Pha Taem National Park in Thailand is a breathtaking destination renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and fascinating prehistoric rock paintings. Ideal for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike, this national park showcases the natural beauty of Thailand’s northeastern region.
Nestled in the northeastern region of Thailand, Pha Taem National Park is a remarkable destination for anyone seeking an escape into nature. Covering an area of approximately 140 square kilometers, the park stands as a remarkable testament to Thailand’s rich environmental heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in diverse ecosystems ranging from lush jungles to striking cliffs that overlook the Mekong River. The panoramic views from the cliffs are nothing short of spectacular, offering glimpses of the vast landscapes both within and beyond the park’s boundaries.
One of the park’s most notable features is its ancient rock paintings, which date back thousands of years and provide intriguing insights into the lives of prehistoric peoples. These artworks, etched into the limestone cliffs, tell stories of a time long gone and are a must-visit for history buffs and art lovers.
Pha Taem National Park is not only a haven for historians but also for wildlife enthusiasts. It boasts a variety of fauna, including rare species such as the Asian elephant and a number of birds native to the region. The park provides well-marked trails for hiking, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty on foot. For those looking for a challenge, the climbing trails lead to some of the most elevated points in the area, revealing awe-inspiring vistas.
Eco-tourism plays a vital role in the park’s preservation. Local initiatives encourage sustainable practices that help protect the park’s unique ecosystems while allowing visitors to appreciate its beauty. Whether you are kayaking along the Mekong River or trekking through the verdant foliage, Pha Taem offers a unique perspective on Thailand’s natural wonders.
With its rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes, Pha Taem National Park truly embodies the spirit of adventure and discovery. This hidden gem is a perfect destination for travelers looking to connect with nature, explore ancient history, and enjoy breathtaking scenery in one of Thailand’s most beautiful national parks. Make sure to plan a visit to experience all that Pha Taem has to offer, immersing yourself in the serene environment that awaits.
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Attractions
6 miles
0.00 miles
0.66 miles
5.38 miles
5.57 miles
Pha Taem National Park is perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking , Thailand
Entrance to the park, it has been said, is 400 baht for foreigners, and I don’t care. Thai should be able to see their own stuff and the foreigner can be asked for support. Once inside you first stop off at Sao Chaliang, an interesting structure of huge rocks atop one another. From there you can take a short walk to enjoy the view and see a deep crack in the rock. Then you can drive a few kilometers to the visitor center to take a walk along the trail to see the rock paintings. According to one guide the first two are the most interesting, meaning an 800 meter walk. You can follow the trail back to the parking, total 4,1 km, but we did not do that. There is quite some climbing and an uneven path involved.The illustrations themselves are vague but still well preserved and an amazing 3000-4000 years old. Of course there is more to see and explore in the park, it depends on how much time you want to spend. The above will take about 1,5 hours.
Not too much water in the Mekong, better to go to see it below and free (VERY NICE) because to enter in the Park you have to pay 400b for foreigners to see ONLY some special rocks “Sao Chaleang” (you can see them in pictures)
Excellent, must visit.Park is very well maintained and it is just beautiful.Do be careful when visiting the 4 wall painting, the path gets narrow on a cliff.
Complete discrimination! How disgusting, 1 entry is 400 baht for foreigner!!!! It is 40 baht for Thai! I am really unhappy, you just need to boycott this pure racism. The site might have some beauty but it is not justify. DONT COME HERE.
400b seemed reasonable to me :)There are 4 pieces of rock art available to see in a 3.4km circuit. 2 and 3 were my favourite. You can get up close and personal to number 4 on a slightly scary narrow cliff edge. There are viewings platforms for 1 and 2, but they aren’t in perfect repair so be careful. Generally the walking was good, although there are some uneven steps up and down and a few places where you have to edge round rocks to stay on the path. If you have a driver you could ask them to meet you by number 4, which has separate road access, which would save walking the final, very exposed, 1km back to the main car park. Just be sure to head a bit further on from the trail head to see the stunning Mekong views before you head into the trail if you do that.Toilets are at the main car park and the road access to number 4. I love how the toilet sign people are the triangle headed aliens from the art.The mushroomy rocks can be seen in a turn off from the road leading to the cave paintings. If desperate to see them and only them, there are some more, bigger ones, further up the main road after the waterfalls without a ticket station.
Paintings and views are spectacular which are worth visiting but the dual pricing policy is off-putting. It is expensive at 400 BHT (they would not accept a Thai driving licence as proof of locals) really raises again the issue that we are residents and taxpayers and we would like to pay a local resident price. However, we had a great time in the park and enjoyed our walk seeing the mushroom rocks. The paintings are definitely worth seeing you need to go to at least No 2 painting. The coffee shop offered good coffee
Regrettably I decided not to see the park as when I went there with my wife I told them I lived in Thailand and showed them my Thai ID card but still they wanted to charge 40 Baht for her, 400 for me and 30 baht for my car. Charging for a car is a first and is just another charge to rip you off. It’s not about the cost of the experience, but it’s that I’m a resident here and was told I had to pay tourist prices. It was because I was farang we’re seen as money bags and I’m extremely disappointed that no matter how many hurdles you jump across to get your Thai ID card, house book and Thai drivers licence you’re still treated as an outsider.
Yes; we all know that there is dual pricing at national parks in Thailand (as well as many other countries). Yes; it may seem “unfair” and biased in how the system is applied. But, please, just stop the whining about it and live with it, or just stay away and be quiet. Pha Taem National Park is a lot more than just the Sao Chaleang rock formations along the entrance road. If you have any interest in beautiful views of the Mekong and surrounding forests, fabulous rock cliffs, well-maintained hiking trails, and stupendous 3,000-year-old pictographs, 400 baht is a bargain. This is a very well-managed park with lots to offer.
Amazing Rocks and area to visit. In February it is very hot and dry, one should go in the morning. I think in the Season with rain it would let the small plants turn to green and colours. The park fee is not expensive but the booring system of Thailand charge Foreigners 4 times plus. Thai people over 70 are free – but n o t Farang.
Phataem park has many interesting rock formations , sheer cliffs, views of the Mekong River and caves with 3000 years old wall paintings. From the well kept visitors centre trails are accessibleJust off the R2112 and about 70km west of ubon ratchathani it is a must do