Talk:Nong Bua Lamphu/Listings

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Amphoe Muang Nong Bua Lamphu

Monument and shrine of King Naresuan the Great (พระอนุสาวรีย์และศาลสมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราช) Built to commemorate King Naresuan the Great who in 1574 led his army en route Nongbua Lampu to Vientiane by the assignment of the King of Hongsa, or the kingdom of Burma which ruled Thailand at that time. As King Naresuan got sick, King of Hongsa allowed him to get back to Ayuthaya. The venue where King Naresuan set camp is in the compound of around Nong Bua Park, in front of Nongbua Lampu’s city hall. Every year during Januray 25-February 3, celebration and ceremony are held to honor King Naresuan.

Nong Bua(หนองบัว) The big pond is situated right in front of the city hall. As it never dries up, the pond with beautiful back drop of Phu Phan Kham Range is a nice place to relax for Nongbua Lampu people.

Phra Wor Phra Ta City Pillar Shrine (ศาลหลักเมืองพระวอ พระตา) Located just 100 metres from highway 210 (Nongbua Lampu-Udon Thani), the city pillar shrine is built to honor Phra Wor and Phra Ta who had established the city. The first stone of this city pillar shrine was laid on November 21, 1975. It was completed and opened on February 28, 1976.

Namtok Huay To Botanical Park (วนอุทยานน้ำตกเฒ่าโต้) Sitauated on highway 210 (Nongbua Lampu-Udon Thani) some 3 kilometres from Nongbua Lampu City, the shady park is a nice place for picnic. The secreted shrine of Pu Loop is located nearby.

Shell Fossil Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์หอยหิน ๑๕๐ ล้านปี) The museum features shell fossils from Jurassic Era, dating back to 140-150 million years ago. A number of bivalve fossils are found in good condition. These fossils are found in the mountain with 50 metres high cliff. In nearby area, 60 pieces of dinosaur fossils are found in the layer of siltstone, above the layer where fossils of shell, ancient crocodile เศษหินจาไมก้า and some minerals are found

How to get there Motorist can use highway 210 (Nongbua Lampu-Udon Thani). The museum is located in Huay Dua Vilage, Tambon None Ton, at kilometre 88.5 on your left. Tourist can take Nongbua Lampu-Udon Thani Bus.

Wat Tham Klong Pen(วัดถ้ำกลองเพล) Located at the foot of Phu Phan Mount, Wat Tham Klong Pen is the province’s famous forest temple. Without accurate history, the temple was probably built during Khmer era and it has been neglected until 1958. Luang Pu Khao Analyo, monk who practiced Vipassna meditation from famous monk Archan Man Phuritatta Tera, has used this venue to practice his meditation. He has covered 3-4 huge rocks with cement roof, making it a very big hall that can accommodate hundreds of people. Luang Pu Khao has practiced meditation here until he has passed away in 1983. Blanketed with lush vegetable and decorated with rock garden, around the temple is very shady and peaceful. The main hall or Ubosoth houses statue of Luang Pu Khao and two-sided ancient drum or Klong Pen. In its rock corners, there are many Buddha Statues in different attitudes such as meditation, reclining, and ‘Pattranimitr’ or bas relief of Buddha image in walking attitude. At the front of the hall is a huge statue of a Chinese Monk of good luck. A bit from the temple, a two-kilometre-long road, running through a forest and weird-shaped rocks, leads to the monument of Luang Pu Khao. Around the monument are:

Museum of Luang Pu Khao Analyo’s utensils. The museum features ashes and utensils of Luang Pu Khao for Buddhist can pay homage.

Old Monastery of Luang Pu Khao. The small wooden hut is situated in the shady forest. The new monastery is a huge house in Thai traditional style.

Luang Pu Khao Wax Museum. The architecture, in the shape three rocks sitting next to each other, blends itself to the surrounding rock garden of the temple. Situated amidst colourful garden and lush green lawn, the museum features wax statue of Luang Pu Khao in sitting posture. His utensils are displayed in the room nearby.

