Pa Tham

One of the biggest surprises for historical research in Thailand was the discovery of the rock paintings at Pa Tham in 1987, although it was thought that an ethnic group of little historical importance had settled here. The paintings above the banks of the Mekong are the largest of their kind in Thailand. The 3000-4000 year old paintings, which are very well preserved and about 150 m (492 ft) long, depict the everyday life of fishermen and hunters. The detail in which the everyday objects, animals and people are represented is remarkable.

Access to the paintings is over a plateau where a path about 1 km (1/2 mi.) long on the right hand side leads down along the rock wall. More paintings can be seen further along the path (30-minute walk). In places there is a very good view over the Mekong, the longest river in south-east Asia.