“Pha Taem stands out with its ancient cliffside rock paintings along the Mekong River, stretching over 180 meters, and breathtaking sunrise views. The park also boasts a rich variety of landscapes, from dramatic cliffs and stone plateaus to wildflower fields.”
Pha Taem National Park is located in Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, covering an area of about 340 square kilometers. The terrain is mainly composed of rugged high mountains, cliffs along the Mekong River, dry dipterocarp forests, mixed deciduous forests, and natural rock plateaus, home to diverse flora and fauna.
Before it was declared a national park, the Pha Taem area had been inhabited by ancient communities for thousands of years. The most significant evidence is the prehistoric rock paintings found on the cliffs along the Mekong River, estimated to be around 3,000–4,000 years old. These paintings depict scenes of daily life, hunting, fishing, and spiritual beliefs of that era. Archaeologists documented and brought attention to the site in the late 1970s, drawing interest from scholars both domestically and internationally.
Recognizing its archaeological and natural value, the Thai government officially established Pha Taem National Park on December 31, 1991, to preserve its cultural and natural heritage for future generations.
The park’s signature attraction is its series of ancient rock paintings stretching over 180 meters. Pha Taem is also known as the first place in Thailand to witness the sunrise due to its location at the country’s easternmost point. Visitors often come to watch the sun rise over the Mekong River, especially in the cool season when the area is covered in morning mist.
Other notable attractions include:
• Sao Chaliang – Mushroom-shaped stone pillars formed by millions of years of wind and water erosion
• Saeng Chan Waterfall (Moonlight Waterfall) – A unique waterfall where water flows through a hole in the rock before falling below
• Pha Kham – Pha Mon – Scenic viewpoints overlooking the Mekong River and Laos
• Wildflower Fields – Seasonal blooms such as Dusita and Ngon Nak flowers, best seen from November to January
• Nature Trails – Walking paths to learn about the ecosystem, dry dipterocarp forest, stone plateaus, and mixed deciduous forest
The park provides full facilities, including a visitor center, accommodation, camping grounds, restaurants, toilets, and informative signs about its archaeological and natural features, making it perfect for leisure, nature exploration, and history study.
How to Get There
- From Ubon Ratchathani city, take Highway 2050 through Warin Chamrap and Trakan Phuetphon districts, then continue on Highway 2222 to Khong Chiam District. The total distance is about 95 km, taking approximately 1.5 hours.
Travel Tips
- Arrive early to catch the sunrise
- Bring drinking water and snacks, as some attractions are far apart
- Wear suitable footwear for walking on stone plateaus and nature trails
- The cool season offers the most beautiful scenery and pleasant weather
Admission Fee
- Thai Adults: 40 THB | Thai Children: 20 THB
- Foreign Adults: 200 THB | Foreign Children: 100 THB
Opening Hours
- 05:00 - 18:00