Luang Pu Khao Pagoda. Built to house ashes of Luang Pu Khao, the pagoda is situated on rock terrace and can be reached by stair.

Luang Pu Khao Pavillion.Rectangular pavilion is built during Luang Pu Khao’s era as a venue for Buddhism rituals. Around the pavilion is calm and shady.

How to get there From Nongbua Lampu city, travel via highway 210 (Nongbua Lampu-Udon Thani) for 13 kilometres, then turn right and keep going for another 2 kilometres.

Museum of Luang Pu Lod (พิพิธภัณฑ์หลวงปู่หลอด) The museum opens daily from 9.00 am. to 4.00 pm. In the compound is Pmotita Pagoda which houses relic of the Lord Buddha from Nepal. The relic is open to public only on special day in Buddhism.

Wat Sri Koon Muang (วัดศรีคูณเ��ือง) Located on Worarat Road, the ancient temple houses ancient stone leaves which are significant archeological artifacts, and ‘Luang Por Phra Chaichettha’ significant Buddha statue in Laotian style.

Phu Phan Noi(ภูพานน้อย) The mountain provides great view point ‘Dao Bon Din’ or ‘Stars On the Ground’, where tourist can see Nongbua Lampu city illuminates brightly in the valley like stars on the ground. Phu Phan Noi is part of Phu Phan Range which lies from the east of Nongbua Lampu city towards Phu Khao Ranges, in Amphoe None Sang, in the south. Attractions of Phu Phan Noi are on Nongbua Lampu-Udon Thani highway. Tourist can turns right at Ban Phu Phan Thong and follow the signs for 4 kilometres, turn right and keeps going for toher 2 kilometres.

Acquiring 35,000 rais area, Phu Phan Noi comprises mountains and mixed dipterocarp forest. The area is well developed for ecotourism with nature trails, view point area, toilets, and basic facilities for camping activities of student, scouts, and general tourists. The area is open around the clock.

Amphoe None Sang

None Wat Pa (โนนวัดป่า) The historical site once was ancient temple as stone Buddha image in the attitude of seating under protection of naga, ancient architecture and antique from the Khmer era are found. None Wat Pa is 20 kilometres from Nongbua Lampu City via highway 2146 (Nongbua Lampu-Amphoe None Sang Road)

Phu Khao-Phu Phan Kham National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติภูเก้า-ภูพานคำ) Established in 1985, Thailand’s 50th national park acquires total area of 322 square kilometres. Phu Khao-Phu Phan Kham National Park’s territory covers part of Amphoe Ubonrat, Amphoe Phu Wiang of Khon Kaen, and Amphoe None Sang of Nongbua Lampu. The park features two sandstone mountains situated away from each other. It is blanketed by deciduous dipterocarp forest, mixed dipterocarp forest, and dry evergreen forest. The park’s headquarter is located by the reservoir of Ubonrat Dam, close to Phu Khan Kham.

Phu Phan Kham (ภูพานคำ) The mountain range, which is part of Phu Phan Range, is on the east of Phong River Basin. From the mountain top, tourist can see picturesque view of the reservoir of Ubonrat Dam through the valley. Camping ground, guesthouse of the park and the department of public welfare, are available at the end of the reservoir. Phu Phan Kham is famous for fish breeding and fishing site of the province.

Phu Khao (ภูเก้า) is rugged sandstone mountain range in the shape of a pan. It comprises 9 mountains namely Phu Fang, Phu Khum Poon, Phu Han, Phu Moei, Phu Kor More, Phu Chan, Phu Pror, Phu Luek, and Phu Wat. Home of numerous wildlife, all 9 mountains are blanketed with lush forest. Its interesting attractions include:

Wat Phra Buddha Bat Phu Khao. The ancient temple houses two gigantic foot prints, of human and dog, on the rock. Such footprints are related to local legend “Phra Suphrom Vimokha and 9-tailed Dog”. In its compound, there are Tham Mum and Tham Archan Sim, the caves which houses pre-historical paintings and carving on the walls.

Tham Sua Tok, Tham Pla Hai, Tham Chek. The caves are interesting archeological sites. They house cave painting and carving which can be dated back to 1,500 years ago.

