Discover Chaiyaphum: 12 Incredible Things to Do & More

12 Best Things to Do in Chaiyaphum

1. Hike Around Haam Hod Cliff 👍 Must Do

One of the most beautiful cliffs in Chaiyaphum, and there are quite a handful here, is Haam Hod Cliff, an epic cliffside viewpoint with a peculiar name that would make anyone who knows Thai smile 😀 and it all comes down to the name and what it means.

Before I go on to explain how awesome this place is and how to get here, let me first give you some fun facts about Ham Hod and what it means in Thai. Ham Hod is a phrase that is literally translated to "p*nis panic", a feeling you get when you are scared sh*tless, but we use "p*nis panic" instead 😂. The phrase is not very polite, but is often used among close friends, mostly male for obvious reasons, in a funny way to describe a place that scares them.

The reason they named the cliff that is due to the sheer cliff drop you can walk up to. There's also a rock that perches out from the cliff where, if you dare, you can walk out to and sit at the edge with your legs over the ledge. It's one of the most popular and epic photo spots here, so be sure not to miss it.

What makes this place even more epic is the vantage point you see here. The cliff provides an expansive view of the lush green forest and the dynamic mountains of Chaiyaphum without any obstruction, and you can hike along the open cliff side trail that stretches for over 100 meters. It truly is quite a sight to behold.

To get to the viewpoint, it will take about 1.5 hours to drive from the city center to the viewpoint. Since the viewpoint is located within Sai Thong National Park, which is another awesome place to visit, you will have to go through the national park gate, and pay the entrance fee of 200 THB per person.

Once you get through the gate, you will have to drive about 10 km uphill to get to the viewpoint. Once you arrive at the viewpoint's parking lot, you will have to hike through the forest for about 250 meters before you arrive at an opening where you will be rewarded with the epic view of Haam Hod Cliff.

The hike is very easy, so you can do it in flip-flops. Just be sure to be careful when you walk along the cliffs, as the rocks can get pretty slippery if it had been raining the day before. Out of all the cliffs I've been to in Chaiyaphum, this one is among the most epic for sure and you have to come and see it. The national park is open from 6 AM to 6 PM daily, and the entry is 200 THB per person.

Where to Stay in Chaiyaphum?

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Lertnimitra Hotel

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HOP INN Chaiyaphum

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Na Care Hotel

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2. Explore Sai Thong National Park

While visiting Haam Hod Cliff, you might as well take some time to explore Sai Thong National Park, where the viewpoint is located. Covering over 319 km², it is one of the region’s largest protected areas in Thailand and offers plenty of attractions beyond the Haam Hod Cliff viewpoint.

Due to its high elevation, with the highest point reaching over 1,000 meters above sea level, the area is ideal for flower cultivation. Rare species such as the wild Siam tulip often burst into bloom between June and August, creating vibrant seas of pink and purple. The flower fields here are among the largest in Thailand.

When you arrive at Haam Hod Viewpoint, you can also take a side trip to visit some of these flower fields. There are four major fields near Haam Hod Cliff: one about 280 meters from the viewpoint’s parking lot, and three more located approximately 1.22 km, 1.26 km, and 2.28 km away.

You can spend a couple of hours hiking all the way to the last field, or do as I did and visit Haam Hod Cliff first, then loop back to flower field #3, which is very close by, before returning to the parking lot. This way, you get to see both without having to hike too far. If you have more time and want to explore, you can visit all of them, just make sure to allow a few hours and pack enough water for the hike.

There are also many other attractions in the national park you can visit like Sai Thong Waterfall and several other viewpoints you can check out, so be sure to spend some time and explore Sai Thong National Park. The national park is open from 6 AM to 6 PM daily, and the entry fee is 200 THB per person.

3. Watch the Sunset at Sut Phaendin Cliff ♥️ Must Visit

Another epic cliffside viewpoint I recommend checking out at sunset is Sut Phaendin Cliff, which offers a grand view of the mountains and forests spanning three provinces. It is located within Pa Hin Ngam National Park, and it is one of the best national parks to visit in the province.

