About Chaiyaphum
Chaiyaphum lies in western Isaan and is a calm provincial capital, surrounded by hills and nature parks. The town is known for the Siam Tulip, a flower that blooms en masse in the rainy season, roughly June to August, in places such as Pa Hin Ngam and Sai Thong National Park. These parks also have rock formations, waterfalls and hiking routes. Tat Ton park has a broad waterfall that is most impressive at the end of the rainy season. In town stands the statue of Phraya Phakdi Chumphon, a local hero. The town itself is simple, with a market and eateries. Chaiyaphum suits those seeking nature without crowds and is a good stop between Korat and Khon Kaen. Use your own transport to visit the parks.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: cool and dry. March to May is very hot; June to October is the rainy season, with green rice fields. From February to April there can be haze from burning fields. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by bus (about 6 to 7 hours); from Korat or Khon Kaen about 2 hours. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Chaiyaphum
- Siam Tulip A flower display in the rainy season, at Pa Hin Ngam and Sai Thong.
- Pa Hin Ngam National Park A park with rock formations and hiking routes.
- Tat Ton waterfall A broad waterfall that is prettiest at the end of the rainy season.
- Statue of Phraya Phakdi A monument to a local hero in the centre.