Ham Tang Stone Pillar. The area is filled up with rocks in different weird shape. The outstanding one is huge rock sitting on the other like mushroom, making it a remarkable natural sculpture.

Hor Sawan. The rock-top pavillion is amazingly built on a huge rock sitting by 30-metre high cliff. It can be accessed by stair and offers very good view.

Tad Fah Waterfall. The small falls cascades through mixed dipterocarp forest before plunging 7 metres down into big pool below.

The park provides boat for tourist can enjoy view in the reservoir and three guesthouses. For more information, call Phu Khao-Phu Phan Kham National Park at 0-1221-0526 or the Department of National Park, Wildlife, and Plant Life at 0-2562-0760 or visit www.dnp.go.th .

Phu Khao-Phu Phan Kham National Park can be reached via two routes namely:

• Route 1. Motorist can use highway 2109 Khon Kaen-Ubonrat Dam to Amphoe Ubonrat, then turn right into highway 2146 (Ubonrat-None Sang) to the park. This route is 63 kilometres long.
• Route 2. From Nongbua Lampu city, use highway 2146 (Nongbua Lampu-None Sang) for 40 kilometres, turn left at Ban Sok Chan into Ban Sok Chan-Ubonrat Road. The park is 14 kilometres away. This route is 57 kilometres long

None Don Klang Archeological Site (Ban Kud Kwang Soy). แหล่งโบราณคดีโนนดอนกลาง (บ้านกุดกวางสร้อย) Situated in Ban Kud Kwang Soy, Soi Santisuk, Tambon Ban Thin, east of Phu Khao Mount, it is an archeological site. Pre-historical artifacts found here include terra cottage similar to Ban Chiang Culture, human’s skeleton, bronze and stone bracelet, glass beat, sandstone mold for bronze axe, steel tool and etc. Some artifacts are kept at National Museum Khon Kaen, the remaining are displayed in the village’s museum.

How to get there Use highway 2146 (Nongbua Lampu-None Sang) for 36 kilometres and turn right at Ban Nong Waeng and keep going for 5 kilometres.

Amphoe Na Wang

Tham Erawan ถ้ำเอราวัณ The cave is situated in Ban Pha In Paeng, Tambon Wangthong, on a stone mountain called Pha Tham Chang Mount, right on the border of Amphoe Wangsaphung of Loei and Amphoe Na Wang of Nongbua Lampu. Tham Erawan is a big cave accessible via winding 600-steped stair. There is a big Buddha Statue at the cave’s entrance which leads to a huge hall naturally decorated with rock formation. This cave is a scene in local legends “Nong Phom Hom’ Or “the lady with fragrant hair” . Local souvenir shop is located in the nearby temple.

How to get there The cave is 47 kilometres from Nongbua Lampu, use highway 210 (Nongbua Lampu-Loei), turn right at kilometres13, the cave is 2.7 kilometre further.

Tham Pha Wiang (ถ้ำผาเวียง) The cave is situated in Moo 9 Ban Pha Wiang, Tambon Na Kae among picturesque mountain range called Phu Pha Wiang. The cave and around is territory of Wat Tham Pha Wiang. Tham Pha Wiang is naturally beautiful with rock formation and stalagmites. There are also many caves in the area such as Tham Pha Klang, Tham Thammas, Tham Pratoon, Tham Kok Nuayai, Tham Kangkao.

How to get there The cave is 45 kilometres from Nongbua Lampu City, motorist can use highway 210 (Nongbua Lampu-Loei).

Amphoe Na Klang

Wat Santitham Banpot or Wat Pa Phu Noi. (ว���ดสันติธรรมบรรพต หรือ วัดป่าภูน้อย) Besides offering very nice place for practicing meditation, the temple houses Buddha footprint and 8 groups of stone leaves setting in 8 directions. Each group comprises 4 stone leaves, some feature carving in Bhotisattva and pagoda’s crest. These leaves are probably places around Khmer shrine like those at Wat Sri Muang Koon. How to get there: The temple is 30 kilometres from Nonbua Lampu City, motorist can use highway 210 (Nongbua Lampu-Loei) and turn left at Amphoe Na Klang. It is 1.5 kilometes away.

