Chaiyaphum, also Isan

By Gringo
Posted in Isaan, thai tips
Tags: , ,
October 8, 2023

Chaiyaphum (Sumetha Gerdjohn / Shutterstock.com)

If you don't know Thailand well yet and look at the (road) map, you tend to think that the Isaan is bordered in the west by the Motorway no. 2 from Korat to the border of Laos. That is not correct, because also the province Chaiyaphum belongs to the northeastern region, which is called Isan.

The province is located on the edge of the Khorat plateau in an area between the central and northern regions of Thailand. About half of the province consists of mountains and forests and the other half to the plateau of Khorat. The major mountain ranges in Chaiyaphum include Phu Phang Hoei, Phu Laen Kha and Phu Phaya Fo, where the Chi River originates.

Chaiyaphum is an area where several civilizations overlapped in ancient times, such as the Dvarati, Khmer and Lan Xang kingdoms. As a result, important archaeological remains and objects have been and are still being found.

Tadton Waterfall in Chaiyaphum

In somewhat modern times, Chaiyaphum was considered a frontier town during the reign of King Narai the Great. After some decline, Chaiyaphum became a haven for migrants from Vientiane in Laos in the early Ratakosin era. Led by Phraya Lae the Brave, the migrants sided with the Siamese in a regional uprising, and in return he was made the first governor of modern-day Chaiyaphum by the Siamese king.

Besides a storied history, Chaiyaphum province is famous for its natural beauty, best seen in four national parks: Tat Thon National Park features forests, Sai Thong National Park contains the spectacular Sai Thong waterfall, Pa Hin Ngam National Park includes some strange rock formations and Phu Laen Kha National Park has dense forests, breathtaking waterfalls and rocky mountain cliffs.

The Siam tulip in Pa Hin Ngam National Park in Chaiyaphum

Chaiyaphum is a region filled with a variety of exotic flora and fauna and visitors can enjoy jungle trekking, camping and swimming in its exceptional natural national parks

A special mention is the Tulip of Siam, but I have written about that before. Read the story (again) because the tulip fields will be in full bloom again in the near future: www.thailandblog.nl/bezienswaarden/de-siam-tulp-chaiyaphum /

14 responses to “Chaiyaphum, also Isaan”

  1. Eric says up

    This is what I was actually looking for, I have been to Thailand five times and traveled around a bit each time, from this province I have been to Bammet Naroeng during my first visits, now recently I met a friend of Chaiyaphum, now I want my next trip and stay plans there, In Chaiyaphum itself that is, there are people who know something to rent there, or have more information about this city.
    My plan is to spend the winter there, but I don't want to perish in loneliness, are there several expats who stay there and can tell me what life is like there as Farang!
    I don't think this is chatting but additional information about this city and province; Thanks in advance and hope to see you there, Eric

    • Davis says up

      My late friend was from Dan Khun Thot (Nong Krat), Khorat. Our house is there. On the northern border with Bamnet Narong, the southernmost district of Chaiyaphum. An hour's drive.
      Along cozy villages.
      At the beginning of the 19th century this area was forested, but logging and rice cultivation 'disguised' the landscape into a somewhat flat open landscape. Which in itself also has a certain charm. There are nature parks that display the original regional fauna and flora.
      From that area you can make nice trips to those nature parks and historical sites with old Khmer temple complexes from the 10th and 11th centuries. Furthermore, there are some modern important frequently visited temples.
      Like to come to our house yourself, but after 3 weeks of family visits, monks, and parties ... Have you seen it there and then call it a day. Now, everyone does what he likes. If my friend were still alive, he would stay a little longer.
      Good luck and enjoy the region, the people, and your good company!

    • Chris Bleker says up

      Eric,
      the capital Chaiyaphum of the province Chaiyaphum is a quiet city, with many low-rise buildings, a large provincial house, and also a daily street market, and there is plenty to rent for reasonable prices plus minus 3-5 thousand bath per month.excl. electricity / water / internet. The local expats meet at Tesco Lotus in the center not far from the large school complex. Just outside the center, ..on the road from Chaiyaphum towards Chatturat (south of) is a large Big C / Siam Macro / Home Do, where there is also the intersection to khon kaen
      (120km)
      A beautiful drive from Chaiyaphum to the Tat ton waterfalls is a drive of about 25 km, furthermore there is a beautiful lake with a serene tranquility (with a high salt content) +/- 15 km long that lies between Chatturat and Chaiyaphum.
      For many, a trip to Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) is a getaway to break the routine (120 km)
      It is not a place comparable to places like Surin, Korat, Mukdahan and the more famous places in the Isan, but with a very friendly population.
      But whether it is a place where you would like to spend the winter cannot be filled in by someone else, because that is different for everyone and !!! depending on who you are with

