Amnat Charoen is probably not on anyone's bucket list of places to visit in Thailand. In fact, not even Thai people know much about this small province in Isaan. That said, if you happen to be passing through and are wondering if there's anything noteworthy to do here, you're in the right place.
After exploring this often-forgotten province during my epic month-long Isaan trip, I've put together a list of my favorite things to do in Amnat Charoen. This way, you can decide which spots to check out as you pass through. So without further ado, let's see what this little-known province has to offer!
- Amnat Charoen to Do Map
- Where to Stay in Amnat Charoen?
-
9 Best Things to Do in Amnat Charoen
- Visit Chedi Hin Phan Lan Khon
- Enjoy the Epic View from Pha Chuen Warin
- Check Out the View from Phu Sing
- Check Out Tad Yai Waterfall
- Visit Dong Ling Don Chao Pu Park
- Stroll Around San Chao Pu Lak Mueang Luea
- Check Out the Shrine on Chitrakuta Island
- Visit Ming Muang Chalerm Prakiat Park
- Eat at Malila Cafe
- How to Get to Amnat Charoen?
- How to Get Around Amnat Charoen?
- What to Pack for Amnat Charoen?
- Further Reading for Northeastern Thailand
Amnat Charoen to Do Map
9 Best Things to Do in Amnat Charoen
1. Visit Chedi Hin Phan Lan Khon
One of the most unique temples I saw in Amnat Charoen, or in Isaan for that matter, is Chedi Hin Phan Lan Khon, a beautiful stone temple whose name translates to “Chedi of a Billion Stones”. Located on a hilltop in the middle of nowhere, about a 35-minute drive from Amnat Charoen City, it is a place that will impress you the moment you arrive at the base of its massive stone pagoda.
Made of reinforced concrete and completely covered with countless small grey and white stones, the main chedi stands around 30 meters tall, and you can spot its spire rising above the jungle as you drive past the area.
The chedi’s exterior is beautifully decorated, with small stones forming elaborate patterns across its walls. It is surrounded by some of the most creative and beautifully made stone sculptures of mythical creatures from Buddhist lore, all adorned with the same intricate stonework.
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The interior is equally striking, with bright red ceilings, and walls and pillars covered in white stones. You will also find multiple Buddha images inside, which are fascinating to see.
They really take their “Chedi of a Billion Stones” name seriously, with countless sculptures covered in small stones scattered throughout the temple grounds. Some are truly impressive, like a lion- or wolf-like sculpture with a reclining Buddha incorporated into its design.
Be sure to take your time exploring the temple grounds. There is quite a lot to see here, with many unique sculptures waiting to be discovered. I have been to many temples in Thailand, but I have never seen anything quite like this. It is definitely unique to Amnat Charoen and well worth visiting if you are passing through the province.
There is also a giant Buddha image with a distinctive design located behind the temple, where you can enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. The temple is open daily from approximately 8 AM to 5 PM, and entry is free.
Where to Stay in Amnat Charoen?
2. Enjoy the Epic View from Pha Chuen Warin
One of the most epic viewpoints for sunset is Pha Chuen Warin, located within Phu Sing–Phu Pha Phung Forest Park, about a 35-minute drive from Amnat Charoen City. It is a stunning cliffside viewpoint on top of the highest mountain in the province, offering a breathtaking view of the landscape surrounding it.
Because it faces west, it is one of the most popular spots for locals to visit during sunset hours. To get here, you will need to drive up to Phu Sing, the highest mountain in the province, and park at the parking lot next to the nearby Air Force Communication Base.
From there, head toward the Air Force Base's fence and look to your right for a big, but hidden sign pointing to Pha Chuen Warin. The viewpoint is about 200 meters away along a flat trail, through lush forest, and will lead you straight to the viewpoint.
The whole area is incredibly beautiful, with a wide cliff edge you can stroll along and excellent vantage points over the lush forest that surrounds the forest park. I visited a little earlier than sunset, so I had the trail to myself, but during sunset, especially on weekends, the area can get quite busy.
The park is open daily from 4:30 AM to 6 PM. Since the viewpoint is inside a forest park, there is an entrance fee of 100 THB per person plus 30 THB for a car. If you are looking for a great viewpoint in Amnat Charoen, Pha Chuen Warin should be on your list.
3. Check Out the View from Phu Sing
Located not too far from Pha Chuen Warin, you will also find Phu Sing, the highest point in Amnat Charoen, standing about 300 meters above sea level. If Pha Chuen Warin is the place to be at sunset, then Phu Sing is where you should be at sunrise.
Phu Sing shares the same parking lot as Pha Chuen Warin. It is right next to the lot, and you can easily walk to the viewpoint in less than 5 minutes. From the parking lot, head left along the road and you will find a wooden walking path that leads directly to the viewpoint.
