Phraya Phakdi Chumphol Monument 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
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 weeklong festival in his honor is held.
Prang Ku One of the oldest religious structure in Chaiyaphum is about two kilometers from
the town hall. Built of sandstone, it enshrines a Dhvaravati 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 the 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 Park About 60 kms. From town along the Chaiyaphum-Nakhon
Sawan route with another 7 kms. After turning right to the Park’s Headquarters. Man attraction is
Nam Tok Sa Thong or Sai Thong Waterfall, about 1 km. 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.
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Phu Faek Another restful and scenic spot, can be reached by following the Chaiyaphum-Phu
Kieo Highway twelve kilometers and turning to as side by away for isx 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 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
warship 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 rainy season during May to July, Pa Hin Ngam is carpeted with pink flowers
growing wild. In 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,
Chaiyaphum has had the elephant round-up revived and it has become an annual event which takes
place in January.
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