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Phra Mongkhon, Seven River
basils, Sacred caves, Phra Lao, Beautiful islands and mountain, precious silk
and religious people.
Amnat Charoen is part of lower Northeast region. The province
acquires total area of 3,161 square kilometres. Its eastern boundary, at Amphoe
Chanuman, is next to Mekong River. The community was firstly established during
the reign of King Rama III of Rattanakosin some two centuries ago. Amnat Charoen
has been part of Ubon Ratchathani until it was upgraded into province on
December 1, 1993. Although it is a small and tranquil town, Amnat Charoen has
various attractions distributing in different Amphoe. Visitors to Amnat Charoen
can stroll around to witness sacred Buddha images, picturesque rice paddies and
fruit orchards, rocky rapids of Mekong River in dry season , and excellent
handicrafts particularly silk.
Amnat Charoen comprises 7 Amphoes namely Mueang , Hua Taphan,
Phana, Senangkhanikhom, Chanuman, Pathum Ratchawongsa, and Lue Amnat.
Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Saraburi and
Highway No. 2 to Nakhon Ratchasima, then take Highway No. 226 to Buriram and
Surin and continue the journey along Highways No. 214 and 202 to Amnat Charoen
via Suwannaphum and Yasothon, a total distance of 585 kilometres.
Bus
Scheduled buses and air-conditioning coaches leave Northeastern Bus terminal Mo
Chit 2, Kamphaeng Phet Road, for Amnat Charoen daily. For more information, call
0-2936-2852-66 or visit
www.transport.co.th
Rail
There is no direct train to Amnat Charoen. Visitors can take a
train to Ubon Ratchathani, then continue the trip by bus to Amnat Charoen. Call
1690, 0 2223 7010-20 for more information.
Air
Thai Airways flies from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, which is 75 kilometres from
Amnat Charoen. Call 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 for more information.
Distances from Amphoe Mueang to Other Districts
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Chanuman
Phana
Hua Taphan
Senangkhanikhom
Pathum Ratchawongsa
Lue Amnat |
78
47
35
81
32
22 |
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms. |
Phra Mongkhon Ming Muang
This Buddha image is housed in Dan Phra Bat Temple. The temple is situated 3
kilometres from town on the left-hand side of Highway 212. This Buddhist
sanctuary built amidst the green trees of Phra Mongkon Ming Muang, designed in
the attitude of Subduing Mara and decorated with golden mosaic tiles. The 20
metre-tall Buddha image was moulded in Northern Indian style in 1965. It is the
most sacred Buddha image for Amnart Charoens people.
The temple also keeps a respected Buddha image
called Pa La Hai, coincidentally discovered in the pond in 1962 when the temple
was under renovation. This Buddha image is believed to bring good fortune to
worshippers.
Phra Lao Thep Nimit Temple (Wat Phra Lao
Thep Nimit)
Situated on highway 2134, 2 kms from Amphoe
Phana, the temple has Lanna-style chapel which houses the principle Buddha image
“Phra Lao Thep Nimit”. Built in 1720, the Buddha image, in subduing Mara
attitude decorated by gold leaves, is considered the most beautiful Buddha image
of Northeast Region. The art style mirrors Laotian art style from Vientiane
which is influenced by Lanna during the 16th-17th Century. The Buddha image was
probably built a bit after such period, assumed from appearance of local art
style such as face pattern, higher flame over the head, lap and feet which are
similar to art style found in wooden and bronze Buddha statue from the 18th
-19th Century.
Ban Kham Phra Handicraft Centre
The centre is located at Ban Kham Phra, on Hua Taphan-Amnat Charoen highway, 2
kilometres from Amphoe Hua Taphan’s Office. The centre offers various
handicrafts made by housewife. “Khit”, hand woven cloth with delicate pattern,
and handicrafts made from the beautiful fabric are available. Tourist can watch
the production demonstration and enjoy great selection of the products.
Phu Sa Dok Bua
Situated in Phu Sa Dok Bua National Park, the
423 metres high mountain borders three provinces namely Amnat Charoen, Mukdahan,
and Yasothon. The park’s headquarter is located in Amphoe Don Tan of Mukdahan.
On the mountain top, there are 11 stone pools, which is a few metres wide. It is
quite strange that all of them are occupied by different species of colourful
lotus, which is found normally in swamp. Locals insist that nobody plant the
lotus, but all come naturally. So, they name these pools “Phu Sa Dok Bua” or
literally the mountain of lotus pool. Nearby is a huge cave which can
accommodate hundred of people. It once served as stronghold of Communist Party
of Thailand.
