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Amnat Charoen
The prosperous land of seven river basins, home to sacred caves, the divine vision of Phra Lao, beautiful islands and mountains, renowned for exquisite silk, and a devout, virtuous community. Amnat Charoen Province is located in the northeastern region of Thailand, covering an area of approximately 3,161.248 square kilometers. It was established as a city during the reign of King Rama III of the Rattanakosin era, initially under the jurisdiction of Nakhon Khemarat, later transferred to Ubon Ratchathani.
It was officially declared a province on December 1, 1993, separating from Ubon Ratchathani to become Thailand's 75th province. Although Amnat Charoen is a small and peaceful city, it offers many attractions including temples, beautiful natural scenery, and local handicrafts perfect for souvenirs. Amnat Charoen consists of 7 districts: Mueang Amnat Charoen, Hua Taphan, Phana, Senangkhanikhom, Chanuman, Pathum Ratchawongsa, and Lue Amnat.
To the north, it borders Loeng Nok Tha District of Yasothon Province and Don Tan District of Mukdahan Province. To the east, it borders the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Khemarat, Kut Khaopun, and Trakan Phuet Phon Districts of Ubon Ratchathani Province. To the west, it borders Loeng Nok Tha and Pa Tio Districts of Yasothon Province. To the south, it borders Mueang Ubon Ratchathani and Muang Sam Sip Districts of Ubon Ratchathani Province.
By car from Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 Phahonyothin Road, then Highway No. 2 Mittraphap Road to Nakhon Ratchasima. Next, take Highway No. 226 Nakhon Ratchasima - Surin route, then Highway No. 214 Surin - Suwannaphum District, then turn right onto Highway No. 202 passing Yasothon Province and Pa Tio District to Amnat Charoen Province, totaling approximately 585 kilometers. Alternatively, you can take Highways No. 1 and No.
2, then Highway No. 226 Nakhon Ratchasima - Ubon Ratchathani to Ubon Ratchathani Province, then Highway No. 212 Ubon Ratchathani - Amnat Charoen, totaling approximately 704 kilometers. Regular bus services include both standard and air-conditioned buses on the Bangkok - Amnat Charoen route departing from the Northeastern Bus Terminal, Kamphaeng Phet Road, Mo Chit 2. For more information, call 0 2936 2852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th.
Amnat Charoen Bus Terminal phone number 0 4545. For those traveling by plane or train, you must arrive at Ubon Ratchathani Province and then take a bus to Amnat Charoen, approximately the distance from Mueang Amnat Charoen District to other districts. Travel routes to Amnat Charoen Province: Mueang Amnat Charoen District, Buddha Park and Phra Mongkhon Ming Muang are located at Khao Dan Phra Bat, Bung Subdistrict, along Highway No. 212, about 3 kilometers from the city center.
The temple area features natural sandstone shaded by various plant species, which has been developed into a Buddha park. Phra Mongkhon Ming Muang, or the Great Buddha, is in the Mara Vichai posture with an 11-meter wide lap and a height of 20 meters from the ground to the top of the halo. It is influenced by the Pala art style from northern India that spread to the northeast over a thousand years ago. Bua Bus designed and constructed reinforced concrete over the original stucco Buddha statue and decorated the exterior with golden mosaic tiles.
This Buddha statue is a beautiful representation typical of the northeastern region. Behind Phra Mongkhon Ming Muang are two unusual Buddha statues draped in yellow robes called Phra Lahai or locally known as Phra Khi Lai, meaning 'not beautiful' or 'not handsome,' named after the ancient Buddha statue’s appearance found in a pond during surrounding area improvements for water retention. It is believed to bring good luck, and locals often come to pray for blessings.
The City Pillar Shrine is located in Ming Muang Chalerm Phrakiat Park on Chayangkun Road. It is made from auspicious wood, the golden shower tree (Ratchaphruek), flawless and sourced from Takhothong Garden, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District. The city pillar is a guardian deity protecting the city and warding off disasters, serving as the spiritual center for the people of Amnat Charoen. The Buddha Park reservoir is located opposite Phra Mongkhon Ming Muang.
It is an important water source for agriculture and fisheries and also a relaxing spot with cool breezes. Several resorts are located along the reservoir. Chitsakon Agricultural Garden is located on the same site as Chitsakon Resort, covering 80 rai. It is a garden of flowering and ornamental plants, including a marigold garden and rice fields, open for tourists to visit. For more information, call 0 4551 1500 or visit www.chitsakonresort.com.
Wat Tham Saeng Phet has a spacious area comprising a viharn, chedi, and a beautifully constructed reclining Buddha. To the north of the viharn is a large cave housing a beautiful Buddha statue. The name 'Tham Saeng Phet' (Diamond Light Cave) comes from the sparkling reflection of mineral crystals in the cave when sunlight hits them, resembling diamond light. Wat Tham Saeng Phet is a meditation center following the tradition of Ajahn Chah Subhatto, branch 5 of Wat Nong Pah Pong. Travel via Amnat Charoen - Khemarat Road.
It is about 18 kilometers from the city, then turn left and drive about 2 kilometers uphill. Huai Sito Reservoir is an agricultural reservoir located 15 kilometers from the city. It was formed by two mountain ranges creating a basin with beautiful scenery in the morning and evening, serving as a relaxation spot for locals. Travel via Amnat Charoen - Khemarat Road, the same entrance as Wat Tham Saeng Phet, about 2 kilometers from the temple. Phu Sing - Phu Pha Phueng Forest Park.
Village 7, Ban Ba Charoen, Sang Nok Tha Subdistrict, is a rocky mountain area within the Dong Hua Kong Dong Bang Ii National Reserved Forest in Mueang Amnat Charoen and Pathum Ratchawongsa Districts, covering approximately 8,000 rai. Travel via Mueang Amnat Charoen - Pathum Ratchawongsa route for 20 kilometers, then turn left to Ban Ba Charoen for 4 kilometers to the office. Buffalo Pen is a unique natural sandstone sculpture on a large rock platform formed by erosion from sunlight, wind, and water.
The Turtle Rock is a sandstone rock platform about 10 meters wide shaped like a turtle, located on a rock platform at Wat Pho Sila, Ban Puey Hua Dong, Puey Subdistrict. An interesting feature at the temple is the large Dvaravati-era sandstone boundary stone approximately 1,000 years old, dating around 1200-1300 BE. It is Khmer art in the Prei Kmeng style, slender with a pointed tip resembling a spearhead, narrowed at the bottom, with a lotus flower carving at the base. Above the lotus petals is a carved stupa-like shape or stupa finial.