CHAIYAPHUM

Chaiyaphum

Chaiyaphum

Chaiyaphum

Chaiyaphum

Chaiyaphum

Chaiyaphum

Chaiyaphum

Chaiyaphum

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Geography

The province is cut into two halves by the Phetchabun mountain range, with the highest elevation in the province at 1222 m. The east of the province belongs to the Khorat Plateau. Three national parks are located in the province. The Tat Tohn National Park is in north-west of the province, featuring some scenic waterfalls and dry dipterocarp forests. The biggest attraction of the Sai Thong National Park in the west of the province is the Sai Thong waterfall, but also some fields of the Siam Tulip. Similar fields can be found in the Pa Hin Ngam National Park in the south-west, scheduled to be gazetted in the future. This park has its name from the strangely shaped rock formations found there (beautiful rock forest).

History

The history of the city of Chaiyaphum dates back to the Khmer Empire in the 12th century, when it was a small city on the route from Angkor to Prasat Singh (Kanchanaburi province). The Prang Ku still remains from this time. In 1817 the area was settled again by a group of Laotians. At first they settled in Baan Nam Khun Nong E Chan (Nakhon Ratchasima province), but soon moved to the current site of Chaiyaphum, then called Baan Luang. When the Lao King Anouvong declared war on Siam, the local ruler Jao Phraya Lae changed allegiance and supported the Siamese troops. In 1826 he was killed by Laotian troops, before these were defeated and all of Laos became part of Siam. Jao Phraya Lae was renamed by the Thais to Phraya Phakdi Chumpon and is still a local hero.

Attractions

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.