Chaiyaphum Travel Information

Chaiyaphum is located almost at the center of Thailand about 342 kilometers from Bangkok and it is easily reached by road.

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. ( thailandguidebook.com )