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<img src="http://www.nongkhaimap.com/images/puprabat.jpg" alt="alt" width="250" height="333" hspace="5" vspace="5" align="right" />Phu Phra Bat Historical Park<br />
</b>(Province Map B2) (Thai: ภูพระบาทบัวบก) is located appoximatly 54km's from Udon Thani. The park is home to an interesting collection of prehistoric caves, unusual geological rock formations, cave paintings and Buddhist Shrines. For local residents, this is an important place of pilgrimage, for visitors it makes for an interesting insight into the evolution and history of the area.<br />
Phu Phra Bat park is located on 'Phu Phra bat' which is a part of the Phu Phan range. This range is made up of sandstone and the surrounding area is a forest of hardwood.<br />
Geological evidence suggests that millions of years ago this region was covered with a glacier. The gravity and errosion of the glacier created rocks of various shapes and sizes. Evidence suggests that approximately 2,500- 3,000 years ago prehistoric people used these caves to live, cave paintings still remain to this day.</p>
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<p><b>Amphoe Ban Phu</b></p>
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<p>Ban Phue</p>
<p>This district, which is 42 kilometers north-west of Udon Thani, has an unusual mix of pre-historic cave paintings, fantastic geological formations and Buddhist shrines, the bulk of which are at Phra Phutthabaat Bua Bok, 12 kilometers outside of Ban Phue on Phra Bat hill.</p>
<p>The area has been declared



Phu

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where nature-loving trekkers may take a hike around the beautiful parks, hills and forests.</p>
<p>Phra Phutthabat (Holy Footprint) Bua Ban is located on the Phu Phan hill, approximately 12 kilometres south of



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. Also discovered and unearthed here at the sight are battlements carved in Dvaravati and Lop Buri arts.<br />
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<p><b>Phra Phutthabat Bua Bok </b></p>

<p>This is where the Buddha's Holy Footprint was found along side with various Buddha images of Lanchang style that can be dated back to 1044 Buddhist Century or 900-1000 AD. Later in 1920, the Chedi that resembles Phra That Phanom was built on top of the footprint.</p>
<p><b>Phu Phra Bat Historical Park</b></p>
<p>Situated in Ban Phue District, this archaeological site features a large number of ancient buildings and ancient objects of both prehistoric and historic times. They are mostly of Dvaravati, Lop Buri, and Lanchang style.</p>
<p>The site is located in a thriving forest called Pa Khua


Nam

. In addition, within the site are many rocks of peculiar shapes which resulted from glacial movement millions of years ago. It can be seen that most of the ancient buildings and objects found in this area were modified from what was naturally available and not built entirely by human beings. For instance, a rock was decorated to make a stupa or was chiseled into the shape of a foot.</p>
<p>The site was declared a historical park by the Fine Arts Department in 1991. Archeological evidence found at the site includes Phra Phuttabat Bua Bok, Phra Phuttabat Lang Tao, Phra Phutta Bat Bua Ban, religious buildings modified from rocks, sandstone bai-sema (leaf-shaped stones marking the limits of a Buddhist temple), sandstone images and idols, cave paintings and stone axes.</p>
<p>


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covers the entire area of the Phra Phutthabat Bua Bok which is around 1,200 acres. In addition to the beautiful landscape, caves and caverns, rocks of different sizes and shapes dot the area. Moreover, pre-historic paintings over cliff faces have been discovered, although many leave only the faintest of traces.</p>
<p>Nature-loving trekkers may take a hike around the area; there are some beautiful walks through forests and parkland ranging from a short 30 minute route to a 5 hour route for the more serious walkers. The Park is located North East of Udon Thani and about 54km s from the main udon-nong khai highway route 2. Turn left at the 13-km. marker on to Highway No. 2021, which leads to Ban Phu and proceed for approximately 42 kilometers and then along Highway No. 2348 from Ban Phu 12 kilometers and then follow the signs leading to the park.<b></b></p>
<p>Visitors are also recommended to explore Tham Non Sao Ae, Tham Woa Daeng, Tham Chang, and Tham Sung to see the paintings that depict the livelihood of pre-historical community which can be traced back to approximately 2,500-3,000 years ago.</p>
<p>The sandstone bai-sema, sandstone images and idols of Dvaravati era are also discovered at Poeng Hin Po Ta Luk Koei.</p>

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<p><b>Sunshine Orchid Farm</b> (Map F1), one of Thailands first farms to produce orchids suitable to make perfume. A particular specimen that dances to music can be seen here. Perfumes are also available.<br />

