Exciting Trip to Sao Chaliang and Pha Taem

Enjoy an exciting trip to Sao Chaliang and Pha Taem with mr.hotsia in Ubon Ratchathani

When it comes to scenic viewpoints and ancient sites that still hold the charm of natural beauty and Southern Isan culture, I, mr.hotsia, have to sayPha TaemandSao Chaliangin Ubon Ratchathani province are places you absolutely must not miss. The first time I traveled to Pha Taem was over 20 years ago. Back then, there were no bridges or convenient walkways like today. Walking down to see the ancient hand paintings on the cliff by the Mekong River required patience and some physical effort. But when I returned in 2014, what I saw was very well developed. The walkway down to view the ancient paintings was neatly arranged and much easier to walk on, making it clearly more comfortable to experience the lifestyle and nature here.

Pha Taem is located on the Thai side of the Mekong River, offering clear views of the large river and the Laos side. The atmosphere here is very peaceful with a cool breeze all day, perfect for a leisurely stroll and capturing spectacular views with steep cliffs as the backdrop. The ancient hand paintings are important historical evidence of Southern Isan and Indochina's past, deeply reflecting the culture of ancient people.

However, I must mention that walking down to see the paintings at the bottom of Pha Taem is about 1 kilometer along a sloping path. For elderly or less fit visitors, it is recommended to enjoy the view from the upper viewpoint, which is close to the parking area and convenient for those who prefer not to walk far. But for those who love walking and want to fully experience the atmosphere, I can say it is very worthwhile to see the authentic paintings and get close to the nature by the Mekong River.

Sao Chaliang: Unique Stone Pillars Created by Nature

Another spot I, mr.hotsia, really like isSao Chaliangwhich is not far from Pha Taem, only 4 kilometers before reaching Pha Taem. Sao Chaliang are uniquely shaped stone pillars formed by land subsidence and erosion from water and wind over a long time, creating distinctive standing shapes unlike any other. I remember on my first visit, I stopped to take many photos here because these stone pillars have interesting heights and shapes. It is a landmark that anyone passing by must stop to take pictures and keep memories.

For those traveling by car, access to Sao Chaliang is very easy with convenient parking. You don’t have to walk far to enjoy the view and take photos comfortably. After that, you can drive on to Pha Taem. This is a perfectly connected travel route, ideal for nature lovers who want to learn history at the same time.

Experience Ubon Ratchathani from mr.hotsia’s Perspective

Ubon Ratchathani is considered the central city of Southern Isan with great importance in economy, culture, and tourism. Recently, as I wrote in the articleUbon-Phuket Flights: Traveling from Isan to the South Without BangkokUbon Ratchathani has direct flights connecting to the South, making travel much more convenient and turning this city into an important Indochina hub connecting Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

If you visit Ubon, don’t forget to take a walk atThung Si Mueangwhich is a central city park popular among locals for exercise and relaxation. Or if you want to try local food at the Big Market, I recommendVietnamese Pizza at Big Market, Ubonwhich offers a unique and unusual flavor.

Travel Tips and Recommendations from mr.hotsia

Traveling to Pha Taem and Sao Chaliang is easy from Ubon Ratchathani city, taking about 1 to 1.5 hours by car. The route is well signposted, and parking is convenient at both Sao Chaliang and Pha Taem. However, if you want to walk down to see the ancient paintings at Pha Taem, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as the path is still steep and requires some energy.

I, mr.hotsia, want everyone to experience the perfect blend of natural beauty and history here. Additionally, Ubon city offers many interesting foods and cultures, including famous Vietnamese noodle soup and a unique soy milk recipe. Feel free to check outthe best soy milk in Ubon provincethat I have recommended before.

For those who want to experience the morning fresh market atmosphere or see the local lifestyle up close, you can watch my video atUbon Ratchathani Morning Fresh Marketwhich guarantees you will truly experience the reality of this city, not just beautifully edited images.

Summary of Impressions from mr.hotsia

Pha Taem and Sao Chaliang are two destinations I, mr.hotsia, confidently say are highly worth visiting. Whether you are a nature traveler or someone interested in history and archaeology, these places offer both knowledge and heartfelt happiness in a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere. Although it is a bit far from Ubon city, every moment spent experiencing the charm of these places will become a cherished memory.

If you want an exciting trip in Ubon Ratchathani, don’t forget to visit Pha Taem and Sao Chaliang, try local foods, and stroll through markets and other attractions in the city. I guarantee Ubon will not disappoint you.