Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park

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Operating day: Daily

Operating time: 06.00 - 18.00

 

Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park 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 Ubolratana, Amphoe Phu Wiang of Khon Kaen, and Amphoe None Sang of Nong Bua Lam Phu.

 

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 Ubolratana Dam, close to Phu Khan Kham.

 

Phu Phan Kham 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 Ubolratana 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 is rugged sandstone mountain range in the shape of a pan. It comprises 9 mountains namely Phu Fang, Phu Khum Pun, Phu Han, Phu Moei, Phu Ko Mo, Phu Chan, Phu Phro, Phu Luak, 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 Wimokha and 9-tailed Dog”. In its compound, there are Tham Muem and Tham Archan Sim, the caves which houses pre-historical paintings and carving on the walls.

 

Tham Suea 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. 

 

Ho 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.

 

Namtok Tat Fa 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 08 1221 0526 or the Department of National Park, Wildlife, and Plant Life at 0 2562 0760 or visit www.dnp.go.th . 

 

Route 1. Motorist can use highway 2109 Khon Kaen-Ubolratana Dam to Amphoe Ubolratana, then turn right into highway 2146 (Ubonratana-Non Sang) to the park. This route is 63 kilometres long. 

 

Route 2. From Nong Bua Lam Phu city, use highway 2146 (Nong Bua Lam Phu -Non Sang) for 40 kilometres, turn left at Ban Sok Chan into Ban Sok Chan-Ubolratana Road. The park is 14 kilometres away. This route is 57 kilometres long.