Devout Buddhists still pray steadfastly at the Holy Shrine of Khon Kaen, the ancient holy monument in Chedi Bhume Temple in Baan Kham District, Amphoe of Nam Pawng. Every year, on the 15th day of the waxing moon of the sixth lunar month, natives of Khon Kaen host a huge celebration to pay respect lo the Holy Shrine.

 

However, amidst the onset of modern cultures and materialism, Khon Kaen manages to retain its traditional way of life. Devout Buddhists still pray steadfastly at the Holy Shrine of Khon Kaen, the ancient holy monument in Chedi Bhume Temple in Baan Kham District, Amphoe of Nam Pawng. Every year, on the 15th day of the waxing moon of the sixth lunar month, natives of Khon Kaen host a huge celebration to pay respect lo the Holy Shrine. Phra Dhat Kharm Kaen Then there is the sight of elderly folk carefully lighting candles and placing joss sticks into containers to pay reverence to the presiding Buddha image of Ku-Praphachai at Baan Na Kham Noi, in the district of Bua Yai. Believed, formerly, to be a hospital built during the reign of King Chai Varaman VII of the Khmer Kingdom, the edifice is registered as an ancient monument, tt is also revered in a way that makes its relevance difficult to be replaced by today's more popular, but superficial, trends. Here, villagers still enjoy the simple delights of merit making and gossiping to one another in temples. Phuwainggosaurus Sirindhornae The mural paintings that represent the fruits of labors by local painters at Wat Chai Sri, Baan Sra Vee, Muang District, are unique in their cream, yellow and white schemes. Likewise, the lion sculptures, on both sides of the staircase leading to Wat Sra Bua Kaew, Baan Wang Koun, Nong Song Hong District, look equally imposing. The four sides of the chapel, showing free-style mural paintings of vegetation and animals in different hues of yellow, blue, red. green, turquoise and black, clearly reflect the artists' masterly skills. The ancient city of None Muang Paintings In both places look simple but are pleasing to the eye and undoubtedly beautiful; their aestheticism elevated when little groups of villagers assemble for friendly chats around the temple, smiling warm greetings towards strangers. Ubolrat Dam Such delight resonates in all corners of the province. The sound of music mingling with running brooks beckons to people of different age groups to gather around the dam across the Namphong River, known otherwise as Ubolrat Dam, the largest multi-purpose dam in E-san This massive reservoir is a popular place to rest for people from near and far.   Bang Saen II Equally popular is the beach alongside the freshwater lake above the dam known as Bang Saen II where visitors can engage in two interesting activities Firstly rides on banana boats and tire inner tubes, available for hire, and secondly sampling mouthwatering catches from the waters of the reservoir - perhaps outshining the greetings.   The ancient shell graveyard at the Phuwiang National Park Despite its famous dinosaur finds, Phuwiang National Park, in Phuwiang District, can be surprisingly captivating. Visitors to the park can trek, scale rocks while getting in some exercise and taking in the landscape from different viewpoints On the other hand, you can explore the traces of ancient civilization, enjoy nature, and dip in cool clear waters. Or, loiter in the green fields and rock duarries and enjoy flowers in full and magnificent bloom at the end of the rainy season. Such pleasant pursuits await visitors to Phuwiang National Park. The stark greenness of the big city, the generosity of Khon Kaen people and their past traditions can leave a lasting impression on your mind even from just a brief experience. Ku-Praphachai As winter approaches, Khon Kaen, and E-san, will again prove to be a popular destination for tourists. Thai Airways International operates daily services from Bangkok to Khon Kaen and further information, or flight reservations, can be made by contacting 280-0060/90. Special thanks go to Solitel Raja Orchid, Khon Kaen, for kindly arranging accommodation and travel.