Amnat Charoen, do you know that?
No, probably not. It is therefore one of the smaller provinces of Thailand located in the Northeast that is called Isan. The province, with less than 400.000 inhabitants and more than 700 kilometers from Bangkok, is sandwiched by the provinces of Yasothon and Ubon Ratchathani. The border on the east side is formed by the Mekong River.
About Amnat Charoen, the province and the capital, there is nothing spectacular to tell. It also hardly has a history as it was only founded about two centuries ago during the reign of King Rama III of Ratanakosin and was always part of the southern province of Ubon Ratchathani. It was not upgraded to an independent province until 1993.
It is not a tourist province; there is not even a national park that could attract visitors, no large zoo and you will not find many other attractions. The capital is a small and quiet town of 35.000 inhabitants, there are some smaller hotels and as far as food is concerned, you will have to make do with Thai food.
Rice fields in Amnat Charoen – amnat30 / Shutterstock.com
It may sound a bit negative, but my intention is just the opposite. Amnat Charoen is ideally suited to be included in a tour of Isaan, precisely because it is not touristy. Amnat Charoen is an area of great natural beauty, pristine forests and mountains, picturesque paddy fields, fruit orchards and the rocky rapids of the Mekong River.
Temples
Of course there are also temples to visit in Amnat Charoen, of which the Wat Phra Lao Thep Nimit is worth mentioning. Originally built in 1720, this temple has a Lanna style chapel. You will find the temple on Highway 2134, about 2 km from Amphoe Phana.
Wat Phra Lao Thep Nimit
Another beautiful temple is Dan Phra Bat temple. The temple is located 3 kilometers from the city on the left side of Highway 212. This Buddhist shrine is built amidst the green trees of Phra Mongkon Ming Mueang. The 20 meter high Buddha statue was made in 1965 in North Indian style. This image is the most sacred to the people of Amnat Charoen.
zijde
Amnat Charoen is also known for its silk products. Silk products are made in many villages. They are often specialized in weaving “Khit” fabrics. The “Khit” fabrics show unique patterns from the Thai-Phu culture.
In Ban Kham Phra there is a handicraft center where these fabrics can be bought and where you can watch the hand weaving of these unique fabrics. The center is located on the Hua Taphan – Amnat Charoen highway.
Finally,
As I said, there is not much to tell about this province but there is all the more to enjoy, according to some visitors, the real Thailand it is. Include it in your itinerary and enjoy the simplicity and splendor of Northeast Thailand.
It is indeed a place known by few. I know them myself because I had a very good friend from a village in this province for a few years. However, due to circumstances I never made it there, but I did in Ubon and Sisaket. Quiet areas, few tourists and therefore mostly unspoilt Thai style.
Next month I will definitely go there with the yellow bus from Pattaya North at 21 pm.
Chok di tight!
Pleasant memories of the moments with the expats, on the terrace in front of Apoo Churcill's shop in Roi Et. Unforgettable moments!
A very nice new attraction has recently been added. In the Phu Sing forest park, a new road has been built that winds up to the top of the mountain at a new radar station of the air force. Just before the entrance of the radar station is a path through the forest that will take you to the Phu pha Ping, a beautiful place to enjoy the sunset.
Both at the foot of the mountain and at the top of the radar station there are houses for rent. These are brand spanking new. There is also a meeting room, making it a great place for weekend seminars.
I know Amnat Charoen, go there often, I myself live in Loeng Nok Tha, so not that far about 50 Km.
As a city I find Mukdahan more attractive than Amnat Charoen. I also live (part time) in Loeng Nok Tha. Occasionally visit Frankie Shop in BanDan and meet many foreigners
And …. not unimportant, still very friendly people,. which you don't find here in Pattatya and the other tourist cities anymore (unfortunately) !!!!
I've been to Amnat Charoen a few times, each time for 1 night. I then stayed in the Fakid hotel, had a nice and good restaurant with live music. For nightlife there was a disco pub, I think named Galaxy. There was also a massage parlor nearby. I definitely hope to go to Amnat Charoen again.
Gr, Ari
Amnat Charoen does have a National Park
The Phu Sa Dok Bua National Park is located in the northeast of the province.
This park is located mostly in Mukdahan province and also partly in Yasothon. However, Amnat Charoen also takes a piece of the relief.
The Nam Tok Sokhang waterfall is located in the province. That plunges down from a jagged rock wall.
The Mekong
The long legendary river runs only 25 kilometers along the province of Amnat Charoen, but this short stretch is a special part.
The forced treaty that Thailand had to conclude with France more than 100 years ago stipulated that all islands in the river belonged to French Indochina. After World War II, Laos gained independence and the islands thus became Laotian. However, the islands of Don Sanôt and Don Thom are much closer to the Thai shore, but they still belong to Laos.
However, the treaty does not apply to the rocks, which dry up during the dry season. These rocks are important sights for the Thai
There are no less than three rapids on the 25 km Mekong along the province of Amnat Charoen.
Kaeng Khan Sung is a popular spot for tire drifting in the Mekong. You don't have to be afraid to end up in Laotian waters, because the water in the Mekong is free. Also for the traditional competitions between the long rowing boats in Chanuman. Teams from Laos also participate in this race in November. The races are part of a festival.
In Chanuman, the Rim Khong View Point is where Thais pose for a selfie.
You can spend the night at the Kiang Khong Resort
Nice bungalows in Chanuman on the Mekong with air conditioning and private sanitary facilities. Terrace on the river. No restaurant.
You can try to arrange a boat trip.
On the Mekong are several simple restaurants with a terrace on the river.
Krua Lama Pla Khong
Has live music. The restaurant is known for its Mekong fish.
To the attention of the lovely Thailand blog readers,
I stayed at Amnat Charoen for extended periods several years ago.
Due to love, of course. It has since gone up in smoke.
I did have a nice story about it: 'Winfred doesn't have the balls',
which takes place in Amnat Charoen.
It was posted on this blog by the Thailand blog editors last year.
Here's the link if you want to read it again:
https://www.thailandblog.nl/cultuur/realistische-fictie/winfred-heeft-de-ballen-niet/.
Alphonse Wijnants