The cliff name, "Sut Phaendin", translates to "end of the land" and marks the divide between the Central and Northeastern regions of Thailand. From here, you can see three provinces from different regions: Lopburi in Central Thailand, Phetchabun in Northern Thailand, and Chaiyaphum in Isaan (the Northeastern region).

From its narrow rock ledge, the cliff offers sweeping panoramas over forested valleys and rolling hills. On clear mornings, you might even catch a sea of mist drifting below, silhouetting the landscape. For the best experience, visit the park during the rainy season, not only for the misty atmosphere but also to witness the park’s sea of Siam Tulip blooms. Sunrise is magical here, but late afternoons, with the sun hovering over the horizon, are equally epic.

To get here, you’ll need to drive about 2 hours from Chaiyaphum City, as the park is located roughly 100 km southwest of the city. Once you arrive, you’ll have to park your car and take a tour bus, which will first take you to Sut Phaendin Cliff viewpoint and then to other attractions in the national park, which we’ll cover next on the list.

There are several viewpoints along the cliff, with a cliffside café tucked away in the jungle, so be sure to spend some time exploring. Between this viewpoint and the other attractions in the national park, you can expect to spend at least 2 hours here, so make sure to arrive well before closing time. The national park is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, and entry costs 200 THB per person.

4. Discover Rock Formations at Pa Hin Ngam National Park

Once you are done at Sut Phaendin Cliff, you can spend some time exploring the rest of Pa Hin Ngam National Park. Since the park requires visitors to take the mandatory tour bus, they will drop you off at Sut Phaendin first. Once that is done, instead of taking the car down, you can walk along a beautiful elevated trail that passes through stunning flower fields.

Due to its altitude, much like Sai Thong National Park, wild Siam Tulips grow across the grassy hills of Pa Hin Ngam National Park. You can see plenty of them here, possibly even more than at Sai Thong, while walking down from the first viewpoint.

The trail is easy, following a wooden boardwalk with one rest stop, and it should take about 10 minutes to reach the end. Be sure to look up as you walk, as you can spot a beautiful row of wind turbines on the horizon. The area is home to several wind farms, as it can get quite windy at times.

Once you reach the end, there will be a bus stop where you can wait to catch the next bus to the other two tourist attractions in the park. After the flower fields, the tour bus will stop at Lan Hin Nho, a stunning collection of large rock formations, and Pa Hin Ngam, a forest filled with oddly shaped rocks, which is where the park got its name.

You can spend some time hiking around these attractions. I especially enjoyed exploring Pa Hin Ngam to discover all sorts of rock formations. There was one shaped like a World Cup trophy, one that looked like a stone castle, and of course, one with a phallic shape, which locals believe will bring a girlfriend quickly if you are single 😅.

Together with Sut Phaendin Cliff, you can expect to spend around 2 hours at the national park. Once you park your car, you can get a ticket of 30 THB to use the tour bus, which runs every 15 minutes or so, so you should be on your way in no time. The national park is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, and entry costs 200 THB per person.

5. Go Bird-Watching/chilling out at Thung Bua Daeng Bridge 💎 Hidden Gem

If you are looking to escape the bustle and hustle of the city and be surrounded by nature, with a pristine lake filled with lotus blooms and many species of birds chirping away, then you will want to check out Thung Bua Daeng Bridge, located about 30 minutes' drive south of Chaiyaphum City.

The road to get here is mostly fine until you arrive at the village where the bridge is, and then you will have to navigate an unpaved road. It should be fine for any types of cars to get here when it's not raining, although I'm not sure how muddy it would be when it rains.

Once you arrive, you can park your car and walk along the wooden bridge to observe some really colorful birds here. I was there at sunset and there were barely anyone. I was there alone almost the entire time, with my telephoto lens, capturing birds - it was awesome.

There is also a small cafe nearby where the locals like to stop for a little break while they enjoy the view over the lake, so you can check that out too. It's a lovely little peaceful place that I really like, so be sure to come check out Thung Bua Daeng Bridge while you are here. The place is open 24/7 and the entry is free with a 10 THB donation if you want to go on the bridge.

