Visit Phu Phra Bat Historical Park (Udon Thani)

The Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, or maybe should I say Phua Phra Bat Prehistorical Park, is over 40 kilometers northwest from Udon Thani. This is my favorite visit of the province. Its impressive rock formations, sculpted by submarine erosion fifteen million years ago, were used by the first inhabitants in the prehistoric era to make houses whose traces are still visible. There you can also see some przhistoric paintings. Throughout its history, the place has become a famous religious and meditation site. Several Buddhas carved in stone testify of this metamorphosis.

It's really exciting to walk in this forest and meet the rock formations while listening to the guide's explanations. Because yes, I highly recommend you visiting Phua Phra Bat Historical Park with a guide. The visit will be more interesting and he will show you details that alone you will certainly miss. The park is quite large, count 1:30 to see the essentials, 3 hours for a more exhaustive tour. I also invite you to take the time to visit the Wat Phra Phutthabat Bua Bok 2 kilometers from the entrance. Its chedi with an uncommon architecture and colorful atypical decorations houses a Buddha footprint.

Entrance fee: 100 THB
Open from 8 am to 4:30 pm
The guides, employed by the Fine Arts Department of Thailand, offer their services for free at the entrance but I strongly encourage you to leave a tip at the end. When I wrote this page, there was only one who speaks English but he is really good.