Isan Province Profile

Chaiyaphum

Chaiyaphum was founded by a group of Vientiane immigrants, led by Nai Lae, a nobleman, during the beginning of the Rattanakosin era over 2 centuries ago. Within a decade, King Rama III promoted Nai Lae to Phraya Phakdi Chumphon and made him the city’s first lord. When the Lord of Vientiane led a rebellion against King Rama III in 1826, he helped Khunying Mo successfully defend Nakorn Ratchasima from the seige.

chaiyaphum map

Capital City Attractions

Phra Chao Pho Phraya Lae Shrine sits west of the Provincial Hall. To the right is a sacred historical site where Nai Lae was executed by Lao soldiers. Locals built the shrine to honor him and to have the spirit protect the Chaiyaphum and Thai people. Every year, beginning on the first Wednesday of May, a week long festival in his honor is held.

Prang-Ku is an ancient laterite site. Inside is a Buddha image from the Dvaravati period. King Chaiworaman Vll, the last great king of the Khmer Empire, ordered it built during 782-1220. Regarded by the people here as a sacred place, a festival is held at the site in the middle of April every year.

Provincial Attractions

Pa Hin Ngam (Beautiful Rock Forest) National Park derives its name from the various boulders of odd shapes and sizes which are scattered through out the park. During the beginning of the rainy season, the purplish pink-colored krachew flowers are in full bloom, adding a touch of color to the green meadows and hills.

Chulabhorn Dam (Nam Phrom Dam) is a hydroelectric dam built by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) in 1972. It is 700 meters long, 70 meters high and 8 meters wide. The dam is surrounded by high mountains and dense jungle. A cool climate prevails throughout the year. Part of the beautiful scenery includes a royal residence and an experimental cold-weather crop growing center. There are also boats for rent to view the dam. The pavilion, Sala Daeng, is a perfect retreat for those wanting some peace and quiet. Sala Loop Kuan sits high above the dam and offers a panoramic view of nearby areas. On a clear day one can also view Phu Kradung Mountain far away in Loei province.

Ban Kawao (Kawao Village) is renowned for weaving fine silk and cotton fabrics with elaborate designs, especially the matmee cloth, which uses a special tie-dying technique.

Festivals

The annual Chao Poh Phraya Lae Festival is held to commemorate the virtues of Phraya Lae, the founder of Chaiyaphum. During 12-20 January of each year, celebrations are organized at the grounds in front of the Town Hall and at the Chao Poh Phraya Lae Monument junction. Rites are performed to pay homage to the spirit of the Chao Poh, and there are elephant parades and processions from various districts. Exhibition stalls are put up by private and government agencies and an agricultural contest is held.

The Ram Phi Fah traditional dance is performed in groups at Phu Phra where the highly revered Phra Chao Ong Tue, a Buddha statue carved in sandstone, is enshrined. It is celebrated during the 13th to 15th day of the 5th lunar month or April and also on Khao Pansa and Ok Pansa (beginning and ending of the Buddhist Rains Retreat).