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Chaiyaphum

Chaiyaphum, the City of Phraya Lae the Brave, features many historical monuments from its long and storied history, as well as spectacular natural beauty.

Chaiyaphum is a province located at the edge of Isans Khorat plateau in the area between the Central and the Northern regions of Thailand, and is therefore roughly half forests and mountains, half plateau. It is a land of beautiful Dok Krachiao (curcuma) fields and abundant waterfalls, especially in the rainy season. Chaiyaphums major mountain ranges include Phu Phang Hoei, Phu Laen Kha, and Phu Phaya Fo, the origin of the Chi River.

Historically, Chaiyaphum is a place where many periods of civilization have overlapped, including those of the disparate Dvaravati, Khmer, and Lan Xang kingdoms. Consequently, many archaeological remains and objects have been found across the province. In more modern times, Chaiyaphum acted as a border town during the reign of King Narai the Great of the Ayutthaya period. The town was again abandoned but reappeared in the early Ratanakosin era as a destination where migrants from Vientiane, Loas settled; their leader, called Lae, sided with the Thais in a regional uprising and was appointed the first governor of modern-day Chaiyaphum by a grateful King of Thailand.


In addition to its storied history, Chaiyaphum Province is famous for its natural beauty, best appreciated in its four national parks: Tat Thon National Park features dry dipterocarp forests, Sai Thong National Park contains the spectacular Sai Thong waterfall, Pa Hin Ngam National Park includes some odd rock formations, and Phu Laen Kha National Park has dense forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and rocky mountain cliffs. Chaiyaphum is a region filled with a variety of exotic flora and fauna and visitors can enjoy jungle trekking, camping, and swimming in its outstanding natural parks.

Transport

As a province somewhat off the typical tourist route, Chaiyaphum is best reached via private car or public bus. However, it is possible to take a train or plane to nearby Ubon Ratchathani an then a short bus to Chaiyaphum. Once there, it may be easier to get around with your own car, but there are standard forms of local transport available for visitors: i.e. songtaew, motorbike taxi, and tuk tuk.

Getting to and from Chaiyaphum

  • By Train:

From Bangkoks Hua Lumphong Station there are both rapid and express trains to Nong Khais Bua Yai Station. From there passengers can take a bus 51 kilometers to Chaiyaphum. For more information, please contact the Travel Service Center of the State Railway of Thailand at Tel. 1690, 0 2220 4444, 0 2220 4334, 0 2621 8701 or visit www.railway.co.th

  • By Car:

1. From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road) to Saraburi. Turn right onto Highway No. 2 (Mittraphap Road) and turn left into Highway No. 201 at Sikhio District, passing through Dan Khun Thot and Chatturat Districts into Chaiyaphum, a total distance of 330 kilometers.

2. From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road) through Saraburi; at the Phu Khae Intersection take Highway No. 21 to Chai Badan District. Then, take Highway No. 205, passing through Thep Sathit and Chatturat Districts into Chaiyaphum province.

  • By Bus:

Busses from Bangkoks Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) to Chaiyaphum depart daily. The trip takes approximately 5 ½ hours. For more information, please contact Bangkoks Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) at Tel. 0 2936 2852-66, Chaiyaphum Bus Terminal at Tel. 0 4481 1493, Air Chaiyaphum Co., Ltd. at Tel. 0 4481 1556, Nakhonchai Air Co., Ltd. at Tel. 0 4481 1739, 0 4481 2522, Chaiyaphum Chong Charoen Co., Ltd. at Tel. 0 4481 1780 or Fax. 0 4481 1760, Chaiyaphum Tour Co.,Ltd. at Tel. 0 4481 6012 or visit www.transport.co.th.

  • By Air:

There are no airlines servicing Chaiyaphum. The nearest airports are in Khon Kaen and Nakhon Ratchasima, respectively 150 and 119 kilometers away. From either it is possible to get ground transportation to Chaiyaphum.

Getting Around Chaiyaphum

As in most rural Thai provinces there are typically songtaews that follow established routes around the provincial capital and between towns within the province. Songtaews, motorbike taxis, and some form of tuk tuk are usually available for private charter as well.


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