The Phu Kao and Phu Phan Kham National Park, Nong Bua Lam Phu

Nong Bua Lam Phu is a newly established province upgraded from Amphoe Nong Bua Lam Phu of Udon Thani Province in 1993. It is situated 46 Kilometers from Udon Thani. Nong Bua Lam Phu was the first settlement of the Lao tribal group in its massive migration across the Mekong River from Vientiane into northeastern Thailand. Phra Ta Phra Wo led this massive migration during the reign of King Maha Bunchai Chetthathirat of the Si Sattana Khanahut Vientiane (1760-1778). The migration resulted in the founding of a new city at Ban Hin Ngom, known as Nong Bua Lam Phu, in 1768. The new city was named "Nakhon Khuan Khan Kap Kaeo Bua Ban" because the large swamp called "Nong Bua or "Lotus Swamp" was the heart of the city. Transportation By car A drive passes through Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima and Chaiyaphum Province before entering Nong Bua Lam Phu Province. By Plane There are daily flights on the Bangkok-Udon Thani route by Thai Airways International. From Udon Thani, you continue your trip by automobile for another 46 kilometers before arriving at Nong Bua Lam Phu. Tourist Attractions and Places of Interest Phu Kao and Phu Phan Kham National Park Phu Kao and Phu Phan Kham National Park was set up in 1985 covering an area of 322 square kms.. The park's office is located by the lake shore, a part of Ubolratana Dam by Phu Phan Kham in Amphoe Non Sang. Phu Phan Kham is a mountain chain stretching from north to south, that is from Nong Bua Lam Phu to Ubolratana Dam. The lake also serves as a fish breeding ground and is a popular fishing area. Tourists may stay in the camping area or in the National Park's bungalows Phu Kao consist of nine mountains. They are rich in flora and fauna. There are waterfalls, caves and stone terraces. Another tourist destination is Wat Phra Buddha Bat Phu Kao where human and canine footprints related to the local folklore and engraved on stone.  The King Naresuan the Great Statue The King Naresuan the Great Statue is erected at Nong Bua Lamphu to commemorate the time in 1574 when the King and his army stopped over here on the way to assist a Burmese force attacking Vientiane.  Wat Tham Klong Phlen Constructed in 1572 by a king of Vientiane, Wat Suphanna Khuha commonly called Wat Tham, is about fifty kilometers from the district seat of Nong Bua Lamphu. Wat Suphanna Khuha is an old temple built during the Lan Chang Kindom that is home to a precious and sacred Buddha image named "Phra Chao Chai Chettha".  Wat Suphanna Khuha in Muang Dristrict where the Venerable Luang Pu Khao Analyo, a prominent Buddhist monk, lived. This temple is very shady, with numerous large and small stones lying about naturally.

Erawan Cave is a large cave in Amphoe Na Klang. Its entrance is very much higher than ground level and curving stairway of 107 steps ascends from the base of the hill to the mouth of the cave. The interior resembles a large hall, capable of accommodating hundreds of people. Stalagmites and stalactites create an exotic beauty. This cave has an opening onto a high cliff overlooking the picturesque fields below.  Noen Wat Pa Noen Wat Pa an ancient place of worship at Amphoe Non Sang, is believed to have been built during the time when the Khom people, dominated the region.           Festival King Naresuan Memorial-Nong Bua Lamphu Red Cross Fair To commemorate the heroic deeds of King Naresuan the Great; residents of Nong Bua Lamphu have built a statue of King Naresuan in the standing with his long handled sword. The statue is enshrined alongside the Nong Bua Pond in the compound of Naresuan Field, in front of the present day Nong Bua Lamphu District Office. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej presided over the opening of King Naresuan Shrine on January 25, 1968. Nong Bua Lamphu residents therefore picked January 25 each year as King Naresuan Memorial Day. Various activities are organized to celebrate the occasion, and are held simultaneously with the annual Nong Bua Lamphu Red Cross Fair. The main objectives of the Fair are to play tribute to King Naresuan the great, and to preserve Thai and local traditions. It also seeks to promote tourism, folk products and agricultural produce. In 1999, the King Naresuan Memorial-Nong Bua Lamphu Red Cross Fairis scheduled for Janury 25-31 in the compound of Naresuan Field. The King Naresuan tribute-paying ceremony takes place on the opening day, January 25, and will be presided over by Nong Bua Lamphu Governor. Nong Bua Lamphu residents, and those living in nearby provinces, will bring their elephant dolls and swords to join the tribute-paying ceremony. The ceremony will be followed by Krabi-Krabong (Thai swordplay), as well as tribute dances and a demonstration of chicken transport. In the afternoon on the same day, there will be a series of cultural and artistic shows.