6. Enjoy the View at Pha Hua Nak Viewpoint

If you want to see a stunning cliff-side viewpoint that's not too far from Chaiyaphum City, Pha Hua Nak Viewpoint is the place to go. Located inside Phu Lan Kha National Park, about a 50-minute drive from Chaiyaphum City, Pha Hua Nak Viewpoint is one of the highest viewpoints you can visit in the province, standing at an elevation of 905 meters above sea level.

Thanks to its height and the rolling mountains around it, Pha Hua Nak Viewpoint is a popular spot for locals to watch the sea of mist in the morning. Unfortunately, when I was there, the sea of mist was present, but I was inside it instead of above it, which tends to happen here during the rainy season, so I didn't see anything from the viewpoint.

The cooler climate was a welcome change, though, as it was about 23 °C that morning and felt perfect. To get here, you have to drive up the mountain, passing Mo Hin Khao, which you can stop at on your way down. You will then arrive at the national park gate, where the fee is 200 THB per person and 30 THB per car.

Once inside, you can park your car at the lot and begin the short hike to the viewpoint. It should take no more than five minutes to reach it, and you should be rewarded with a panoramic view of Phu Lan Kha National Park, or at least, that's what I hoped, as I saw nothing except the cliffs 😂.

If you want to try your luck, don't forget to visit and check out the view when you are in Chaiyaphum. I'm sure you will have better luck than I did 😂. The national park is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, and the entry fee is 100 THB.

7. Visit Mo Hin Khao

After you are done with Pha Hua Nak Viewpoint, you can drive down and drop by Mo Hin Khao, a beautiful collection of rock formations that are lined up in a row for you to see. The moment I saw them, I just couldn't help but wonder how they got here in the first place! These rocks are massive and they are standing vertically instead of the usual horizontally.

Here, you can walk around the rocks and observe all their beautiful details. Seems like a bunch of birds have made a home of themselves at the top of one of the rocks, which is pretty cool to see. It's a pretty small stop so you can expect to spend around 10 minutes here. There are shops where you can buy drinks and snacks here in case you get hungry.

Although the rock formation is part of the national park, it is actually outside the national park gate so you do not have to pay anything to get here. It's also open 24/7 so you can come see it any time. If you are visiting Pha Hua Nak Viewpoint, be sure to drop by and check out Mo Hin Khao.

8. Check Out the View from Wat Phra That Chaiyaphum

While exploring Phu Laen Kha Mountain, be sure to visit Wat Phra That Chaiyaphum, one of the province's most revered temples, located among the rolling hills and lush green forests of Phu Laen Kha Mountain, about 44 km north of the city center.

The temple is home to many beautiful structures, including its stunning white pagoda perched at the top of the hill, offering excellent views of the surrounding landscape. The main pagoda features a harmonious blend of Lan Na and Lan Xang architectural styles, with a white exterior accented with gold at the top, a rare sight in Isaan.

Just outside the entrance, you will find a statue of five golden Buddhas, each representing different aspects of Buddhist teachings. Much like the multi-layered Buddha images in Phetchabun, but on a smaller scale, local visitors often pay their respects to the shrine by offering flowers and incense, and walking around the pagoda clockwise three times.

Inside, you will also find a surprisingly colorful shrine, with the main Buddha image at the center surrounded by hundreds of smaller Buddha images embedded across the walls and ceilings. It's really quite a sight to behold.

There’s quite a lot to explore at the temple, so be sure to spend some time walking around the grounds. The temple is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, and entry is free.

9. Visit Tat Ton Waterfall

Before you head down from Phu Laen Kha Mountain, be sure to drop by Tat Ton Waterfall, a stunning cascade with a 6-meter drop that can expand up to 50 meters in width during the rainy season (May to October), creating a beautiful wide flow over the rock plateau.

Located about 23 kilometers north of Chaiyaphum City in its own national park, you will need to buy a separate ticket to enter. The fee is around 100 THB per person, payable at the park gate.

Once inside, park your car at the designated lot and walk about five minutes along the road to reach the waterfall. It is unclear why the parking lot is not closer, but once you arrive, you will be rewarded with the stunning view of the cascade.

At the waterfall, a scenic path hugs the river and the base of the falls, allowing you to see the waterfall from different perspectives. If the water is low, you can even cross the river to view it from the other side. When I visited, the water level was high, so I stayed on this side.

