A day trip to Phu Phra Bat Historical Park

October 30, 2024

Udon Thani is the only province in Thailand that has two World Heritage Sites and today we visited one of them.

Phu Phra Bat Historical Park's distinguishing feature is its unusual rock formations around which religious shrines have been constructed. Some formations also feature prehistoric rock paintings. The unusual rock formations in the park include spires, massive boulders and balanced rocks and form the backdrop for the prehistoric art and religious shrines created there. The geological origins of these rocks are thought to be from under-sea erosion that occurred fifteen million years ago.

The paths through the natural forest are one of the most enjoyable aspects of the park.

The rock art apparently dates from about six thousand years ago and most is badly faded apart from two small friezes, one depicting humans and the other cattle and other aninal forms.

We were hoping to do some birding while we were there but it wasn't that productive. Forest birding is a challenge for folk with poor vision. However, there was other natural life to be enjoyed.

Not easily visible from the photo but this was an incredibly long trail of ants all heading off somewhere, come carrying grubs on their backs. Moving the nest?

A male Pied Bush Chat (Saxicola caprata).

Various reptiles of which I only managed to photograph two.

The vague plan for the next week is to head southwards to a pair of National Parks, Phu Kao - Phu Phan Kham National Park and Nam Phong National Park (I'm not sure we'll be able to visit both of them), before turning westwards towards Nam Nao National Park.

Today's ride: 31 km (19 miles)
Total: 1,609 km (999 miles)

Rate this entry's writing	Heart	5
Comment on this entry	Comment	1

Scott AndersonGreat photos. What a remarkable spot.
Reply to this comment
2 weeks ago