Pha Taem Cliff

From Khong Jiam, if you go up the Mekong there is a long cliff around the area which is known as Pha Taem Cliff. This cliff, made of sandstone rock formations is the central attraction of the unheralded Pha Taem National Park. From the top of the park, you can get the superb bird's-eye view of the area around the Laos River. If you can rise early, just witness the first sunset here. The areas across the Park are simply outstanding. The rock cliffs of this area bear the marks of prehistoric rock paintings dating to at least 1000 BC. The themes of the paintings are common yet unique. The subjects of the murals include human hands, ?lah buk giant Mekong catfish, fish traps, elephants, and different geometric designs. The clifftop visitor centre of this park contains paintings, which are seen like exhibition pertaining to the local ecology. At the north of the cliff, Nam Tok Soi Sawan is located which is a 25m-tall waterfall. It flows from June to December.

From the visitor centre one has to drive for 19km and then has to walk 500m to reach at the destination. There is a park near the falls, which is known as the largest flower field in Thailand, where flowers bloom from November to February. The northern half of the park comprises of ancient art, number of waterfalls, and magnificent views. There is a cliif inside the park called Pa Cha Na Dai cliff which is an appropriate destination to witness the first sunrise view of Thailand. The wonderful fall Nam Tok Saeng Chan gushes through a hole cut into the hanging rock. The park area is scattered across the 340-sq-km and houses quite a good number of eroded rocks. Just like the rock formations of Mukdahan's Phu Pha Thoep National Park, there are some mushroom shaped rock formations inside the park, which are known as Sao Chaliang. There are some good accommodation facilities available near the Pha Taem Cliff like wonderful bungalows, cabins, and campsites. Before sunset enormous vendors sell fast food and snacks near the visitor centre. There are some of the most eye-catching rock formations situated by the road between the park entrance and the park headquarters. The headquarters are located in wonderful locations and contains some of the best trails leading to small waterfalls. The cliffs contain extensive rock paintings and the scenic beauty is enhanced by the varied flora.