Visitor who plan for trekking trip can ask Phu
Sa Dok Bua National Park for more information at 0-4261-9077 , The Department of
National Park 0-2562-0760 or
www.dnp.go.th or Mukdaharn Forestry Office at 0-4261-1757.
Wat Chaiyatikaram
Situated at Ban Phon Mueang, Tambon Mai Klon, the temple houses a Buddha image
in subduing Mara attitude. This 55 centimetres high Buddha image is among
Buddhism art from Vientiane craftsman, ranking the same level to subduing Mara
Buddha image at Wat Phra Kaeo, Vientaine, and Buddha image at Wat Wichun, Luang
Prabang in Lao. This Buddha image can be dated back to the 17th-18th Century.
Don Chao Pu
Located 40 kilometres from Amnat Charoen city,
the park acquires 260 rais area of mixed deciduous forest. The park is home to
various wildlife particularly crab-eating macaques, plenty of which can be
easily spotted. The park houses a sacred shrine, as well as Buddha image in the
attitude of birth, enlightenment, the first sermon, and reclining in the park.
Wat Pho Sila
The temple is situated at Ban Pueai Hua Dong, Tambon Pueai. The temple houses
interesting antique, big white sandstone Sema leaves from Dvaravati period which
can be dated back to 1,000 years ago. Built during 7th-8th Century in Khmer
style, the sandstone Sema has sharp end, board leave and narrow base carved in
lotus shape. Above the carved lotus is pattern of stupa, water pot and bell.
Core of the stone leaves are carved with three-ended leave carrying 3 half
flowers in three rings lying next to others. Its crest is carved like a flag
decorated with lotus’s petal-pattern ornament. Base of the stone leaves is
influenced by lotus’s petal pattern from altar of Buddha image or Dhamma Wheel
from Dvaravati found in Central Thailand. Half flowers carved in three
connecting rings carry the same pattern found in half flowers found in the arc,
of which angels are sitting with hands pressing together towards the mid of
lintel which was found at eastern gate of Norhtern stupa, Khao Noi Si Chomphu
Khmer Ruins, Amphoe Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo Province.
Tham Saeng Phet Temple (Wat Tham Saeng
Phet)
The temple is located on Amnat Charoen-Khemarat Road, 18 kilometres from the
city, and 2 kilometres off the main road uphill. Located on spacious sandstone
plain, the temple has vihara, pagoda, and huge reclining Buddha. North of the
vihara is a big cave housing a beautiful Buddha image. Tourist can walk around
to enjoy rock formation of Sala Phun Hong. This cave is named Saeng Phet or
‘diamond’s glitters’ due to its flashing glitter rock. Wat Tham Saeng Phet is
meditation centre of those who honour Achan Cha Suphatto, famous monk from Wat
Nong Pa Phong. Foreign monks always come for practicing mediation here.
Ban Chang Tho Royal Folk Arts and Craft
Training Centre
Located 5 kilometres from Amphoe Hua Taphan, the centre offers training course
on various local crafts such as weaving and gems cutting. The centre here
produces world-class gems cutting technician. Tourist can enjoy witness the
production process and wide selections of products.
Phuttha Utthayan Reservoir
This reservoir is opposite to Wat Dan Phra Bat , three kilometres away from
town. This large reservoir under the Irrigation Department offers beautiful
scenery. It is an ideal place to visit with resorts and food shops scattered all
around.
Mo Lam Village
The cultural attraction of Amnat Charoen is situated at Tambon Pla Khao, 20
kilometres from Amnat Charoen City. Mo Lam is famous traditional performance of
Northeast Thailand. Performance features dancing and playing traditional music.
Ban Pla Khao Village found by Phu Thai ethnic group some 200 years ago. Here is
the biggest Mo Lam village of Thailand, with 20 bans of Mo Lam living in the
village. Besides conserving the traditional performance, some bans have
developed into contemporary style. They perform countrywide and earn lots of
money. Mo Lam performance of Ban Pla Khao is awarded Amnat Charoen’s OTOP (One
Tambon One Product).
Chitsakon Agricultural Centre
Located close to Chidsakol Resort, the famous farm features flower and beautiful
plants. Its huge plantation of African marigold always turn the whole field into
bright yellow hue when in full bloom. Visitor to the farm can join activities
such as taking care of the plantation or cut flowers.
Rapids in Maekhong River
Chanuman is a peaceful district about 80 kilometres from the provincial town
where the land run along side the Maekhong River for a distance of 38 kilometres,
affording a wonderful view of the natural scenery of both side of the river.
Rapids emerge during the dry season (February-May).
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