Senangkhanikhom

Senangkhanikhom is a district (amphoe) in the northern part of Amnat Charoen Province, covering 526 km² with a population of about 40,200 (2005). It was created as a minor district on 15 December 1975 from five tambons split off from Mueang Amnat Charoen, upgraded to a full district on 1 April 1983, and became part of the new Amnat Charoen Province in 1993.

The district is predominantly rural, with rice farming, rubber tapping, and cassava as the economic backbone. Senangkhanikhom's main claim to fame — and the primary reason for a traveller to visit — is Phu Sa Dok Bua, a hilltop with 11 natural stone pools filled with colourful wild lotus flowers. Locals believe the lotus appeared naturally rather than being planted. A nearby cave once served as a stronghold of the Communist Party of Thailand. The area also features Phu Phon Thong, a mountain ridge known for its wild white angel (Curcuma) flowers.

The best time to visit is November to February (cool and dry). The pools at Phu Sa Dok Bua are most vibrant during and just after the rainy season (July-October), while the white angel flowers on Phu Phon Thong bloom in the early rainy season.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Ubon Ratchathani (UBP), about 110 km south-east. A taxi costs around 1,200-1,500 baht (1.5 hr). Alternatively, Udon Thani (UTH) is about 160 km north-west.

By Train

By Car / Road

From Amnat Charoen town, head north on Hwy 212 for about 25 km, then turn left onto Route 2042 for another 20 km — about 45 km total, 50 min. From Udon Thani, take Hwy 22 east to Sakon Nakhon, then continue south-east on smaller roads. Regular buses and songthaews connect Senangkhanikhom to Amnat Charoen town and to Yasothon Province.

The district centre is compact and walkable. To visit Phu Sa Dok Bua (about 15 km from the town centre) and Phu Phon Thong (about 20 km), you need your own vehicle or a hired motorcycle taxi. The roads to these sites are rural but passable year-round.

• Phu Sa Dok Bua (ภูสระดอกบัว) — The district's marquee attraction. On the mountaintop are 11 stone pools, each a few metres wide, occupied by different species of colourful lotus plants that locals say appeared naturally. The name translates to "Mountain Lotus Pool." Nearby is a huge cave that once sheltered fighters of the Communist Party of Thailand. Free entry. Allow 1-2 hr. Located in tambon Nong Sam Si, about 15 km north of the district centre.

• Phu Phon Thong — A mountain ridge known for its wild white angel flowers (Curcuma species) that bloom during the early rainy season. Scenic views over the surrounding farmland.

• Local temples — Several working wats in Senangkhanikhom and the surrounding tambons, offering a glimpse of daily temple life.

• Hike to the lotus pools at Phu Sa Dok Bua — the short walk up the hill is easy and the pools are genuinely unusual: lotus growing in stone basins at altitude is rare in Thailand.

• Explore the cave at Phu Sa Dok Bua — it is large enough to hold hundreds of people and has historical significance as a former communist stronghold.

• Photograph the white angel flowers on Phu Phon Thong during the early rainy season (June-July).

• Visit the district's weekly market for a taste of rural Isaan commerce.

• Cycle the quiet roads between the tambons for peaceful farmland scenery.

The market in the district centre is the main eating hub. Market hours roughly 06:00-09:00 for morning food and 15:00-18:00 for afternoon stalls. Standard Isaan dishes: gai yang, som tam, larb, nam tok, sticky rice, and grilled fish. There are a couple of small noodle shops and a rice-and-curry shop near the district office. No Western or tourist-oriented restaurants.

• Senangkhanikhom Morning Market — Grilled meats, sticky rice, fresh fruit.
• Evening food stalls — Near the main intersection; fried chicken, noodle soup, and Isaan salads.

Bottled water, soft drinks, and beer are available at small grocery shops and food stalls. No bars. Bottled or boiled water only.

Senangkhanikhom has no tourist accommodation. A few basic local lodgings (no online booking, Thai-language only) exist near the district office for government travellers. The closest reliable options are in Amnat Charoen town (45 km south, 50 min) — Faikid Hotel and guesthouses from 300-1,200 baht — or Ubon Ratchathani (110 km south-east). The district office may be able to arrange a simple homestay in one of the tambons if contacted in advance.

Senangkhanikhom has a small morning market in the district centre selling fresh produce, cooked food, and basic household items. There are no craft shops or souvenir outlets. For woven textiles or handicrafts, Hua Taphan district or Amnat Charoen town are better options.

• Amnat Charoen town (45 km south, 50 min) — provincial capital with Buddha Utthayan park, Phra Mongkhon Ming Mueang, and Ban Pla Khao mor lam village.
• Chanuman (30 km east via rural roads) — Mekong riverside district with dry-season rapids, a scenic footpath, and the annual Boat Race Festival.
• Thai Charoen District (25 km west, in Yasothon Province) — neighbouring district with local markets.
• Yasothon (about 60 km west) — provincial capital famous for the Rocket Festival.
• Mukdahan (about 120 km north via Hwy 212) — Mekong gateway with the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge.