Thailand

Although relatively unknown to foreigners, Pha Taem National Park promises an emotionally enriching experience with its ancient rock art, lush flower fields, and stunning panoramas of the Mekong River.

Located in the far east of Thailand, Pha Taem Park is a popular destination among domestic tourists. Its geographical position makes it the country's first place to be bathed in the rays of dawn. Every New Year, Thais flock here in droves to witness the sunrise. But is that the only reason this protected area is worth a visit? Why aren't foreigners rushing to the gates? What a monumental mistake, because the park is filled with natural treasures waiting to be seen and explored. From hiking to boating on the Mekong or climbing lofty rocks, visitors are treated to a captivating glimpse of wildlife. Distance is no excuse, as Pha Taem Park is just a two-hour bus ride from Ubon Ratchatani.

Overview of Pha Taem National Park

Bordering the green waters of the Mekong River, Pha Taem National Park lies on the border of Thailand and Laos. Its official name is "Pa Dong Natham Forest Pha Taem National Park." To reach it, you'll travel 20 km from the village of Khong Chiam or 200 km from Ubon Ratcha Tani. Across the river lies Laos' Phou Xieng Thong protected area.

A geographical paradise! This is the impression hikers get as they traverse this wide valley overlooked by high rocky plateaus, offering a unique view into Laos. The same feeling emerges while exploring the deciduous forests, observing the ancient rock paintings, or studying water and wind-carved rock formations. Covering a total area of 35,000 hectares, Pha Taem National Park may be smaller compared to other Thai wildlife reserves, yet it surprises with unexpected encounters throughout.

The rich biodiversity of Pha Taem Park

Fauna

If you're dreaming of tracking large mammals, this park may not be the place for you. Predators are limited to civets, palm civets, and clouded leopards. More common species include Burmese hares, wild boars, serows, and branching-antlered deer. Of particular interest is the muntjac, a soft grayish deer endemic to Southeast Asia often seen bounding through the underbrush in search of fruits, seeds, and tender leaves, sometimes raiding bird nests along the way. The Ferjevara triora amphibian specimen was recently spotted in Pha Taem Park in 2005, garnering scientific interest.

Flora

The park boasts fantastic botanical wonders. Botany enthusiasts will delight in visiting Pha Taem National Park, home to the largest flower garden in the country. The forest canopy is dominated by dipterocarp species such as Shorea obtusa, Shorea siamensis, and Dipterocarpus obtusifollus. Along the Mekong River, typical species from dense evergreen forests can be found.

What to see and do at Pha Taem National Park?

The ecotourism circuit at Pha Taem Park features several activities:

Careful observation of flora

Drifting gently on a light boat, explore the plant formations along the Mekong: water lilies, white and blue lotuses, reeds, etc. With explanations from an experienced guide, learn about their economic or medicinal value.

Pause at the mushroom rocks

Stop at the base of the park's main cliff for spectacular limestone sculptures that draw a crowd of tourists. Erosion has shaped stout rocks capped with a rounded bump, locally nicknamed "mushroom rocks."

Study the treasures of rock art

Pha Taem's main attraction lies in its superb rock paintings. The rocks are adorned with a series of paintings dating back 3 or 4 thousand years. It's truly moving to discover that ancient humans left indelible traces of their civilization. Figures of men, fish, buffaloes, and other now-extinct animals tell the story of life during the Neolithic period. In total, there are three hundred engravings!

Visit a cave temple

Wat Tham Patithan, sometimes transcribed as Pa-Ti-Han, houses a secret sandstone cave that monks converted into a Buddhist sanctuary. The cave entrance is accessible at the base of a staircase flanked by multi-headed nagas. It contains two prayer halls measuring 30 m and 200 m in length. While the vault is imposing, the Buddhist iconography is less so, save for a massive reclining Buddha.

Refresh at the Nom Tok Song Chan waterfall

Nom Tok Song Chan waterfall marks the inevitable end of any hike. It awaits cliff-jumping enthusiasts and swimmers in a secluded spot north of the park. The cascade's waters burst forth from a hole, earning it the name "moonlight waterfall." Enjoy the coolness and peaceful environment before heading back.

Practical information

Opening hours and admission fees

The park charges varying entrance fees based on age and country of origin. The rate is €11.2 for adults and €5.6 for children. Residents enjoy free admission.

Tourists are advised to visit the park early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid intense sunburns during midday. Drink plenty of water, especially if venturing into the high mountains. Additionally, decent attire is required to enter the cave temple.

Opening hours: The park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m..

The best time to visit

Northeast Thailand features a tropical savanna climate with constant warmth throughout the year. The period from November to February is ideal for visiting the park, avoiding the October monsoon rains and preceding the scorching heat of March.

How to get there

Pha Taem Park is easily reachable from Bangkok. Book a direct flight to Ubon Ratchatani; from there, rent a car or hail a taxi to the site. Flight prices soar during the last week of December, but outside that period, you can find flights for as little as €16.8.

To save on transportation costs, head to Ubon Ratchatani station and take a local bus to Khong Chiam. Then, switch buses to reach Pha Taem National Park, just a two-hour journey away.