Kaeng Tana National Park can
be reached by two ways. One is by Highway 2222. Along this route you
get a beautiful sight of Kaeng Tana because more rocks can be seen
on this side. The other way is the route to the National Park Office
along Highway 217 (Phibun-Chong Mek route) and then turn left to
Highway 2173 for another 13 kilometers. The total area of Kaeng Tana
National Park is 50,000 rai. It was proclaimed a national park on 13
July 1982.
Attractions in the park
include:
Kaeng Tana is the biggest cataract in the
middle of the Mun River. The cataract itself is a big stone
platform lying across the Mun River, causing the water which flows
through Kaeng Tana to take the form of beautiful
waterfalls.
Don Tana is a sand bar of 450 meters in
width and 700 meters in length that emerges and splits the Mun River
into two branches. To the north, lies a sandy beach, which is an
ideal place for recreation. Generally viewed covering the whole area
is dry evergreen forest. There are big trees providing shade, and
growing naturally among them are some teak trees. Now, visitor can
reach Don Tana by walking across a suspension bridge.
Kaeng Khanwhe is a cataract which is
approximately 1 kilometer long and 300 meters wide. there is a sandy
beach which has large and small stones scattered sink holes and
jagged rocks prevail. The large amount c water in December running
fiercely against the rocks creates a picturesque scene.
Tat Ton Waterfall is on Highway
2173, which is about 6 kilometer off Highway 217. This beautiful
waterfall is created from Tat Ton Brook flowing past a stone
platform and plunging onto the pain forming a basil large enough to
swim in. The water is cool and clear. The area is surrounded by
forest and flowering shrubs.There is accommodation for tourists
at the park, and prior reservation is needed by contacting.
Heo Sin Chai Cave is on Highway
2222, about 7 kilometers before reaching Amphoe Khong Chiam, turn
left for about 2 kilometers. It is on the same route as Kaeng Tana.
The cave is a Buddhist center with a beautiful reclining Buddha
image. This center is famous for its strict discipline. It is hill
around the temple with many big rocks, trees, and beautiful flowers.
Besides there is also a waterfall cascading down the cliff to the
area in front of the reclining Buddha image making the place very
cool and beautiful.
Wat Tham Khu Ha Sawan is on
Highway 222 about 6 kilometer before reaching Khong Chiam District.
The temple was built in 1978 by Luang Pu Kam Khaning Chula Mani. It
was his residence and place o meditation while he was still alive.
Despite the fact that he passed away many years ago, his body
remains in perfect condition, so his disciples keep it in glass
coffin to worship it. There are scenic spots for tourists to admire
the beauty of the Mae Khong River and the Laotian border.
The Bi-coloured River or the
Mun River's alluvium is the place where two rivers join: the Brown
Mae Khong and the Blue Mun River. It is located in Khong Chiam
District about 84 kilometers from Ubon Ratchathan city
center.
Pakmun Dam is constructed from stone
reinforced with clay soi across the Mun River at Ban Huawhe in
Amphoe Khong Chiam. With a width of 17 meters and a length of 300
meters, the dam facilitates agriculture and generates electricity.
It is located approximately 75 kilometers from town, or about 6
kilometers far from the area where the Mekong River meets the Mun
River. It is possible to travel along the top of the dam wall as a
short cut from Amphoe Khong Chiam to Amphoe Sirinthon without
driving back to Amphoe Phibun Mangsahan. In addition, cruising along
the beautiful Mun River is possible from the end of the dam to the
so-called bicoloured river, where the Mun River joins with the
Mekong River.
Pha Taem National Park covers
a total area of 140 square kilometers in Khong Chiam, Amphoe Si
Muang Mai, and Amphoe Pho Sai. It was announced officially as a
national park on 31 December, 1991. Plateaus and hills dominate the
park's landscape. There are sheer cliffs which are a result from
earthquakes. Most trees are of the deciduous dipterocarp forest.
Irregular shaped sandstone is found scattered in the area. Beautiful
flowering plants grow among the rocky ground. Traveling can be made
from Amphoe Khong Chiam along Highway No. 2134, followed by Highway
No. 2112, and then turning right for another 5 kilometers, the total
distance is 18 kilometers.
Places of interest within
the park are:
Sao Chaliang
is on
Highway 2112, about 11 kilometers from the office on the route to
Pha Taem. Sao Chaliang is a natural formation of rocks sitting one
upon another forming a mushroom-like shape. Fossils of sea shells,
pebbles, and sand grains can be seen in big stone slabs believe that
about a million years ago this area must have been a sea
bed.
Pha Taem and Pha Mon are on
Highway 2112 about 98 kilometers from Ubon Ratchathani, about 3
kilometers further from Sao Chaliang in Tambon Nong Phua Noi. Pha
Taem and Pha Mon are two steep cliffs overlooking the Mekong river
with a clear view of Laos on the other side. On the cliffs' surface,
there are prehistoric paintings dating back to 3,000-4,000 years ago
reflecting the ancient way of life of the people who once lived in
the area, such as Buk fishing (Buk is a species of large scaleless
fish found in the Mekong river), and rice farming. Figures of
people, animals, hands, and geometric designs were also
depicted.

Tham Mut is in Ban Sa Som on Highway
2112, turning left and continuing for about 15 kilometers to Ban
Thung Na Muang. This is a cave some 4 meters wide and 6 meters high.
Inside there are many carved Buddha images, indicating that it used
to be a place for religious ceremonies.
Soi Sawan Waterfall
on Highway 2112, is 30 kilometers from Khong Chiam
District. It is a big waterfall cascading from two sides of steep
cliffs about 20 meters high. It resembles a necklace. The water is
plentiful all year round. The area is surrounded with trees and
various kinds of flowers.
Thung Na Muang Waterfall
is on Highway 2112 about 12 kilometers from Soi Sawan Waterfall.
It is a beautiful medium - sized fall and is near the road. The
water cascades down the rocks; the highest level is about 25 meters.
The area is full of blossoming plants.
Saengchan
Waterfall (Ru Waterfall) is only 1 kilometer from Thung
Na Muang Waterfall on Highway 2112. It is a very beautiful waterfall
with a special characteristic of its own that is the water will fall
down through a rock pipe looking like the full moon shining onto the
world. Around the area, large and small rocks are scattered together
with many kinds of trees. Below is a cave very suitable for
camping.
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