Nong Bua Lamphu, Thailand

Nong Bua Lamphu became the 76^th province of Thailand in 1993. It has an area of 3,859,626 square kilometers. Situated on the northeastern plateau, it is surrounded by Udonthani province to the north and east, by Khon Kaen province to the south, and by Loei province to the west.
 

History:
The city of Nong Bua Lamphu has a long and interesting history dating back 900 years. The area was first known as Nong Bua Lamphu Kabkaewbuaban and was a protectorate territory of Krungsrisatana (present-day Laos).

In 1574 the Thai King Maha-dharmaracha and his son (later to become King Naresuan) led a military expedition to invade Lan Chang (now Laos). Along the way, King Naresuan chose the area around Nongbua Reservoir as a place to rest his troops and prepare for the invasion of Laos. It was here that King Naresuan fell ill from small pox and had to return to Ayutthaya. A shrine was built in his honor at Nongbua Reservoir to commemorate the campaign and it has become an historical site.

In 1767, two brothers named Phra Woa and Phra Ta, who lived in Vien Tiane, Laos, gathered their followers and fled the country. They came to Thailand and established a fort at Nong Bua Lamphu which became known as 'Phra Woa-Phra Ta Camp'. Shortly thereafter, troops from Vien Tiane invade Nong Bua Lamphu remained uninhabited for years. However, remnants of the stone wall surrounding Phra War Phra Ta Camp remain and can still be seen today.

In 1895, during the reign of King Rama III of Ratanakosin, the governor of Nong Khai Province appointed Phrawichay adomkamutaket to rebuild and resettle Nakhonkhuenkhan Kabkaewbuaban and the city's name was changed to "Munag Kamutsaiburiram"

In 1906, King Rama V appointed Phra Wicharnkamutkit to the governorship of the new city and changed its name to "Muang Nong Bua Lamphu". In 1907 Nong Bua Lamphu became a district of Udon Thani province.

Udon Thani was a large province with a population of over one million people. In accordance with the federal government's decentralization policy to promote better public service through more localization of government, the province of Udon Thani was separated into two provinces. Sriboonreung and Suwan Khuha Districts merged to form the new province of Nong Bua Lamphu on December 1, 1993.


Attractions:
King Naresuan the Great Statue, situated in the town, is erected to commemorate the time in 1574 when the King and his army stopped over here on the way to assist a Burmese force attacking Vientiane.

Wat Tham Suwannakhuha commonly called Wat Tham was constructed in 1572 by a King of Vientiane. The temple is located in Amphoe Suwannakhuha about 50 kilometers from Nong Bua Lam Phu.

Wat Tham Klong Phen, located at the foot of the Phu Phan mountain chain 13 kilometers from Nong Bua Lam Phu, is peaceful and ideal place for those who seek mental tranquility. The temple used to be the meditation place for Phra Achan Luang Pu Khao Analayo who is revered by Thais nationwide. In the temple grounds there are a cave housing an ancient two faced drum, a stone engraved Buddha image and the Luang Pu Khao Museum where collection of his utensils and a statue of Luang Pu Kao are displayed for Buddhists to see and worship.

Erawan Cave is a large cave in Amphoe Na Klang. Its entrance is very much higher than ground level and curving stairway of 107 steps ascends from the base of the hill to the mouth of the cave. The interior resembles a large hall, capable of accommodating hundreds of people. Stalagmites and stalactites create an exotic beauty. This cave has an opening onto a high cliff overlooking the picturesque fields below.

Noen Wat Pa an ancient place of worship at Amphoe Non Sang, is believed to have been built during the time when the Khmer people dominated the region.

Phu Kao and Phu Phan Kham National Park was set up in 1985 covering an area of 322 square Kilometres. The park's office is located by the lake shore, a part of Ubolratana Dam by Phu Kham in Amphoe Non Sang. Phu Phan Kham is a mountain chain stretching from north to south, that is from Nong Bua Lam Phu to Ubolratana Dam. The Lake also serves as a fish breeding ground and is a popular fishing area. Tourists may stay in the camping area or in the National Park's bungalows.

Phu Kao consist of nine mountains. They are rich in flora and fauna. There are waterfalls, caves and stone terraces. Another tourist destination is Wat Phra Buddha Bat Phu Kao where human and canine footprints related to the local folklore and engraved on stone.


How to get there:
By Car
1. Take Highway #1 Bangkok - Saraburi then Highway #2 Saraburi - Korat - Khon Kaen - Udon Thani, take Highway #210 Udon Thani - Nongworsor - Nong Bua Lamphu. 608 kms.

2. Take Highway #1 Bangkok - Saraburi then Highway #2 Saraburi - Korat - Khon Kaen - Udon Thani, take Highway #2109 Khon Kaen - Ubonrat Dam - Non Sang - Nong Bua Lamphu. 559 kms.

3. Take Highway #1 Bangkok - Saraburi then Highway #2 Saraburi - Korat - Bua Yai,  take Highway #202 Bua Yai - Chaiyapoom - Phu Kaew - Chumpae - Sri Boon Reung,       take Highway 228 to Nong Bua Lamphu. 584 kms.

By Bus
Take a bus, Bangkok - Udon Thani at Bangkok's Northern bus Terminal Tel. (02) 2710101-5 and then Udon Thani - Nong Bua Lamphu.

By Train
Take a train, Bangkok - Udon Thani at Bangkok Railway Station Tel. (02) 2237010, 2237020 and take a bus to Nong Bua Lamphu.

By Plane
A plane from Bangkok to Udon Thani is available every day, contact Thai Airways International Ltd TG-Bangkok, Tel (02) 2800070,2800080 and TG-Udon Thani Tel. (042) 243222,246697. Transportation in the city and to the districts Mini bus service in the city and bus service to the districts are available.