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<p><b>Baan Na Kha</b> ( Province Map G4 ) is a weaving village renowned for woven Khit (geometric, diamond-grid minimal weft brocade used in decorative fabrics). Locally made handicrafts can be purchased here for reasonable prices.<br />
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<td><b>Ban Chiang</b> ( Province Map K6 ) , an agricultural community that dates back nearly 5000 years, once thrived here in North east Thailand. The Ban Chiang culture is known for it s bronze metallurgy and burnt -ochre swirl pots, most of which were associated with burial sites. There is a museum displaying the artifacts that were discovered at the original excavation site at Wat Po Si Nai which is situated 300 meters away. A new museum complex is currently under construction<br />
A great site about Ban Chaing here: <a title="Ban Chiang Udon Thani" href="http://www.sas.upenn.edu/%7ecsherman/index.html" target="_top">Ban Chaing<br />

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<p><b>Wat Pa Ban Tat</b> ( Province Map G7 ) home to the highly respected Buddhist priest Phra Maha Bua Yanasampanno, is a large temple located amongst a forested area and paddy fields. Visit <a title="Wat Pa Ban Tat Udon Thani" href="http://www.luangta.com" target="_top">www.luangta.com</a> to read up more about the famous priest and temple<br />

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<p><b>Phu Foilom Park</b> (Province Map F9) is a beautiful park located on a plateu surrounding Udon Thani, the area is suitable for hiking and camping, when walking amongst the park you may notice wild antelopes, rabbits and birds. There is a nice view over Udon Thani province too. The lower area of the park can get busy on the weekends with locals using the area for bbq's and eating.<br />
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<p><b>Huai Luang Reservoir</b> ( Province Map E7 ), is a large reservoir under the Royal Irrigation Department's responsibility. It covers an area of some 20,000 rai with the capacity of 113 million cubic meters for water. It feeds 86,000 rais of agricultural area and also serves as a source of water for animals, crops and public water supply. Huai Luang is a scenic attraction ideal for rafting, fishing and cruising. A summer palace was constructed for the King's Mother who came to stay here almost every year when she was alive.<br />
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<p><b>Prajak Sillapakhom Lake</b> ( Map I7), known as Nong Prajak Park, is a vast stretch of water within Udon Thani Municipality. It was formerly called  Nong Na Klua and later renamed Prajak Sillapakhom in memory of Prince Prajak Sillapa-khom. Nong Prajak was in 1987 given a face-lift to celebrate His Majesty the King Bhumibol s 60th birthday anniversary. The lake is a pleasant place to escape from the busy city area and is popular with locals for exercise and aerobics. At night time this place comes alive with an array of food stalls which is proving to be popular place for locals.<br />

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<p><b>Than Ngam Waterfall</b> ( Province Map F9 )This waterfall is located in the vicinity of Thab Kung district, Nong Saeng. Tham Ngam is a medium sized waterfall where you can swim in the cool water and make your way by foot to reach the fall.<br />
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<p><b>Prince Prajak Sillapa khom Statue</b> ( Map M14 ), is a monument in the heart of the city which was erected in commemoration of Prince Prajak Sillapakhon, the founder of Udon Thani. Major General Prince Prajak Sillpakhom was the son of King Rama IV and Mother Sangwan in 1856. As a royal commissioner during the reign of King Rama V, he was entitled Governor of the Northern Province where he reigned from 1894.<br />
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<p><b>Kham Cha-Not.</b> A beautiful deciduous forest and temple situated near Ban Wang 10km from Ban Dung and around 75km from Udon Thani.<br />
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<p><b>Pra Buddha Baat Bua Bok</b>, A large Buddha foot print inside a pagoda and temple. The temple lies close to Phu Phra Bat national Park<br />
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<p><b>Phu Ya temple</b>, Is a temple that helps the poor and people in trouble. It is located behind Udon Thani Train station near the Lake Nok Bua.<br />

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<p><b>Nam Som-Na Yoong,</b> Is a forested park on the way to Amphoe Ban Phu 103km's from Udon Thani. There is a waterfall on the ridge of Phu Phan at a height of around 40m..<br />
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<p><b>Cho-Kun</b>, Is a large orange farm 12km's from Amphoe Phu-Rua on the right. It opens daily and you can buy the freshly picked oranges<br />

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<p><b>Chatede Loei</b>, A winery and grape farm located 10km's from Amphoe Phu-Rua on the left. The grape farm covers and area of 1,000 rai. There are many products of wine, wine tasting and grapes for sale.<br />
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<p><b>Phra That Sri Song Rak monument</b> was constructed in 1560 to commemorate the mutual cooperation between Krung Sir Ayuthaya and Krung Sri Satana Kanahut. You can get there when traveling from Loei along highway 203, turn right at km. 66, follow highway 2013 for 15km to Amphoe Dan Sai then turn right and continue 1km.<br />

