Nong Bua Lumphu

Originally Nong Bua Lumphu was a prosperous town of the Srisutthanakhonhut Kingdom (Laos) 900 years ago. Its official name was ‘Nong Bua Lumphu – Nakhon Kuan Kun Kab Kaew Bua Ban,’ meaning ‘the town of plentiful water with blooming lotus flowers.’ Most of Nong Bua Lumphu is situated on a plateau and the province has large forested areas. It was formerly a district of Udon Thani Province until it became its own province in 1993, making it the 76th province of Thailand.

Provincial Attractions

Erawan Cave is fascinating geological formation located 45 kilometers from Nong Bua Lumphu city. The cave is situated near the top of a mountain (a six-hundred step climb) offering wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. Inside the cave, visitors can see the impressive source of a local legend called "The Maiden with the Fragrant Hair". In front of the cave entrance is a large Buddha image easily visible from miles around.

Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park is a wonderful nature reserve located 54 kilometers from Nong Bua Lumphu city. The area is dominated by a range of mountains extending from north to south separating Nong Bua Lumphu and Khon Kaen provinces. Phupankam Mountain in the east is well known for its scenic beauty with wonderful views of the lake formed by Ubolratana Dam. The park has vast forest areas and an abundance of wildlife. Natural attractions at Phu Kao include a waterfall, a cave, and various uniquely shaped rock formations.

150 million-year-old oyster beds can be seen in the fifty-foot cliffs of the mountains approximately 10 kilometers from Nong Bua Lumphu city. The fossilized oyster remains have been proven to date back 140-150 million years. Some crocodile fossils were also found nearby.

The King Naresuan Monument is an historical site located just outside of Nong Bua Lumphu city. King Naresuan brought an army to Nong Bua Lam Phu to support the King of Hongsaodi in invading the Srisutthanakhonhut Kingdom in 1574. However, King Naresuan fell ill and had to move his army back to Ayutthaya. The shrine was built to commemorate King Naresuan and every year, on January 25th, people congregate to honor this Thai hero and propitiate his spirit by making a sacrifice.

Wat Tham Klong Phen is the most famous forest monastery in Nong Bua Lumphu. It covers a large area of beautiful and peacefully abundant natural forests with majestic rocks and cliffs. In the forest lies a big cave where the famous meditation monk Luang Pu Kraw Analayo practiced his meditation until 1983. A museum commemorating the renowned monk has been built and includes a life-sized wax figure, as well as displays of his personal belongings.

Festivals

Bang Fai Festival (Thai Rocket) is celebrated in June. This festival is said to aid in bringing timely rains for the crops. Townsfolk launch firework rockets in order to summon the monsoon.

Folk Art, Music and Games Festival is observed in December. The people of Nong Bua Lumphu honor their historic past with exhibitions of folk art and crafts. Many artisans sell their works. Celebrants also play folk music and entertain onlookers with games typical of the region.

Accommodation

Sawang Chit
53 Wichan Rangsan Amphoe Muang [0 4231 1349] 80-130 baht

Si Somphon
68 Pho Chai Road Amphoe Muang [0 4231 1084] 100-200 baht

Dining

Krua Tongta serves tasty Thai food. 388 Warapakdee Rd.

Rim Phu Rab Ped cooks delicious Thai and Isan food. 256 Nong Bua Lam Phu-Udon Thani Rd.