Huay Rai Reservoir (อ่างเก็บน้ำห้วยไร่ ) The medium sized reservoir is situated in Ban Srakaeo, Moo 6, Tambon Dongsawan. With clear water, the reservoir is quite scenic. From November to February, Sunn hemp plantation will paint the area in bright yellow. Tourist can enjoy cruising on motored raft which can control direction, unique vehicle of the reservoir. Restaurants on the raft are available.

Amphoe Sriboonruang

Wooden Ubosoth of Wat Chaoreon Songtham (สิมไม้วัดเจริญทรงธรรม) Located in Ban Don Por, Tambon Nong Bua Tai, the wooden chapel or Ubosoth has compact size in rectangular shape. High roof creates good air ventilation. The ubosoth has delicate carving on the roof, and gable with neatly carved garuda. How to get there: The ubosoth is 30 kilometres from Nongbua Lampu City, motorist can use Nongbua Lampu-Sangsian Road.

Amphoe Suwan Kuha

Tham Suwan Kuha (ถ้ำสุวรรณคูหา) Situated in Wat Tham Suwan Kuha, Ban Kuha Pattana, Moo 7, Tambon Nasee, the cave house antique and portrait of King Chai Shettha of Vientiane. How to get there: Use highway 210 (Nongbua Lampu-Wang Sapung Rd.) and turn right into highway 2097 to Amphoe Suwan Kuha. Then travel via Phra Chai Shettha Road for a kilometer, turn right at Dong Yang Na Ta Laew School, the cave is 4 kilometres away.

Phu Pha Ya Archeological Site (แหล่งโบราณคดีภูผายา) Situated north of Ban Na Chaoen, Tambon Dong Mafai, the site is in limestone mountain which separates itself from Phu Phan Range. Many pre-historical cave painting are found here. The first group of painting, in “Tham Lang”, line for 5 metres long on smooth cave wall. They comprise pictures of geometric, animals, hands, in red. The second group of painting, found in “Tham Bon”, comprises pictures of star, man, reptile, draft of big animal. All the pictures wee painted in red and scatter in small groups. These paintings are estimated to be 2,000-3,000 years old, as old as painting found at Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, Udon Thani, and their style are similar to those found in Guangxi Povince of China.A meditation centre of Buddhist monk is located nearby.

How to get there From Nongbua Lampu City, use highway 210 ( Nongbua Lampu-Wang Saphung), turn right into highway 2097 to Amphoe Suwan Kuha, then use Suwan Kuha-Ban Na Charoen Road.

Wat Pa Phufang Santitham (วัดป่าภูฝางสันติธรรม) Located in Moo 11, Ban Wang Phai, Tambon Wangthong, the calm and peaceful temple is built beautifully in modern style. There are delicate monasteries and amazing sculpture of nine-headed is built to protect the pavilion.

Festival

Naresuan Maharaja and Nongbua Lampu Red Cross Fair The fair is held annually between January 25-February 3 at Naresuan Maharaja Field, Amphoe Muang. The fair is very attractive with lots of merchandises.

Boon Khao Chee Festivals The festyivals is held annually during the 13th-15th date of waxing moon in February at Wat Tham Suwan Kuha, Ban Kuha Pattana, Amphoe Suwan Kuha. The annual celebration and merit making of Amphoe Suwan Kuha features gigantic Khao Chee, local cuisine make from roasted sticky rice dipped in egg and sugar cane juice.

Tham Erawan Festival The festivals is held between April 12-15 of each year at Hat None Yao, Amphoe None Sang. Buddhist will climb up the mountain and pay homage to the Buddha image in Tham Erawan.

Annual Festival of Pu Loop Shrine and Phra Wor Phra Ta Shrine The rite is held annually on the first Wednesday and Thursday of May at Phra Wor Phra Ta Shrine and Pu Loop Shrine in Amphoe Muang.

