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Home > Thailand Info > Northeastern Region
Northeastern
Region
 Si
Sa Ket is a quiet province on the Cambodian border with
Khmer ruins scattered throughout the province. Most
notable are the two ruined sanctuaries of Wat Sa
Kamphaeng Yai and Noi, dating back to the 10th century.
However,
the most famous Khmer site is actually in Cambodia. Khao
Phra Wihan was built over 10 centuries ago and is
one of the most spectacular Angkor- period
sites. Built as a Hindu temple, it begins in Thailand
and rises to 600 metres with the main sanctuary
in Cambodia.
After
a long period of war, its wonderful craftsmanship, stairways
and courts are now being restored. The walk to the
summit is long and steep, but visitors are sure to
be impressed by the size and complexity of its design.
Century
Khmer sanctuary at Sikhoraphum that displays scenes from
Hindu mythology. Ta Muan near the border consists
of three ruins in good condition. Handicrafts are
also a big attraction. Ban Buthom village produces tightly-woven
rattan basketry, while traditional silk weaving
can be found at Ban Khwao Sinarin (as well as silver
trinkets) and Ban Chanrom.
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This
province is a major commercial centre in the Northeast
due to its proximity to Laos and Cambodia. It was
an American airbase during the Vietnam War and has
continued to grow in prosperity since then. The town
is renowned
for its superbly carved wax candles that are paraded
through town at the beginning of Buddhist Lent. |
The
National Museum gives a good insight into the history
of the province, displaying Khmer and Thai artifacts
as well as local handicrafts, traditional costumes and
pictures of farm life.
Its
most notable temples include Wat Tung Sri Muang, housing
a Buddha footprint,a marvellous old wooden library
and erotic wall paintings. Wat Supatanaram has an
open-air museum displaying some Chinese-style Buddhas
and priceless frescos, while Wat Nong Bua is the
only temple in Thailand with a Buddha gaya- style
pyramidal stupa.
Outside
of town, Wat Nong Pa Phong is the forest temple founded
by Phra Acharn Cha, whose ashes are in the lovely
chedi. Nearby is Wat Pa Nanachat, the retreat
begun by Acharn Cha as meditation centre for foreign
monks.
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Located
along the border between Laos and Cambodia, this area
embraces numerous natural and historical attractions.
Most famous are the mountain top Khmer ruins of Khao
Phra Viharn.Natural attractions include Pha Taem National
Park with its steep cliffstowering over the Mekong
River. Besides the view, the cliffs are also |
noted
for their prehistoric rock paintings. Kaeng Tana National
Park features distinctive rock formations and waterfalls.
As for the best time to visit the Border Group,
the most compelling argument can be made for just before
Buddhist Lent when the magical Candle Festival is
held.
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Udon
Thani is an agricultural and transport centre for
northern Isan. Just outside of town, the Udon Sunshine
Orchid Garden grows fragrant orchids for sale, as
well as their perfumes.
The
province's main claim to fame is Ban Chiang,an important
archaeological |
site,
with pots and other items unearthed that are from 4,000
to 7,500 years old. It was declared a UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 1992 and is a National Museum, part
showing exhibits from the excavations, including a great
deal of pottery and the second part an open museum
around the actual archaeological digs. Phu Phra Bat Historical
Park is a fascinating place of unusual rocks, caves and
prehistoric cliff paintings. Lots of trails for
trekkers to follow.
Outside
of town, Wat Nong Pa Phong is the forest temple founded
by Phra Acharn Cha, whose ashes are in the lovely
chedi. Nearby is Wat Pa Nanachat, the retreat begun
by Acharn Cha as meditation centre for foreign monks.
Yasothon
is famous for its boisterous Rocket Festival
every May, when giant home-made missiles are
launched into the air in a symbolic rain-making
gesture.
In
the town at Wat Mahathat, Phra That Yasothon
is a much-visited Lao-style chedi, said to be
over 1,200 years old.
It enshrines holy relics of Phra Ananda, one
of Lord Buddha's chief disciples. That Kong
Khao Noi is an ancient Khmer chedi with a much
revered brick and stucco Buddha that is ritually
bathed every April. The handicraft village of
Ban Si Than is famed for the triangular pillows
used in most Thai households. |
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