If you are here early in the morning during the winter months, you might be lucky enough to see a sea of fog at this viewpoint as well as at Pha Chuen Warin. I recommend visiting during that season for the best chance. I was here in the rainy season, so no sea of fog for me.
Since it is in the same forest park as Pha Chuen Warin, you can expect it to be open from 4:30 AM to 6 PM, which is perfect for sunrise viewing. The entry fee is 100 THB per person plus 30 THB for a car, and both places share the same ticket so you only need to pay once.
4. Check Out Tad Yai Waterfall
If you are looking for a nice place to freshen up and swim, you might want to check out Tad Yai Waterfall, located not too far from Chedi Hin Phan Lan Khon, which I recommend you visit, and about 60 km from Amnat Charoen. It is a great place to stop by if you are coming from Mukdahan Province by the Mekong River.
The waterfall itself is stunning, with a width of about 30 meters where water flows year-round, especially from January to May. It has two tiers, each with a drop of about 2.5 meters and a width of around 50 meters, which can accommodate quite a lot of people who want to swim.
It is also very accessible, with a paved road leading right up to the waterfall. There are no opening hours or entry fees, so you can visit anytime you like. However, be extra careful of the water current and avoid going into the water if it looks too strong. For those who love waterfalls (and really, who doesn’t?), be sure to check out Tad Yai Waterfall.
5. Visit Dong Ling Don Chao Pu Park
Located about a 40-minute drive south of Amnat Charoen City, you will find Dong Ling Don Chao Pu Park, a park where over 200 macaques run wild. You can interact with them by buying food from the local stalls next to the entrance and feeding them as a way to make merit, much like how locals make merit at temples.
The park is also a sacred place for locals, and inside the park, you will find a Thai-style pavilion housing a statue of Chao Pu, a revered figure believed to reside there. Additionally, the park showcases sculptures depicting various stages of the Buddha's life, including birth, enlightenment, first sermon, and passing away.
While the monkeys here are accustomed to human presence, it is recommended to exercise caution and avoid feeding them directly from your hands to prevent any unintended bites or scratches. Also, do not bring anything colorful or that looks like food unless you want them to swarm you and steal. The last thing you want in Thailand is a rabies shot 😅.
The park and the shops, where you can buy food for the monkeys, are open between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, but you can see monkeys out and about any time of the day. The monkeys do not really care about fences or walls, so you can usually see them at any time. Entry is free.
6. Stroll Around San Chao Pu Lak Mueang Luea
San Chao Pu Lak Mueang Luea is another great small stop located about a 20-minute drive from Amnat Charoen City, roughly halfway to Dong Ling Don Chao Pu Park. It makes for a perfect quick stop before continuing your journey.
The temple is known for its beautiful cave-style decor, featuring stunning Buddha images, naga statues, and pretty fountains illuminated by colorful lights. The locals here like to walk around the shrine, as it is believed to bestow blessings upon those who pay homage, granting success, protection from adversaries, and the ability to overcome life's obstacles.
It's a nice little stop where you can walk around in solitude before continuing to explore the rest of the province. The temple is open approximately from 8 AM to 6 PM daily and entry is free.
7. Check Out the Shrine on Chitrakuta Island
If you are looking for something cool to do in Amnat Charoen City, you might want to check out Chitrakuta Island, a small heart-shaped island located in the middle of Phuttha Utthayan Reservoir. At the center of the island, you will find a lovely recently built Khmer-style religious building to visit.
The island's most distinctive feature is its heart-shaped layout, which is particularly striking when viewed from above. Because of this, the island is named "Koh Sanya Rak", or "Island of Love", and it has become quite a popular place for couples to visit, walk hand-in-hand across the floating bridges that connect the island to the mainland, and take photos.
Unfortunately, the floating bridge has been broken for many years and is no longer in operation. The only way to get to the island now is to drive around the reservoir and cross it from here.
You can either make the drive to reach the island or simply enjoy the view of it from afar, along with the stunning scenery around the reservoir itself. Hopefully, the footbridge will be fixed soon, as it would make access much easier from the city side instead of having to drive all the way around. The area is open 24/7 and entry is free.
8. Visit Ming Muang Chalerm Prakiat Park
There’s not a whole lot to do in Amnat Charoen City itself, but if you happen to be spending a night here, you can check out Ming Muang Chalerm Prakiat Park. It gets quite lively in the evening, with locals hanging out with their loved ones while enjoying a stroll around the park.
At the center of the park, you will find a beautiful city pillar shrine where the locals like to make merit. City pillar shrines, known as "San Lak Mueang", are sacred sites believed to house the city's guardian spirit. These shrines are traditionally erected before the construction of a city to serve as its spiritual center and protector. You will find one in every province you visit in Thailand.
