Phu Pha Thoep National Park

The park has many mountains at an elevation between 170-420 metres above sea level; namely, Phu Mak Yang, Phu Mano, Phu Prong, Phu Rang, Phu Chom Nang, Phu Mak Mi, Phu Pha Thoep, Phu Nang Hong, Phu Tham Phra, Phu Lak Se, with Phu Chom Si being the highest peak. The deciduous dipterocarp forest and mixed deciduous forest cover most part of the area, which is also the watershed of many streams; namely, Huai Ta Lueak, Huai Sing, Huai Ruea, Huai Male, Huai Chang Chon, etc. The mountain slopes are blanketed with bamboo forest. There are numerous high cliffs and rock terraces. Its attractions include: Hin Thoep Rocks (กลุ่มหินเทิบ) The formations of superimposed rocks called Hin Thoep have been eroded by rain, water, wind and sun for 120 - 95 million years. Today, these rocks appear in different forms such as a jet plane, flying saucer, Chinese pavilion, crown, crocodile and conch. Each layer of the rocks has different durability depending on the different contents of the sandstone. The upper brown layer is more durable with lots of silica and small stones. The lower layer has a paler colour with high content of carbonate, making it less durable. Lan Mutchalin (ลานมุจลินท์) Next to the group of Hin Thoep is a vast rock plateau among the embrace of dwarf deciduous dipterocarp forest featuring bushes, with its uniqueness being the community of tiny plants such as Soi Suwanna, Yat Nam Khang, Nao Duean Ha, Dao Ruam Duang and Dusita. These tiny plants that blanket the whole rock terrace, will be in full bloom between October to December of each year. From the mid of the terrace, scenery of the Mekong River can be seen. Namtok Wang Duean Ha (น้ำตกวังเดือนห้า) The small waterfall originates from many streams that run through Lan Mutchalin. Seepage from this waterfall plays a significant role in nourishing wildlife and plants in the park. The scenic landscape of the waterfall, comprising rock valley and boulders, always fascinates tourists. Pha Ut (ผาอูฐ) This cliff has a rock that looks like a camel – Ut in Thai. Pha Ut is a scenic viewpoint that allows visitors to see Phu Tham Phra, Pha Phak Wan and Pha Khi Mu. Below this cliff is the vast valley blanketed with lush forest. Thecountry’s 59th national park covers a total area of 58.9 sq km in Amphoe Mueang and Amphoe Don Tan. The park’s geography features undulating sandstone mountains that form the edge of the Phu Phan Range. Situated 4 km from the Mekong River, the range lies in the North - South direction.

Geologically, the group of Hin Thoep comprises sedimentary rock of the Sao Khua Formation, and Phu Phan Formation of the Korat Group. The formations are classified to be from the Mesozoic Era, comprising mudstone, sandstone, siltstone, and 200-metre-thick layer of conglomerate.
Phu Tham Phra (ภูถ้ำพระ) The cave in this mountain houses wooden Buddha images. Legend says that this area was once a settlement of the Khmer people. Before escaping from natural disaster, the villagers kept lots of Buddha images made from silver, alloy, gold, jade, sacred plants, and wood in the cave. Now only the wooden Buddha images remain. Nearby is a beautiful waterfall called Namtok Phu Tham Phra.
Pha Manao (ผามะนาว) The towering cliff has a waterfall that plunges below to feed the forest and wildlife. From the cliff top, tourists can witness a nice panoramic view of the Hin Thoep Rocks and Mekong River. At the mountain foot, tourists can enjoy a beautiful waterfall, forest, and wildlife. The cliff is named Pha Manao after lots of wild lime tree growing in the area.
Tham Fa Mue Daeng (ถ้ำฝ่ามือแดง) The cave houses pre-historical paintings which archaeologists assumed are probably over 5,000 years old. This attraction is situated close to the park’s safeguard unit of Phu Pha Thoep 1 (Huai Sing), some 8 km from the park’s headquarters.
Moreover, Phu Pha Thoep has many more attractions such as Pha Ngoi and Pha Pu Chao. It can be visited in all three seasons. The rainy season is from May to September. Winter is from October to February, and Summer is from March to May. For more information, call Phu Pha Thoep National Park, Amphoe Mueang, Mukdahan province at Tel. 0 4260 1753 or the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department in Bangkok at Tel. 0 2562 0760.
To get there Phu Pha Thoep is 15 km from Mukdahan city. Use the route Mukdahan - Don Tan (Highway 2034). The park is 2 km from the main road.