One of our favourite national parks in Thailand, Pha Taem is named after and centred on a large cliff above the Mekong River. The cliff's ancient rock paintings have become Ubon icons and the views are outstanding. The rocky scenery elsewhere in the park is also wonderful, particularly Nam Tok Saeng Chan, a rainy-season waterfall flowing through a natural rock hole. You'll need your own vehicle to get here; a rented motorbike from Khong Jiam will do.
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Pha Taem National Park
Top choice in Ubon Ratchathani Province
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.19 MILES
These ancient rock paintings, which are at least 1000 years old but probably much older, sit on a cliff face down below the visitors centre. A fantastic,…
9.66 MILES
One of the most amazing waterfalls you'll ever see, Saeng Chan ('Moonbean') flows through a hole cut naturally into the overhanging rock. There's water…
5.49 MILES
The views from this busy temple above the town (best seen from atop the bell tower) are alone worth the walk up from Khong Jiam, but it also has a…
6.25 MILES
Nam Tok Soi Sawan is a 25m-tall waterfall flowing from June to December. It's a 19km drive from the visitors centre and then a 500m walk, or you can hike…
29.21 MILES
The centrepiece of this hilltop temple across the Mekong from Pakse is the giant golden Buddha statue looking out over the city. The views from his perch…
22.66 MILES
This temple just past the stone carvers in Ban Don Khoh is well worth a visit, not only for its 30m-tall gold-painted Buddha but also some of the…
28.39 MILES
This vast market near the Lao–Japanese Bridge is one of the biggest in the country. It's at its most chaotic in the food zones, but just about anything a…
20.37 MILES
Spread over 1200 sq km in Champasak and Salavan Provinces, Phu Xieng Thong NPA is most accessible about 50km upriver from Pakse. The area has a sometimes…
Nearby Ubon Ratchathani Province attractions
0.19 MILES
These ancient rock paintings, which are at least 1000 years old but probably much older, sit on a cliff face down below the visitors centre. A fantastic,…
5.49 MILES
The views from this busy temple above the town (best seen from atop the bell tower) are alone worth the walk up from Khong Jiam, but it also has a…
6.25 MILES
Nam Tok Soi Sawan is a 25m-tall waterfall flowing from June to December. It's a 19km drive from the visitors centre and then a 500m walk, or you can hike…
7.38 MILES
Up Mae Nam Mun from Khong Jiam, this small park is centred on forested Don Tana (Tana Island), linked to the mainland by two pedestrian suspension bridges…
9.66 MILES
One of the most amazing waterfalls you'll ever see, Saeng Chan ('Moonbean') flows through a hole cut naturally into the overhanging rock. There's water…
6. Ban Saphai Handicraft Centre
19.81 MILES
Next to the boat pier, several weavers have their looms here and locally woven textiles and other crafts are on sale. Some people here can speak a little…
20.37 MILES
Spread over 1200 sq km in Champasak and Salavan Provinces, Phu Xieng Thong NPA is most accessible about 50km upriver from Pakse. The area has a sometimes…
21.65 MILES
The unique tile-encrusted bóht at Wat Phu Khao Kaew, on the west side of town, is covered with Khmer symbols, including apsara and dancing Shivas, on the…