If you want to swim, you will need to go to the designated swimming area further down the river, away from the fast currents near the waterfall. It is along the path between the parking lot and the waterfall, so you should not miss it.

It is a shame that Tat Ton Waterfall is not part of Phu Laen Kha National Park like the other nearby attractions, which means another ticket is required. The entry fee is 200 THB per person, and the park is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. If you enjoy waterfalls, be sure to include Tat Ton Waterfall in your itinerary.

10. Check Out the View from Phu Lan Kha Viewpoint

To get the most out of your Phu Lan Kha National Park ticket, be sure to visit the view from Phu Lan Kha Viewpoint. Located on the other side of the mountain ridge, this viewpoint offers a great view of the surrounding landscape.

Since this viewpoint is lower in altitude, you have a better chance of a clear view than at Pha Hua Nak Viewpoint, which is often shrouded in clouds. If, like me, you were disappointed not to see the view from Pha Hua Nak, you will want to check this one out.

It is also easier to reach from Chaiyaphum City, with fewer mountainous roads and curves, as it is only about 40 minutes from the city center. You can visit this viewpoint in the afternoon as well, since the Phu Lan Kha National Park ticket is valid for 24 hours. The park is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, and if you do not already have a ticket, the entry fee is 100 THB.

11. Drop By Prang Ku Chaiyaphum

There is not a lot to do in Chaiyaphum City itself, as most of the province's charms lie in its incredible nature. However, if you happen to be staying overnight in Chaiyaphum and have some time to spare, you might want to drop by Prang Ku Chaiyaphum.

Prang Ku Chaiyaphum is a remarkable Khmer-era sanctuary located in the heart of the city center. It was constructed during the late 12th to early 13th century under King Jayavarman VII and served as one of the many medical centers established across the Khmer Empire.

It is considered one of the most complete Khmer ruins in Chaiyaphum and has become a landmark that locals are proud of. It is not very large, nor as big as other Khmer ruins in provinces like Surin or Buriram, but it is still a nice place to visit if you have some free time in the city. The site is open 24/7 and entry is free.

12. Eat at Chaiyaphum Night Bazaar 🥘 Place to Eat

Last but not least, if you are looking for a place to enjoy some street food in the evening in Chaiyaphum City, be sure to check out Chaiyaphum Night Bazaar. This night market is not as large or lively as other night markets in Isaan, but it has a handful of great food stalls to satisfy your cravings.

At the night market, you can park your car at the nearby park and as you walk to the market, you will find many street food stalls along both sides of the closed-off road. You can try a variety of affordable street foods and find a place to sit and enjoy your meal.

There are also many tables available by the gymnasium, where you can order proper dishes such as fried mussels, Pad Thai, Hainanese Chicken Rice, and more. The market is open daily from 4 PM to 8:30 PM, so be sure to eat your way through Chaiyaphum Night Bazaar while you are in the city.

How to Get to Chaiyaphum?

By Flight: The fastest way to get to Chaiyaphum is to fly from Bangkok to Khon Kaen 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 Chaiyaphum, taking about 2 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 take a bus from Bangkok to Chaiyaphum. The bus typically leaves from Morchit Bus Terminal and will drop you off at Chaiyaphum Bus Station in about 5 hours. The price is about 400 THB and you can find the schedule and book online here.

Once you arrive, you can take a motor-taxi or Sam Lor to your accommodation in the city center. From there, you can arrange a car rental and have the car dropped off at your hotel. Here are some car rental options in Chaiyaphum: car rental (1,000 THB per day) and motorcycle rental (300 THB per day). Be sure to contact them beforehand to check availability.

By Car: If you have a car or are renting one, you can also drive from Bangkok to Chaiyaphum. The journey should take about 6 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 Chaiyaphum?

By Motorbike: If you are coming by bus, you can get yourself to your accommodation via motor-taxi or Sam Lor and contact this motorcycle rental shop to organize the pick-up and drop-off location. It should cost about 300 THB per day.

By Car: The best way to get around Chaiyaphum is to rent a car from Khon Kaen Airport and drive to and around the province or you can rent one from this car rental place once you get to Chaiyaphum City via buses. It should cost around 1000 THB per day. 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.