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Phu Hang Nak Rock Park or Natural stone garden (Phu Hang Nak) U Thong, U Thong, Suphan Buri. "A Masterpiece of Natural Heritage in Suphan Buri Worthy of Preservation"

 

The breathtaking beauty of the ancient stone garden, estimated to be tens of millions of years old, and the primeval forest, with trees over a thousand years old, combine with the enigmatic religious sites of the ancient city of U Thong to form a fascinating new attraction in Suphan Buri Province.

 

The stone garden is a natural marvel, with its varied shapes and intricate patterns etched by time, resembling the work of a master artist. These stones hold mysteries for those intrigued by ancient civilizations, displaying traces of human activity where tools were used to carve massive stones, possibly for the creation of enigmatic structures. These mysteries continue to captivate and inspire exploration.

 

The cycad forest, home to ancient plant species over 1,000 years old, is a treasure for those who value its beauty and significance. However, the forest faces the threat of extinction due to the lack of collective responsibility. If not protected, this invaluable natural heritage may disappear. The forest, close to the city, still harbors a wealth of ancient flora, offering a glimpse into a bygone era.

 

The Champa trees, highly valued and often illegally logged, are another highlight of the area. These towering trees reflect their age and value. Alongside them bloom wildflowers in vivid colors, including the golden blossoms of ancient Salat Dai trees, which reach their peak beauty after the rainy season, as winter winds begin to fade. The Suphannika flowers and pristine white Pud Pa blooms further enhance the natural splendor, captivating all who visit.

 

The Stone Bridge, an astonishing creation, raises the question: is it a natural wonder or human-made? Today, the Phu Hang Nak Natural Stone Garden has been transformed into an eco-tourism site. Phra Maha Somchat Tewathammo, together with the local community, has established trails for visitors to appreciate the garden's beauty and learn about its ecology. This initiative aims to protect the valuable resources from destruction and exploitation.

 

Visitors with an appreciation for nature are encouraged to play a role in preserving this forest. The scars left by the illegal excavation of cycads and the stumps of felled Champa trees serve as grim reminders of what may become of this heritage without collective action. "The pits and severed branches—we hope they will be the last such images we see."

 

The Standing Stones, believed by archaeologists and historians to have been arranged over 2,000 years ago for sacred rituals, represent another layer of mystery. These standing stones are part of an ancient Suvarnabhumi culture, arranged to delineate sacred spaces. Similar structures, such as the stone jars in the Plain of Jars in Laos and the stone sema markers at Phu Phra Bat Bua Bok and Bua Ban in Udon Thani, illustrate this cultural heritage.

 

At Phu Hang Nak, the standing stones signify a spiritual tradition of the Suvarnabhumi region before the arrival of Brahmanism and Buddhism from India. This suggests that the Mae Klong and Tha Chin River basins were home to substantial communities, possibly small city-states, long before Indian cultural influences took root.