If you want to visit a Northeastern (Isan) province but don’t have much time, Nong Bua Lam Phu fits the bill. Once part of Udon Thani, this relatively new province is home to many lovely attractions that are not too far from one another and can be easily accessed. The province is yet to become very well-known among visitors so it’s a perfect destination if you want to get truly off the beaten track.
- Itinerary
- 1. Pay homage to the Phromwihan Chedi at Wat Pa Phrom Wihan – a forest temple.
- 2. Visit Huai Nam Bong Reservoir at Ban Tat Hai.
- 3. Shop for local specialties at Ban Tha Lat – a freshwater fish market.
- 4. Take in the views at the Chong Khao Kat Viewpoint of Ubol Ratana Dam.
Wat Pa Phrom Wihan – a forest temple
Wat Pa Phrom Vihan is a forest temple in the tradition of Phra Achan Mun Bhuridatta, one of Thailand’s most revered Buddhist monks. Locals visit the temple to pay homage to Phrom Wihan Chedi Khem Thamma Theranuson, a golden chedi containing the Buddha’s relics and those of revered monks.
On the ground floor you will see the statues of the temple’s founder, the late Luangpu Sai, and his teacher Phra Achan Mun Bhuridatta.
This peaceful temple is easily accessed by car and frequented by both seniors and young people alike. Please always dress appropriately in the temple grounds.
: Tambon Khok Muang, Amphoe Non Sang District, Nong Bua Lam Phu 39140- : Open daily from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Ban Tat Hai
You can’t resist taking a picture at the entrance to our next stop which is about 4 kilometres from Wat Pa Phrom Wihan. Swings between palms trees next to rice fields are too much fun to miss!
About 1 kilometre from the entrance, you will get a nice view of the royal initiative Huai Nam Bong Reservoir and a long bamboo bridge that stretches across the water. Villagers laboured to build the bridge, so visitors have a photogenic place to “check-in” while visiting – talk about media savvy!
The Reservoir stores water for consumption and the agricultural needs of the villagers. It is a breeding ground for fish and many animals, thus generating supplementary income for the local residents. It has also played a major role in regulating water flows and preventing floods in the area. Visitors are welcome to take a boat tour of the Reservoir.
- Guided tour: 50 Baht/person
- Boat trip: 200 Baht/trip for 8 persons
- Boat trip to caves: 300 Baht/trip for 8 persons
- : Tambon Khok Muang, Amphoe Non Sang District, Nong Bua Lam Phu 39140
: Open daily 
: 0 4281 2812 (TAT Loei-Nong Bua Lam Phu Office)
Ban Ta Lat – a market of freshwater fish
Take Route No. 3002 to visit this village where you can witness the daily life of the local fishermen and enjoy the views of the Ubol Ratana Dam. You can also catch a glimpse of how various preserved freshwater fish ismade. After all, the village is known as a fish source of Isan.
A local specialty called Pla Som Sai Dieo, which is made of fish from the Dam, caught our attention. The fish meat is seasoned and moulded into a small ball before being partially wrapped in banana leaves to make sure each ball is separated while fermenting. Fried Pla Som goes very well with freshly cooked sticky rice!
Hundreds of rafts with large fishing nets are on the water of Ubol Ratana Dam, and you can take a sightseeing boat trip to see them.
Fee for the boat- 500 Baht for 4 persons
- : Tambon Nong Ruea, Amphoe Non Sang, Nong Bua Lam Phu 39140
- : Open daily
- : 0 4281 2812 (TAT Loei-Nong Bua Lam Phu Office)
If you are interested in buying more of the preserved fish from the Dam, continue onto Ban Tha Sila on Route No. 2146 (Non Sang – Ubol Ratana). Its “road of fish” is where you will find a variety of preserved fish and many food stalls.
Chong Khao Khat Viewpoint
You can enjoy a panoramic view of the lake at Ubol Ratana Dam from here while watching the beautiful sunset.
Chong Khao Khat Viewpoint is where Nong Bua Lam Phu meets Khon Kaen province. It’s also close to the Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park where you can camp out to enjoy the pristine nature of Nong Bua Lam Phu.
- Entry fee for the National Park:
- Adult 200 Baht; child 100 Baht
- Vehicle:
- Bicycle free
- Motorcycle 20 Baht
- 4-wheel car 30 Baht
- 6-wheel car 100 Baht
- More than 6-wheel vehicle 200 Baht
- Overnight stay 30 Baht/person
Sunset view at Chong Khao Kat Viewpoint.
- : Tambon Ban Kho, Amphoe Non Sang, Nong Bua Lam Phu 39140
- : 0 4281 2812 (TAT Loei-Nong Bua Lam Phu Office).