Every Friday, the park transforms into a lively hub, showcasing an array of street food with local students from nearby schools strolling about, enjoying snacks while basking in the sounds of live music. If you happen to be here on a Friday, be sure to drop by and check out Ming Muang Chalerm Prakiat Park. The place is open 24/7 and entry is free.
9. Eat at Malila Cafe
If you are looking for a nice place to eat in Amnat Charoen, I highly recommend checking out Malila Cafe, a lovely little restaurant in the city center. They serve a variety of both Western and Thai dishes with excellent quality and reasonable prices.
I visited Amnat Charoen during my month-long trip through Isaan, and after almost a month on the road, I was craving some Western food with a Thai twist. I ordered the seafood Khi Mao pasta, pasta with Thai-style spices, and it was delicious.
The restaurant has a very pleasant atmosphere in the evening, with garden lights illuminating the space. If you’re looking for a good place to dine in Amnat Charoen, be sure to drop by Malila Cafe. It’s open from 6:30 AM to 9 PM every day except Mondays.
How to Get to Amnat Charoen?
By Flight: The fastest way to get to Amnat Charoen is to fly from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani Airport operated by AirAsia and it should take about one hour. You can browse more flights via Skyscanner.
Once you arrive, you can rent a car from the airport and drive to Amnat Charoen, which should take about 1.5 hours. There are many car rental places at the exit terminal of the airport so you can pick one from there, or you can rent a car through DiscoverCars.
By Bus: You can also get a bus from Bangkok to Amnat Charoen. The bus typically leaves from Morchit Bus Terminal and it will drop you off at Amnat Charoen Bus Station in about 9.5 hours. The price is about 550 THB and you can find the schedule and book online here.
That said, it can be quite difficult to find a car rental in Amnat Charoen, as the city is small and doesn’t attract many tourists. It’s best to rent a car in a larger city like Ubon Ratchathani and drive to Amnat Charoen from there. If you plan to do this, you can catch this bus from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani and then you should be able to find car rental places there.
These are the car rental companies available in Ubon Ratchathani. It’s a good idea to contact them in advance so they can arrange a pick-up and drop-off service at Ubon Ratchathani Bus Station, allowing you to hit the ground running when you arrive.
By Car: If you have a car or are renting one, you can also drive from Bangkok to Amnat Charoen. The journey should take about 8 hours depending on the traffic. A bit faster than the bus and you can stop at any places along the way. You can rent a car through DiscoverCars.
How to Get Around Amnat Charoen?
By Car: The best way to get around Amnat Charoen is to rent a car from Ubon Ratchathani Airport and drive here. You can also rent one directly from Bangkok’s airports and make the drive up. It’s a long journey, but if you have the time, there’s plenty to see along the way. You can book a rental through DiscoverCars.
What to Pack for Amnat Charoen?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Amnat Charoen, Thailand:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Amnat Charoen, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Northeastern Thailand
Looking for more information about your trip to Northeastern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Northeastern Thailand that you might find useful:
- Tired of the well-trodden parts of Thailand and looking to really go off the beaten path? How about a road trip around Isaan? My itinerary covers all 20 provinces in the Isaan region, and more, so be sure to check it out: One Month Itinerary for Isaan.
- As the gateway to Isaan, you can't travel to the region without passing through Nakhon Ratchasima or Korat for short. To help guide you through the province, check out 10 Impressive Things to Do in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima).
- Home to Phanom Rung, one of the most well-preserved Khmer temples in Thailand, Buriram is an awesome place to visit as you explore Southern Isaan. If you plan to visit Buriram, check out Discover Buriram: 11 Awesome Things to Do and More.
- One of the best times to visit Phanom Rung is during the Phanom Rung Festival, where you'll find parades, light and sound shows, and more. Here's a complete guide to visiting the Phanom Rung Festival: Phanom Rung Festival: A Complete Travel Guide
- Passing through Surin and wondering what to do? Check out this travel guide: Visit Surin: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More
- Curious about the coolest things to do in Si Saket? Check out: Discover Si Saket: 11 Amazing Things to Do and More
- One of the best places to visit in Isaan is Ubon Ratchathani. If you're looking for things to do there, check out: Ubon Ratchathani: 14 Amazing Things to Do and More
- If you're passing through Ubon Ratchathani and only have time to explore the city, be sure to check out: Ubon City Guide: 10 Best Things to Do and More
- Planning to cross the land border between Thailand and Cambodia to visit Siem Reap? You might want to stop by Sa Kaeo, a Thai border province full of awesome things to do. For the full guide, check out: Exploring Sa Kaeo: 8 Best Things to Do and More
- Come explore the lesser-known mountainous region of Phetchabun with this travel guide: Discover Phetchabun: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More.
