Chaiyaphum Attractions
Chaiyaphum
The Khmer kings, and the officials charged with administering their vast empire, used to stop at Chaiyaphum (also called Jayabhumi) on the long journey from Angkor Wat to Si Thep, one of the Khmer kingdom's principal cities. Neither the town, which is now a provincial capital, nor its surroundings are particularly attractive, but two major religious sites lie near by.
By car: from Nakhon Ratchasima by Highway 2 (north-eastward), branching north-west onto Highway 202 for Chaiyaphum after 77 km (48 mi.).
By rail: nearest railway station Bamnet Narong (Kaeng Khoi-Bua Yai branch line); about 57 km (35 mi.).
The Khmer kings, and the officials charged with administering their vast empire, used to stop at Chaiyaphum (also called Jayabhumi) on the long journey from Angkor Wat to Si Thep, one of the Khmer kingdom's principal cities. Neither the town, which is now a provincial capital, nor its surroundings are particularly attractive, but two major religious sites lie near by.
By car: from Nakhon Ratchasima by Highway 2 (north-eastward), branching north-west onto Highway 202 for Chaiyaphum after 77 km (48 mi.).
By rail: nearest railway station Bamnet Narong (Kaeng Khoi-Bua Yai branch line); about 57 km (35 mi.).
Buddha's Hill
"Buddha's Hill" is located about 30 km (19 mi.) from Chaiyaphum (follow the 201 north for about 13 km (8 mi.), turning left onto a track for a further 17 km (11 mi.)). Here, carved from one of the area's many sandstone boulders are seven Dvaravati-style Buddha figures. These, but more particularly the 2-m (61/2-ft) high seated Buddha adorning another boulder near by, are the object of an annual pilgrimage to the site.
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Wat Prang Ku
Built in the late 11th C, this temple contains two sitting Buddha figures, and one standing Buddha.
