Chaiyaphum lies on the edge of the Khorat Plateau in Isan, between Thailand’s central and northern regions. The province consists of roughly equal parts forest and mountains on the one hand, and plateau on the other. Its nature can be explored in very different places: at high waterfalls, among rocks shaped by time and erosion, and at striking sandstone pillars. In addition, temple sites, silk weaving and recurring festivals offer insights into the region’s cultural diversity.

Waterfalls and unusual rock formations

Namtok Sai Thong, a 100-metre-high waterfall, is located in Sai Thong National Park. Pa Hin Ngam National Park is home to rock formations shaped by time and erosion. Those particularly interested in the shapes of the landscape can find two more striking sights in Phu Laen Kha National Park: the natural rock arch Pratu Khlong and Mo Hin Khao. The latter consists of five large sandstone pillars and is also known as Thailand’s Stonehenge.

Tat Ton National Park lies on the edge of the Phu Laen Kha mountain range. It includes the Tat Ton, Tat Klang and Pha Iang waterfalls. The sights range from individual, high waterfalls to geological formations whose shapes have developed over a long period of time. You can also go jungle trekking in Chaiyaphum’s nature parks.

At Tat Ton Waterfall, you can picnic and swim in a forest setting, especially during the rainy season when water levels are high. Tat Ton National Park can be reached via Highway 2051, along a 21-kilometre route. Check the route and road conditions before setting out.

Temple sites and silk weaving

Chaiyaphum’s cultural character reflects Thai, Lao and Khmer heritage. Wat Phrathat Nong Sam Muen is home to a stupa dating from the 16th century, from the time of Lan Xang King Setthathirath. In Ban Khon Sawan, the grounds of the main temple preserve a collection of around two dozen Bai Sema dating from the 9th century. Ban Kut Ngong preserves 29 stone Buddhist boundary markers in a sheltered enclosure on the grounds of a wat.

Ban Khwao offers another kind of cultural discovery: the village specialises in weaving Mut-Mee silk with distinctive patterns. Alongside historic temple sites, traditional craft practices also come into focus. Travellers can choose their itinerary based on their interests and combine exploring the landscape and rock formations with these cultural themes, without treating them as the same experience.

Festivals with different date references

Hae Krathup, the Illuminated Incense Festival, is an annual three-day festival in Chaiyaphum. It is held before the end of the Buddhist Lent period, Wan Ok Phansa; the exact dates follow the Buddhist calendar. The festival features Krathup structures that are three to six metres high and traditionally have a central bamboo spire and colourful garlands.

The Hae Nak Hot Festival takes place every year in May in the Ban Non Salao-Non Than area, Tambon Nong Thum, Amphoe Phu Khieo, in Chaiyaphum Province. The tradition has existed for more than 100 years. Its procession follows a village circuit of more than three kilometres. The two festivals offer different date references: May for the Hae Nak Hot Festival, and the connection to Wan Ok Phansa for Hae Krathup. If you plan your trip around either festival, check the specific dates and local arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Khon Sawan, Ban Sok, Watabaek, Ban Lao, Ban Thaen, Ban Don, Nai Mueang, Ban Kok, Chong Sam Mo.

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