Rocket Festivals of Amphoe Sri Boonruang The lively festival is held annually on the fullmoon day of May at the field of Amphoe Sri Boonruang. Rocket in huge size, or Bang Fai Lan, will be decorated before launching high into the sky. The local festival of Sri Boonruang is one of 12 festivals of Northeastern Region. The rocket is assumed as the present for Phaya Thaen, the god who will make the rain for rice plantation.

Banana Fair The fair is held between July 25-27 at Ban Suan Sawan, Tambon Wangthong, Amphoe Na Wang.

Tiew Hoi Hin-Kin Lam Yai Festival The festival is held every Auguest 8-15 at community outlet of Ban Huay Dua, Amphoe Muang.

Namtok Thao To Festival The annual festival is held very September 14-15 at Namtok Thao To Park, Amphoe Muang. Local products and souvenirs

Ban Kong Sawan Pottery Village หมู่บ้านหัตถกรรมปั้นหม้อบ้านโค้งสวรรค์ The vaillage is famed for its terra cotta products by traditional method which are available around the village and by the road. The village is located in Tambon None Tan, 17 kilometres from Nongbua Lampu City via highway 210.

Calathea Rice container (กระติ้บข้าวจากคล้า) The village of Ban Huak, Tambon Sri Boonruang, Amphoe Sri Boonruang is famous for the race container weaved from calathea. Some 95% of the villagers thrive on this handicraft which mirrors their wisdom to benefit from natural material. How to get there: Use highway 228 (Nongbua Lampu-Sri Boonruang), then use Sri Boonruang-Phu Wiang Road ( Ban Huay Huak-Na Fai). The village is located on kilometres 8, some 35 kilometres from Nongbua Lampu City.

Kud Hae Silk (ผ้าไหมกุดแห���) Silk cloth weaved by Lady Group of Tambon Kud Hae, Amphoe Na Klang is quite famous and won many national awards. Silk products from this group are 5-star product of Isan. The Silk cloth is available in various patterns. The group is led by Mrs Lamduan Nantasutha, for more information, call 0-7219-8231. How to get there: From Nongbua Lampu City, go to Amphoe Na Klang 35 kilometres away, then head to Ban Dan for two kilometres and turn right to Ban Kud Hae, 3 kilometres away.

Itinerary

Recommended Tour Programme

Morning

• Visit monument and shrine of King Naresuan the Great.

• Pay homage to Chao Pu Loop Shrine and enjoy waterfall at Namtok Huay To Botanical Park

• Visit the Shell Fossil Museum and dinosaur fossils.

Afternoon

• Go to Wat Tham Klong Pen and visit the utensils museum and wax statue of Luang Pu Khao Analyo

• Enjoy shopping for terra cotta at Ban Khong Sawan Pottery Village

• Admire rock formation in Tham Erawan in Amphoe Na Wang

• Get back to Nongbua Lampu.

Sleep

Amphoe Muang Nong Bua Lamphu

• Kinnaree Resort 274 Nongbua Lampu-Udon Thani Road. Tel 0-4236-0091, 19 rooms 500 baht.
• Chokwiwat 290 Moo 5 Ban Wangnamkhao tel. 0-1739-7560, 13 rooms 300 baht.
• Nattaphong Grand 339 Nongbua Lampu-Udon Thani Road Tambon Lampu Tel. 0-4236-1014, 0-9577-1240, 14 rooms 300-400 baht.
• VIP Inn Ban Wang Muen Nongbua Lampu-Sri Boonruang Road. Tel. 0-4236-1122 30 rooms 200-800 baht.

Eat

Amphoe Muang Nong Bua Lamphu

• Krua Nongsa, on highway 210 tel. 0-4231-1574
• Pan Bua 31 Damrong Burana Road Tel 0-4231-1704
• Kinnaree Restaurant 274 Nongbua Lampu-Udon Thani Road Tel. 0-4231-1537 (Thai and local cuisine)
• Carrot Restaurant 95 BanHad Sawan Tel. 0-4231-1949.
• Rot Thip Restaurant 80 Naresuan Road tel. 0-4231-1372

--(WT-en) globe-trotter 20:02, 6 February 2010 (EST)