Chaiyaphum Hotels & Attractions, Travel to Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Chaiyaphum Province is located almost at the center of Thailand in the northeastern region. Its size ranks third in the region and eighth in the country. The province has a total area of 12,778.3 square km. or 7,986,429 Rai. It is 342 km. From Bangkok.

Approximately 50% of Chaiyaphum is mountains and forests. The rest is a plateau. Chaiyaphum is divided into 2 parts by the mountain range that runs through the center of the province form east to west which comprises Phu Yuak, Phu E Thao, Phu Lankha, Phu Phang Hoei and connects with Phu Phraya Fo which is part of the Petchabun Mountain Range.

The range goes through Amphoe Thep Sathit, Amphoe Nong Bua Daeng and Amphoe Khon San. The main rivers are Chi River which originates in a thick jungle in Amphoe Nong Bua Daeng and Phrom River which comes from a thick jungle in Amphoe Khon San. They are important rivers of the Northeast.

Borders :

North : Petchabun and Khon Kaen Province
South : Nakhon Ratchasima Province
East : Khon Kaen and Nakhon Ratchasima Province
West : Petchabun and Lop Buri Province

History:
Chaiyaphum is an old city dating back to the time when the Khmer Empire was the pinnacle of its power. The city was a lesser city of the empire. Some of the sites from those That Kut Chok.

When Ayutthaya was the capital, Chaiyaphum appeared on a map during the reign of King Narai the Great as a city under the administration of Nakhon Ratchasima. However, people later moved out to find new homes and left the city deserted. Chaiyaphum then reappeared during the time of king Rama ll. in the Rattanakosin Era.

In 1817. Lae, a nobleman in Chao Anuwong’s ( Lord of Vientiane) court. took his family and friends across the Makhong River to settle at Ban Nong Nam Khun ( Nong E Chan) which is in the area of Amphoe Sung Noen in Nakhon Ratchasima now. in 1819, when too many people has migrated there, Lae moved everyone to a new location at Non Nam Om, Ban Chi Long . All through that time, Lae continued to provide offerings to Chao Anuwong to show his loyalty. At first it was rice but was later given gold when it was dug up at Khao Phraya Fo. as a result, Lae was promoted to Khun Phakdi Chumphon.

Lae moved his settlement once again in 1822 because of drought to Nong Pla thao and Nong Lot, which combined was called Ban Luang, and turned to display loyalty Nakhon Ratchasima Province and provided offerings to King Rama lll instead, and proclaimed the city free from Chao Anuwong forever. King Rama lll rewarded Khun Phakdi Chumphon by making Ban Luang Chaiyaphum City and promoting him to Phraya Phakdi Chumphon and made him the city’s first lord.

Chao Anuwong organized a rebellion against King Rama lll and formed troops to attack Bangkok. He lied to cities along his route that he was rounding up military support to help Bangkok fight the British. Nakhon Ratchasima was subsequently overtaken in 1826. When the secret was out that Chao Anuwong and his troops were rebels, he gathered all the people of Nakhon Ratchasima to take them back to Vientiane.

While at Thung Samrit, the captives under the leadership of Khunying Mo, the wife of Nakhon Ratchasima’s lord, fought back with the support of Phiraya Phakdi Chumpon and lords of nearby cities until they defeated Chao Anuwong.

Nonetheless, A remnant of Chao Anuwongs forces retreated from Nakhon Ratchasima and captured Chaiyaphum. After failing to persuade Phraya Phakdi Chumphon to join the rebellion, the invaders killed him under a big tamarind tree at Nong Pla thao. A shrine built by the city’s citizens is a tribute to this man is 3 km. from the provincial hall. The shrine is in the shape of a Thai pavilion and has a statue of Phraya Phakdi Chumphon which is highly revered.

Attractions:
Phraya Phakdi Chumphol Statue 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 the 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 week long festival in his honor is held.

Prang Ku one of the oldest religious structures in Chaiyaphum is about two kilometers from the town hall. Built of sandstone, it enshrines a Dhveravati 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 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 Pank about 60 kms. from town along the Chaiyaphum-Nakhon Sawan route with another 7 km. after turning right to the Park's Headquarters. Main attraction is Nam Tok Sai Thong or Sai Thong Waterfall, about 1km. 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.

Phu Faek another restful and scenic spot, can be reached by following the Chaiyaphum-Phu Kieo Highway twelve kilometers and turning to a side by way for six 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 it by 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 worship 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 season during May to July, Pa Hin Ngam is carpeted with pink flowers growing wild wild.

In the 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, Charyaphum has had their elephant round-up revived and it has become an annual evant which takes place in January.

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