Chaiyaphum National Parks
Amphoe Muang
Tat Tone National Park
Only 20 kms. From town along the highway 2051, is a highly scenic spot excellent for rest or picnic. The park has a total area 135,738 rai. The area was proclaimed a National Park on December 31, 1980.
What to see in Tat Tone National Park:
- Chao Pho Tat Tone Shrine (Duang) is near Tat Tone Waterfall and is revered by Chaiyaphum people and those from nearby provinces. Chao Pho Tat Tone was a man of Khmer origin who migrated to Thailand at about the same time as Chao Pho Phraya Lae. While he was in Thailand, he became a hermit who mediated, followed strict Buddhist laws and cured people of illness. He was widely revered by locals and when he died, several shrines were built to honor him such as Chao Pho Achan Duang Shrine or Phu Duang Shrine at Chong Sam Mo, Pu Duang Shrine at Wat Phra Puttha Chaiyaphum Phithak and this shrine at Tat Tone Waterfall. A ritual is performed every Wednesday to please spirits at the shrine, plus 4 major rites every year.
- Pha Eiang Waterfall is around 32 km. northwest of the Provincial Hall on Highway No.2159 (Chaiyaphum - Nong Bua Daeng). This is a medium-sized waterfall that is a slant cliff across a stream which makes the waterfall fall to one side of the cliff. The waterfall is west of Tat Tone National Park at Lam Huai Chi Long. The area surrounding the waterfall is a dry, thick jungle which has many big tress, making for a shady area ideal for relaxation.
- Phu Faet in Tambon Na Siao is a low hill with the main attraction being a footprint of Lord Buddha like that in Saraburi. About 18 km. from the Provincial Hall, visitors can take the same route as Phu Phra and turn right for 5 more km. A variety of trees are planted here and they are lined on both sides of the road leading to the temple. People wishing to view the footprint can ask for a key from the nuns there.
- Phu Phra is in Wat Sila Asana, 12 km. north of the Provincial Hall on Highway No.201 (Chaiyaphum - Kaeng Khro). This is a low mountain which has a bas - relief of a meditating Buddha image which is called Phra Chao Ong Tu by locals. Phu Phra is in Tambon Na Siao.
- Tat Fa Waterfall or Tham Tia Waterfall is both a small cave at the foot of Khao Phu E Thao and a steep waterfall about 15-20 meters wide, 80-90 meters high and has a 30 degree angle. There is year - round water flow and a pool provides splendid swimming. The waterfall is in Tambon Na Siao, 25 km. north of the city on highway No.201.
- Sa Hong is in Wat Khao Sa Hong. It is an ancient pool in the middle of a small slope. About 3 meters from the pool is a swan shaped stone which was designed by nature. The pool is in Tambon Na Siao, 12 km. to the north of the Provincial Hall on Highway No.2051 on the left (the road to Cho Raka Reservoir).
- Tat Tone Waterfall is one of the highest and most beautiful waterfalls in the Northeast. There is a stone terrace 50 meters wide and 6 meters high. It has a year-round flow of water, which is especially abundant in the rainy season during April-September. The source of the waterfall is the mountains that surround national forest reserves which are Phu Khong, Phu Yuak, and Phu E Thao, all of which connect each other to create the Lankha mountain Range. Rainwater accumulate here and gradually flows down to Huai Prachao and eventually to Tat Tone Waterfall.
Amphoe Khon San
Phu Khiao Wildlife Reserve covers the areas of Amphoe Khon San, Kaset Sombun and Nong Bua Daeng. The reserve is active in preserving wildlife and watershed, as well as a favorite spot for nature tours for youths and the public.
Thung Kramang is a wildlife reserve in Phu Khiao Wildlife Reserve on a hillside. Its large area of 5,000 Rai has wide plains and a fantastic scenery. Situated 900 meters above sea level, the reserve has many grass fields on various elevations. Several streams flow through the area. The flora here is thick jungle mixed with pine forests. No large trees here, only numerous species of plants in places. The plains are like large overturned bowls in the jungle. Exotic birds in the plains make the area very lively.
The tourist who want to visit Thung Kramang must make an advance reservation at Phu Khiao Wildlife Reserve. P.O.Box 3, Amphoe Chumphae. Khon Kaen Province 40130. Tel. 01-2102234.
Pa Hin Ngam National Park is a forest which has some strange rocks of many shapes scattered over the 200 rai area. Assorted small trees and orchids also cover the area. Some rocks are shaped like nails. While other are like the heads of Naga, a mythical serpent, and still others are like ancient castles. In the rainy season during June - July. The Krachiao flower which is a jungle flower pink and purple in color grows all over the ground, adding beautiful color grows all over the ground, adding beautiful color to the forest. In winter during December-January, yellow orchids and wild flowers appear from rock crevasses.
Large and small waterfalls abound here such as Thep Phana and Thep Prathan. A steep cliff 665 metres above sea level called Sut Phaen Din Khop Thi Rap Sung (the farthest point of the plateau) has lovely rock formations. The forest is in Tambon Ban Rai.
To get to the forest from Chaiyaphum, take Highway No.201 (Chaiyaphum-Si Khiu) to Nong Bua Khok intersection and turn right onto Highway No.205 past the town hall for 1 km. Then turn right at the police Kiosk for 29 km. And turn left for 14 km. To the forest. The distance from Amphoe Muang is 130 km.There are accommodation available to tourists. For further information contact Pa Hin Ngam National Park. P.O.Box 2, Amphoe Thepsatit, Chaiyaphum Province 36230. Tel. 01- 9307581
