The Khong Chiam region is still largely unaffected by tourism and, for those willing to explore it, offers spectacular scenery and the promise of peaceful days spent well away from the noise and chaos of the urban environment. With its waterfalls, cliffs and rock paintings, Pha Taem is the kind of place you simply never tire of exploring.

The magic of Pha Taem, north of Khong Chiam

Elephant rides have become a major concern in many locations, but are still offered by a handful of so-called "sanctuaries" with the proposition to get close to the exotic and majestic animal. Elephant rides are offered on every street corner and Westerners have little knowledge about the cruel methods to succeed in training these enormous animals.

Experience Thailand without riding elephants!

Come and completely immerse yourself in the gigantic megalopolis which is Bangkok. 

Bangkok, a continental megalopolis

To set the scene for you, imagine 2,188 km² covered by 80% forest and populated with more than 800 animal species roaming completely free. Add streams, waterfalls and a mountain range amongst 2,000 plant species. Classify it all as a UNESCO world heritage site and you have the Khao Yai national park.

Khao Yai or the paradise of species

Damnoen Saduak

Kanchanaburi

Erawan

Bang Pa In

Prasat Phanom Rung is a temple built in the Khmer architectural style on a hill created by an ancient volcano, today extinct.

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I discovered Prasat Phnom Rung thanks to a friend I was staying with in the area. It is a little jewel of Khmer architecture. The temple dates from the 10th century, from a time when the Khmer Empire extended over most of what is now modern day Thailand. This historical complex is located on a hill from where there are views out over the countryside of Isan, an agricultural region of Northern Thailand. I didn't know what to expect when I arrived at the site and I was impressed when I saw the long path and the steps along it leading to this very well preserved temple. I'd already been to visitthe temples in Angkorand therefore had something with which to compare the building's architectural style. I was greeted by statues of lions . The ponds oneach side demonstrate the mastery that those who created them had over the elements all that time ago, able to transformthe crater of this ancient volcano into a water source as they did. A visit to this temple is definitely an off-the-beaten-track experience ; there are plenty of people there, but most of them are Thais interested, like me, in exploring and learning about their heritage.

I was lucky enough to visit Prasat Phanom Rung, an isolated, and not at all touristy, temple in the east of Thailand, not far from the border with Cambodia. It is a Khmer style temple and a cause of dispute between the two countries. At the time, I was spending a few days in the area and a French guide took me to see it.  Prasat Phanom Rung temple is just superb! There was hardly anyone else there during my visit, apart from a few monks, who made my photos even more picturesque! The sculptures and friezes are in a really good state of preservation and when I visited Angkor a little later, I was aware of how lucky I had been to see this temple, which was at least as beautiful and a lot less touristy.  All around is jungle and stern looking soldiers. It doesn't encourage you to go off the paths, especially as the soldiers aren't far away. I left by the same route as I came, to continue my journey with my head full of images of this temple...an unforgettable moment in my <a href="/cambodia/"></a> <a href="/thailand/">journey around Thailand</a>.

This temple is in the Isan region of Thailand, not far from a militarized zone, which is witness to the tensions that exist between Thailand and Cambodia.

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