Chaiyaphum

Chaiyaphum is the provincial capital of Chaiyaphum Province in Thailand's Isaan region. The town has a long history spanning multiple civilisations, with archaeological evidence from the Dvaravati and Khmer periods through to the Laotian Lan Chang era. It later served as a border town during the reign of King Narai the Great of Ayutthaya, was abandoned, and was resettled in the Rattanakosin period by Vientiane people led by a leader named Lae, who became the first governor.

The town is not a major tourist destination, and little English is spoken or appears on hotel and restaurant menus. However, it is a charming small city with friendly locals. Visitors can bluff their way through easily enough. The best time to visit is the cool season from November to February; the hot season (March–May) can be very warm, while the rainy season (June–October) brings lush green surroundings.

The town centre is compact and walkable, with most amenities clustered around the bus terminal and the main road through town.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Khon Kaen Airport (KKC), about 150 km north. From there, taxis and buses connect to Chaiyaphum. Nakhon Ratchasima Airport (NAK) is another option, roughly 130 km south-east.

By Train

The nearest rail access is Bua Yai Station (about 51 km away) on the Bangkok–Nong Khai line. Rapid and express trains from Bangkok (Hualamphong) serve Bua Yai daily. From the station, connecting buses complete the journey to Chaiyaphum.

By Car / Road

From Bangkok, take Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road) to Saraburi, turn right onto Highway 2 (Mittraphap Road), and turn left onto Highway 201 at Sikhio, passing Dan Khun Thot and Chatturat into Chaiyaphum — about 330 km. An alternative is Highway 21 to Chai Badan, then Highway 205 via Thep Sathit and Chatturat.

Buses from Bangkok's Mo Chit 2 terminal run daily, taking about 5½ hours. Buses from Khon Kaen (about 150 km) are also available in both air-conditioned and fan variants. Contact the Chaiyaphum Bus Terminal at +66 44 811493.

Tuk-tuks are available at the bus terminal and around town. Agree on the fare before boarding. The town centre is small enough to walk between most points of interest.

• Chaopho Phraya Lae Monument — A landmark statue of the town's founder at a major intersection, site of the annual Chaopho Phraya Lae Festival (12–20 January).

• Nong Pla Thao Shrine — A local shrine where the Chaopho Phraya Lae Worship Ceremony takes place on the first Monday of May, featuring traditional dances, local food contests, and folk sports.

• Khao Phu Phra — A mountain area in Mueang District where the Ram Phi Fa tradition is held, featuring a sacred sandstone Buddha image known as Phrachao Ong Tue (2 m tall).

• Night Bazaar — The evening market area, good for a stroll and local snacks.

• Attend the Candle Festival (July) — Organised by the Chaiyaphum Municipal Office on the full moon day of the 8th lunar month, featuring a candle procession contest similar to Ubon Ratchathani's famous event.

• Witness the Ram Phi Fa Tradition (April) — A ceremonial dance worshipping sacred objects and the Phrachao Ong Tue Buddha image, held twice yearly in Mueang District.

• Explore nearby national parks — Tat Ton, Sai Thong, Pa Hin Ngam, and Phu Laen Kha are all within a day-trip distance from town.

• Night Bazaar food stalls — A variety of Isaan staples including som tam (papaya salad), grilled chicken, and sticky rice at budget prices.
• Local restaurants on Haruethai Road — Several casual eateries serving Thai and Isaan dishes.
• Lertnimit Hotel restaurant — Open to non-guests, serving cooked-to-order meals with a range of choices; beer from 90 baht.

• Number 1 Bar — At the entrance to the Night Bazaar, this is the only farang-oriented bar in Chaiyaphum. Serves pizza, Australian steak, spaghetti, Irish coffee, and beer. A good spot for a cold drink in the evening.
• Tap water is not potable; stick to bottled water.

• Budget: Pocket Park Chaiyaphum Minitel Apartment (Soi Kiatnakin Bank, Haruethai Rd, +66 89 5190179) — Rooms with garden setting in central Chaiyaphum.
• Mid-range: Lertnimit Hotel (+66 44 811522-3, [email protected]) — Includes breakfast and dinner, air-con, hot water, Wi-Fi; from 600 baht.

Chaiyaphum's local products include Mudmee silk, cotton cloth, Khit cloth, triangular pillows, and other woven textiles. Delicate basketry is also available. Local edible products include Mam (fermented fish), Som Wua (pickled beef), fish cakes, and Isaan sausages.

• Tat Ton National Park — 23 km north, featuring waterfalls and mountain scenery.
• Sai Thong National Park — 70 km west, known for Siam tulip fields and viewpoints.
• Pa Hin Ngam National Park — 55 km west, famous for unusual rock formations and flower fields.
• Phu Laen Kha National Park — 30 km north-west, home to Mo Hin Khao (Thailand's Stonehenge).
• Khon Kaen — 150 km north, a major Isaan city with museums, shopping, and the giant Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon chedi.
• Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) — 130 km south-east, the largest city in Isaan with the historic old town and Thao Suranari Monument.