Located in the eastern Thai province of Ubon Ratchathani and part of the larger area known as Isan, Pha Taem National Park certainly crams loads into its boundaries! Stunning views from a number of marked viewpoints, ancient rock paintings, strange rock formations, gorgeous fields of vibrant flowers, dramatic cliffs, walking trails, waterfalls, and nature galore will make sure that you have a terrific adventure!
Here are a few exciting things to tempt you to take a trip to Pha Taem National Park:
1. Weird and wonderful rock formations
See marvels of nature at Sao Chaliang, a cluster of odd mushroom-like rock formations. Tall columns stand majestically, topped with flat wide slabs. Caused by erosion from the sun and water, the area is believed to have once been covered by the sea. Look closely and you can spot small fossils of seashells, as well as sandy flecks and tiny pebbles, embedded in the rocks. With the ocean now far, far away and the rocks surrounded by trees and creeping plants, it is difficult to believe that water covered the area some 1,000 years ago!
Whilst Sao Chaliang is the easiest site to reach, there are several similar groups of rocks scattered around the national park.
2. Prehistoric cave paintings and fascinating rock art
Believed to date back around 3,000 years, there are five different sites within Pha Taem National Park where you can see some excellent examples of prehistoric rock paintings. Why they are there though, on the flat sections of craggy cliff faces, nobody really knows!
Most of the images are well-preserved, with the red paint really standing out on the paler colours of the rocks. There are pictures of hands of all sizes, alien-like creatures, elephants, people, jars, huge catfish, turtles, fish traps, geometric patterns, abstract designs, and more. The ancient folk were certainly creative around the rocks! Some people believe that the images actually tell a story as you make your way along the one and a half kilometre track between the different sites.
Allow a couple of hours to complete the route and see the different sites. The walk itself isn’t too strenuous, but many jagged rocks and small sections that require some climbing make walking in flip flops and sandals somewhat uncomfortable. Wear suitable footwear! There are few guardrails or fences between you and long steep drops … it definitely isn’t suitable for small children. The dusty path is very narrow in places, with spots where you need to duck underneath overhanging rocks. If you suffer from vertigo, you may want to just visit the first two areas of paintings.
There is a small visitors’ centre where you can learn more about the murals.
3. See Thailand’s first sunrise and first sunset of each day
Pha Taem’s location right over in the east of Thailand means that early birds can watch the country’s first sunrise each morning. There are several beautiful viewing areas that are specifically marked for this purpose.
Don’t worry if you like your lie-ins though – you can also see the earliest sunset here too. Watch in awe as nature puts on one of her spectacular sky shows, the colours changing from blue to an array of burnt oranges, bright reds, deep purples, vibrant crimsons, warm yellows, and lovely pinks before finally fading to black.
The remote location and lack of commercial and industrial activities in the vicinity mean that you have wonderfully clear views of the skies at night time. Wait for any clouds to disappear and you will be rewarded with a twinkling visual feast.
Large engraved rocks proudly herald these firsts, and the expected times for the local sunrise and sunset are posted in the visitors’ centre.
4. Gaze across the Mekong River into Laos
Sitting close to the border with Laos, the Mekong River is used as a natural divide between the two countries. The beautiful scenic views extend across the water and to the lush green hilly landscapes of Thailand’s neighbour. Pha Mon viewpoint is a great place for enjoying the vistas, and the small car park means that you don’t even have to walk so far!
It is possible to arrange boat trips along the mighty Mekong if you book a tour package.
Useful information for visiting Pha Taem National Park
There is no public transportation available in the park, so you will need to either have your own transport or join an organised trip in advance. Trips can be booked online with various providers as well as in the main provincial city of Ubon Ratchathani or in the nearby centre of Khong Chiam (also spelt Khong Jiam).
The park’s major places of interest are clearly marked. As well as the biggest flower field in all of Thailand, you can enjoy stunning waterfalls such as Saeng Chan where the water flows through a hole in the rocks above. The effect is really quite magical! Signposted in English as the “Divide Stone” (in Thai as Lak Hin Taek), take a wander behind the bizarre rocks of Sao Chaliang and see where the strong rock was ripped apart hundreds of years ago by seismic activity. Whilst the chasm isn’t very wide, it plunges scarily deep into the earth. Jump over it if you dare and enjoy the panoramic views over towards Cambodia and the Dangrek Mountains.
There are campsites within the national park (tents and bedding available) and a few food and drink outlets close to the visitors’ centre. Most visitors stay in the nearby village of Khong Chiam.
Entrance to the national park costs 400 THB (approximately 11 USD) for non-Thais, and ticket checks are made at some of the park’s attractions.
Containing so many excellent natural attractions within fairly close proximity, add Pha Taem National Park to your Thailand travel wish list!
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