      • Eric says up

        Chris , and Davis
        Thanks, I have a lot of information here, Khon Kaen, I have already visited, a connecting flight on arrival in BKK, there with a rental car eastwards and then to the north, went back to Chiang Mai and returned the car there after 12 days, a wonderful trip.
        I visited Korat, during another holiday, after a stay in Khao Yai, and before my visit to Bammet Narong.
        I can be found for a trip, so I could break any routine. Am a nature lover and think I would last longer at the lake or the waterfall, if at home with the necessary daily needs that I will pay for haha ! But yes, a person also needs an understanding and meaningful conversation after a while.
        Now take this as an example, I spent a full week trying to find out where the parents' house is located, since it is not in the full center, no known wind direction, no direction of the nearby city, what do we first see if you go to the center, indeed this named Big C, so I assume that it is located 10 km from the center, and that I will end up at this described place. Talk about coincidence!
        So very interesting what you send me! Thank you , and any further information is welcome as there is not much to be found on the internet about this city .

    • theo says up

      Dear Eric, I have been living for 4 years now at 13 kilometers from chaiyaphum, a very beautiful region, and wonderfully quiet, little tourism, there is a lot to rent here for little money, I hope to meet you here too, chaiyaphum is a beautiful city, with the environment where you can see everything, in the city even a large disco with restaurant and live music every now and then also nice, just ask for more, and what gr theo

    • Jos says up

      I have been living in Chaiyaphum in Phon Thong Nong Ka for 8 years, ten km from the city. If you wish, you can contact us by e-mail. Welcome.

  2. Hans Mondeel says up

    And the natural beauty in Chaiyaphum is also completely under the spell of the World Cup football.
    See https://twitter.com/RichardBarrow/status/472756700831682561/photo/1

    Hans Mondeel

  3. Jan Middendorp says up

    Just something about the Isan. We, have a house in Thepsathit, a small village
    that is 35 km. from Bamnet-naroeng to the 205. An investor has one there
    hotel and a restaurant and a bungalow park were built. And last year it is
    swimming paradise ready. You have a beautiful view from the hotel and the restaurant
    and the pool is a good place to be. Unfortunately, there is no tourism here either, so I put it
    whole pool to myself. Still, it's worth checking out here
    take a look and stay a night in the hotel or one of the bungalows
    The disadvantage is that little English is spoken here, but the surroundings are beautiful
    Greetings Jan and Teaw

  4. Georges says up

    Eric
    I have been living in Chaiyaphum for four years now, about ten km from the city. I'm already quite established here and already know a lot of people here. Even though I don't speak the language, we can still make ourselves understood. Little by little I am learning something. Friendly people, helpful. I hope to meet you.

  5. Keith 2 says up

    Just north of Chaiyaphum province is Khang Khao Cave, where millions of bats emerge from the cave at sunset in the evening. A spectacular sight!
    https://www.google.com/maps/place/Khang+Khao+Cave/@16.2326277,101.4683077,191773m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x31218e0125456747:0x589160fa4c11a9da!8m2!3d16.6671186!4d101.8943927

  6. Fact tester says up

    Pattaya also has a Chaiyaphum! Ha ha ha. It is a connecting street (no. 25) between Third Road and Soi Buakhao. It is famous and infamous because of the many massage parlors and the fact that there is hardly any asphalt, but a lot of potholes in the road. That will certainly be known to Gringo…

  7. art bird says up

    [email protected]
    The season of the Siam tulip is now really over, it lasted longer this year due to the persistent drought

  8. Jan says up

    In Nong ya Rung Ka alone (about 380 inhabitants), 4 km from Chayiyaphum where my girlfriend lives, I already know 2 Dutch speaking expats! Renting is possible everywhere. Look at cart/cart wheels first. These are sign for rental for travelers! And then look at local opportunities. Good luck.

  9. Tassel says up

    Dear Gringo , nice that you already know everything about Chaiyaphum !
    So I lived there for 18 years until my death.
    But I do want to continue.

    There are 2 types here.
    1 Rich
    2 Poor

    Most of them are poor. Freelancers – Keuter farmers – and Rice Loans are shortfalls.
    The poor wretches now no longer have daughters who do gymnastics in Pattaya. The Farangen in Europe are also withdrawing their DEBIT Card. What now. Stealing fish and poaching birds does not immediately lead to a full POUCH.
    So catch frogs and scoop fish out of the rivers.

    Oh yes, there are also CATTLE farmers for the meat, with 1, 2, 3 or more cows. I call that the current Mortgage. Very sad the left pocket does not know what the right pocket contains.

    This takes place in the most beautiful country on AARD..

    “My KING RAMA 9 knew it” But this dear man has not been listened to.

    THE fat bellies took power, the rest is history.

    I'm not writing this,—— Jail may follow.

    If you don't believe me, try it yourself.

    Greetings from the Flat Isaan, under the Mountains.


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