild wild. In the cool
season around December to January in the rock crevices grow
yellow orchids and a variety of wild flowers throughout
the forest. Camping sites and accommodation are available.
Ban Khai
and Chaiyaphum Elephant Round-Up located 12 kilometers
from the provincial city, Ban Khai or Ban Khai Mun Phaeo
is Chaiyaphum's elephant village. The main occupation of
the villagers is to tame captured wild elephants. Being
home of as numerous elephants as Surin, Charyaphum has had
their elephant round-up revived and it has become an annual
evant which takes place in January. |