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<p><b>Erawan Cave</b>, A large cave with 107 steps that lead down to an impressive cave that houses a large statue. There is nice scenery around the cave area. You can get here by taking route 210 from Udon Thani to Nong Bua Lam Phu and then turn right and follow for 2km's.<br />
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<p><b>150 million year old oyster bed</b> and museum can be seen in the fifty foot cliffs of a mountain approximately 10km from Nong Bua Lam Phu on highway 210 to Udon Thani</p>
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<p><strong>Tourist Information and Essentials</strong></p>
<p>Nong Khai is a delightful city that offers visitors breath-taking scenery composed of lush forests and sweeping landscapes. It is surrounded by a series of small towns that have their own unique appeal.</p>
<p><strong>ATMs/Banking </strong><br />
Nong Khai has many banks equipped with ATM machines, particularly on Prajak road and Meechai road, the two main thoroughfares. You can withdraw a maximum of 3,000 baht a day. </p>
<p><strong>Climate</strong><br />
Nong Khai is mainly tropical and it's largely hot and humid throughout the year. The coolest season is from November to February, while the hottest is from March to June. The rainy season is from July to October.</p>
<p><strong>Credit Cards</strong><br />
The Tesco-Lotus mall and some large shopping venues and restaurants accept credit cards in Nong Khai but they are a minimum.</p>
<p><strong>Dogs</strong><br />
There are a lot of stray dogs in Nong Khai so be careful. Some of them might be vicious.</p>
<p><strong>Foreign Exchange</strong><br />
Foreign exchange services are available in most banks as well as in the Tesco-Lotus mall in the city center.</p>
<p><strong>Language</strong><br />
The local dialect is known as Isaan, but everyone is also fluent in the Thai language. You will be hard-pressed to find locals who speak English fluently, but most people understand basic English, especially as it relates to tourism. </p>
<p><strong>Passport</strong><br />
In Nong Khai, it's always a good idea to have a photocopy of your passport along with the visa stamp. Bring this photocopy or the actual passport with you at all times. Note that you don't have to leave your passport at the hotel when you check in.</p>
<p><strong>People</strong><br />
Naturally, most of Nong Khai's inhabitants are Thai along with Chinese, Thai-Chinese, Lao and Vietnamese minorities.</p>
<p><strong>Store Hours</strong><br />
Many stores are already open by 8 a.m., while the Tesco-Lotus mall opens at 10:30 a.m. Stores close from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.</p>
<p><strong>Religion</strong><br />
Like most of Thailand, nearly 95% of Nong Khai citizens are Buddhists of the Theravada tradition. Muslims comprise about 4% of the local population.</p>
<p><strong>Tourism Assistance</strong><br />
Foreign tourists may request assistance at the Nong Khai Provincial Office at telephone no. 0-4241-2678 or the TAT North Eastern Region Office, Region 5 on Udon Thani road, telephone no. 0-4232-5406-7. For more information, check out the Web site <a href="http://www.tourismthailand.org/">www.tourismthailand.org</a>.</p>
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<p><strong>Travel Attractions of Nong Khai</strong></p>
<p>If you have a yen for Asian mysticism, Nong Khai’s mix of amazing and bizarre attractions will fill you with awe. </p>
<p>Speaking of bizarre, nothing in Nong Khai depicts the word more accurately than the Sala Keoku, a park known to the locals as Wat Khaek. It is filled with sculptures that reflect Buddhist and Hinduist ideologies – such as Buddha, seven-headed Naga snakes, goddesses with several arms and various hybrids of humans and animals – but each statue stands around 20 feet tall or more. Imagine roaming around the park with these massive statues all around you in various poses, including some that you will swear are looking right at you. It’s an experience that can give you goose bumps and make the hair on your arms stand on end.</p>
<p>The mystic Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat is said to have built this unique park when he purchased the land in 1978. Luang Pu also constructed a similar park in Laos, before that country kicked him out. Tourists can find the mummified remains of Luang Pu on the third floor of the Sala Keoku pavilion.</p>
<p>One of the amazing things about Sala Keoku is the Wheel of Life, which depicts Luang Pu’s theory of the cycle of life. It is actually a huge tunnel shaped like a womb filled with statues depicting each stage of the life cycle.</p>
<p>Sala Keoku is located on Highway 212, about six kms east of Nong Khai. Admission is free, but tourists are encouraged to make a 10 baht donation upon entry. The tricky thing is that there’s no public transport from the park back to Nong Khai. Tourists are advised to arrange a return ride on a tuk-tuk, which costs around 100 baht and includes having the driver wait for you for an hour. </p>
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