Isan Province Profile

Amnat Charoen

Amnat Charoen is one of Thailand's newly established provinces and a total area of some 3,161,248 km². Established as a town during the reign of King Rama III, first under the jurisdiction of Nakorn Khemmarat and later placed in Ubon Ratchathani province. It was elevated into its own province in 1993. The province is renowned for its many Lao and Lanna style temples.

amnat charoen map

Provincial Attractions

The Buddha Uthayan is located about 3 km north of town. The surrounding area remains untouched, with many types of rocks, plants, and trees, transforming it into a park (Uthayan). The 20 m high Phra Mongkhon Ming Muang statue is commonly referred to as Phra Yai, and sits in the Mam Vichai (Victory over Evil) posture. The artistic influence of North India (Pala), prevalent a thousand years ago, can be detected.

Wat Tham Saeng Phet (Cave of Diamond Sparkles), or Wat Sala Pan Hong (1,000 Room Pavilion), has a chapel perched on the hilltops. North of the chapel, lights reflecting off the stalactites and stalagmites of the large and beautiful cavern makes the inside sparkle like diamonds. Visitors pay respect to the large, exquisite Buddha image housed within the cave. A number of foreign monks study the Dharma here.

Phu Sa Dok Bua National Park (Lotus Pond Hill) sprawls across 252 km². The terrain, in general, is mountainous stretching from the northwest to the southeast. Its rich and fertile jungles are habitats to a great number of different plants. There are several large stone flatlands in different locations locally called "Dan". Around Phu Sa Dokbua in particular, is a vast tract of jungles with plentiful water sources. There one can see many animals, such as deer, wild boar, wild hares, squirrels, and porcupines. Within the national park are fascinating stone cliffs with prehistoric paintings. The highlight of the park is located on the top of the mountain where 5 stony basins of unknown origin, with widths of 2-5 meters, contain water throughout the year. Various forms of lotus grow naturally in these basins, providing a colorful spectacle.

Festivals

Boat Racing is annually held around November in front of the Chanumarn District Office near the Mekong River. The festival draws decorative boats from provinces around Thailand and from Lao P.D.R.

Long Kuang is a festive occasion allowing for the social gathering of unmarried male and female villagers. A group of females weaves fabrics to the accompaniment of musical tunes conducted by male villagers.