- Tired of the constant heat in Thailand? Escape to the cool mountains of Khao Kho with this guide: A Complete Travel Guide to Khao Kho.
- As a gateway to the mountains of Phetchabun, Lom Sak is the perfect place to stop by before you head into the mountains. For a complete travel guide, check out: A Complete Travel Guide to Lom Sak.
- Want to explore Loei and its mountainous scenery and vibrant culture? Check this out: Exploring Loei: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Looking to explore Chiang Khan and its wonderful tourist attractions? You are going to need this travel guide: Chiang Khan Travel Guide: 8 Best Things to Do & More.
- Want to experience the colorful Phi Ta Khon Festival, where locals wear elaborate costumes and ghost masks? Check out this guide: Phi Ta Khon Festival: A Complete Travel Guide.
- Nong Khai is often overlooked by many travelers traveling between Thailand and Laos, but there's so much to do here. If you are interested to explore more of the frontier province of Nong Khai, check out: Explore Nong Khai: 12 Best Things to Do & More.
- Bueng Kan is emerging as Isaan’s new adventure hotspot, known for the famous Naka Cave, Phu Tok mountain, scenic waterfalls, and more. If you're planning a trip to Bueng Kan, don't miss this: Discover Bueng Kan: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- The walking street and riverside views along the Mekong in Nakhon Phanom are absolutely legendary, and a must-visit in Isaan. If you’re planning a visit, don’t miss my full guide here: Visit Nakhon Phanom: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Sleepy Sakon Nakhon is full of surprises—from the colonial French buildings of Tha Rae Village to hidden Khmer temples tucked away in the jungle. Check out this complete travel guide to Sakon Nakhon: Exploring Sakon Nakhon: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Udon Thani is a big city with tons of things to do. If you plan to visit Udon Thani, be sure to check out this travel guide: Discover Udon Thani: 10 Awesome Things to Do & More.
- If you’re driving through Nong Bua Lamphu and wondering if there are any places worth seeing, check out this travel guide: Visit Nong Bua Lamphu: 8 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Khon Kaen is a big province with plenty to do. If you want to visit but aren’t sure where to start, this guide is for you: Discover Khon Kaen: 12 Awesome Things to Do & More.
- Kalasin may be a small province in Isaan, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. If you’re passing through, be sure to check this out: Kalasin Guide: 8 Best Things to Do & More.
- Mukdahan may not be as popular as other Mekong towns like Chiang Khan or Nakhon Phanom, but it offers a laid-back vibe and chill atmosphere unlike its larger counterparts. Don’t skip Mukdahan! Here’s a complete travel guide to help you explore this lovely province: Exploring Mukdahan: 10 Cool Things to Do & More.
- Yasothon is where the famous Bun Bung Fai Festival or rocket festival takes place, and it's home to some really charming Isaan attractions not many people know about. Here's a complete guide to Yasothon: Discover Yasothon: 10 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Roi Et is definitely one of my favorite provinces in Isaan, thanks to its beautiful and modern city center, iconic landmarks like the Roi Et Tower, and more. If you’re interested in visiting Roi Et, be sure to check out Explore Roi Et: 12 Amazing Things to Do & More.
- If you are wondering what to do in Maha Sarakham, this guide is for you: Visiting Maha Sarakham: 9 Amazing Things to Do & More.
- If you like mountains and are looking for a true hidden gem of Isaan, which is already a hidden gem in itself, you might want to check out Chaiyaphum, all as I called it the land of beautiful cliffs. Here's a complete guide to Chaiyaphum: Discover Chaiyaphum: 12 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Interested in learning more about the unique music of Isaan? Check out this guide: The Sounds of Isaan: Thai Psychedelic Music Unknown to Many – A Guide to Mor Lam.
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
- If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
- Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
- Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
- Photos are worth a thousand words, but what is worth more than photos? A video. Here are travel videos I made for Thailand: Timeless Thailand, a journey into the North of Thailand, Long Tail Thailand, exploring the beautiful south of Thailand, and taking it slow with Slowed Down Bangkok travel video.
- Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
- Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand, Southern Thailand or Central Thailand?
- Want to travel from Thailand to Vientiane, Laos? Check this guide out: How to Get From Thailand to Vientiane, Laos & Vice Versa.
- Looking to cross the border from Thailand to Pakse in Southern Laos? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Ubon Ratchathani to Pakse, Laos, and Vice Versa.
- Want to cross the border from Mukdahan to Savannakhet in Laos and vice versa? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Mukdahan to Savannakhet, Laos & Vice Versa.
- For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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