Queen Sirikit 72nd Birthday Anniversary Park

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.30

 

Queen Sirikit 72nd Birthday Anniversary Park, officially known in Thai as Suan Satharana Chaloem Phra Kiat 72 Phansa Maha Rachini, is located in Moo 7, Ban Nong Bua Dee Mee, Tha Phra Subdistrict, Mueang Khon Kaen District, Khon Kaen Province. This public park is best known for its enormous bear statue, a highly recognizable local landmark connected with the legend and identity of Ban Nong Bua Dee Mee. The park is suitable for travelers who want to take photos, relax in a local green space, exercise, and learn about a community story that is rarely found in mainstream travel guides.

 

For visitors exploring Khon Kaen beyond the city center, Queen Sirikit 72nd Birthday Anniversary Park offers a different kind of travel experience. It is not a large commercial attraction, nor is it a typical urban park filled with modern facilities. Its value lies in the way it combines a royal commemorative project, a public recreational space, and a local legend into one place. The park stands in Tha Phra, around 15 km from central Khon Kaen, making it convenient for a short half-day visit or a quick stop while traveling along the southern side of the city. The first thing visitors notice is the giant bear statue standing proudly at the front of the park, as if welcoming everyone who arrives in Ban Nong Bua Dee Mee.

 

The overall site covers more than 65 rai, with approximately 10 rai developed as a public park area. The atmosphere is simple, open, and community-oriented. Visitors will find a local activity area, walking paths, exercise space, and open zones used by residents for recreation. The park is not separated from everyday local life; it remains part of the community. Local people come here to walk, run, exercise, sit, talk, and spend time with family. For travelers, this gives the place an authentic feel. It is a living community space rather than a staged tourist attraction.

 

The name of the park reflects its commemorative purpose. It was created to honor Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, on the auspicious occasion of her 6th cycle, or 72nd birthday anniversary, on 12 August 2004. Because of this background, the park is meaningful not only as a place for leisure, but also as a symbolic public project connected with gratitude and respect. The commemorative emblem associated with the anniversary was installed within the project area, giving the park an added layer of importance for Tha Phra and Khon Kaen Province.

 

The park’s most famous feature is the giant bear statue, often referred to locally as the “big bear” of Tha Phra. The statue stands on a base approximately 7 meters wide and reaches about 12 meters in height, roughly comparable to a 4-storey building. It is large enough to be seen clearly before entering the park. Built from a local legend associated with Ban Nong Bua Dee Mee, the statue has become the visual symbol of the community. Its size attracts travelers, but its story gives the landmark cultural depth.

 

The legend of Ban Nong Bua Dee Mee is an important reason why this park is more than a photo spot. Local stories describe the area as once being forested and associated with a pond filled with lotus flowers. Bears were part of the remembered landscape of the community, and the story of the bear became tied to the name of the village. Over time, the legend was passed down through generations. When the community sought a strong local identity and a recognizable landmark, residents supported the idea of creating a giant bear figure near Nong Bua Dee Mee. The result is the large bear statue that now gives the park its distinctive character.

 

The charm of the giant bear statue comes from both its physical presence and its meaning. It turns the name “Nong Bua Dee Mee” into something visitors can immediately see and remember. Travelers may first stop here simply because they want a photo with a huge bear, but once they learn the story behind it, the place becomes more memorable. The statue represents local identity, community pride, and the way Thai villages often preserve stories through visible symbols. It is a good example of how a small community landmark can carry a much larger cultural message.

 

For travelers looking for unusual photo spots in Khon Kaen, this park is worth including in a travel plan. It differs from temples, museums, cafés, and larger city attractions because its identity is very specific to Tha Phra. The main photo point is the area in front of the giant bear statue. It is suitable for family photos, wide-angle shots, and casual travel portraits. Morning and late afternoon are the best times for photography because the sunlight is softer and the weather is more comfortable for walking around the open park area.

 

The atmosphere of the park is modest and relaxed. It does not rely on many large buildings or designed tourist zones. Instead, it feels like a genuine neighborhood public space. Families with children often find the giant bear especially interesting because of its size and unusual appearance. Adults can enjoy a quiet stop, take photos, walk around, or simply rest before continuing to other destinations in Khon Kaen. The park is also a useful stop for travelers driving along Mittraphap Road who want to pause somewhere local and easy to access.

 

From a cultural perspective, the park is a gateway to understanding Tha Phra Subdistrict. Tha Phra is located outside the central city area but remains closely connected with Khon Kaen’s road network, community life, and the Chi River landscape. The subdistrict includes local neighborhoods, public spaces, sports grounds, ponds, and oral histories that shape its identity. Queen Sirikit 72nd Birthday Anniversary Park brings these elements together in a form that visitors can easily experience within a short visit.

 

The park also has a practical role as a green and recreational area for the community. It is used for aerobics, exercise, running, and community activities. This makes the park meaningful not only for tourists but also for local residents. A tourist site that continues to serve everyday community needs often feels more alive than a place used only for sightseeing. Visitors can see how the park supports health, leisure, social interaction, and local pride at the same time.

 

Most visitors spend around 30 minutes to 1 hour here. This is enough time to take photos with the giant bear, walk around the park, and absorb the local atmosphere. Travelers who want to rest, exercise, or take photos from several angles may stay longer. The park works well as a stop before entering Khon Kaen city center, or as an additional destination after visiting major city attractions. It is easy to access, does not require complicated planning, and has no admission fee.

 

Getting There is most convenient by private car, rental car, or hired local transport. From central Khon Kaen, take Mittraphap Road toward Tha Phra Subdistrict. Then continue along the Ban Nong Bua Dee Mee-Nong Pho route for about 300 meters. The park is on the right-hand side, and the giant bear statue is easy to spot. The distance from the city center is about 15 km, and the journey usually takes around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. This route is suitable for independent travelers who want to combine the park with other attractions in and around Khon Kaen.

 

Travelers without a private vehicle can hire a car, taxi, or local transport from Khon Kaen city. It is best to agree on the fare and return arrangement in advance because public transport in this community area is not as frequent as in the city center. Foreign visitors should show the Thai name of the destination or use the phrase “Giant Bear Statue at Ban Nong Bua Dee Mee, Tha Phra” to help drivers identify the location clearly. Using a map application is strongly recommended.

 

Visitors should treat the park respectfully because it is a public space used by local residents. Avoid climbing on the statue, damaging public property, leaving litter, or blocking walkways while taking photos. In the late afternoon, more residents may use the park for exercise, so visitors should share the space politely. Respecting the local community is part of responsible travel, especially in places where the attraction is closely connected with local memory and everyday life.

 

The park is suitable for several types of travelers. Families can enjoy a short and easy stop with a clear visual landmark. Photographers can capture a distinctive local symbol. Cultural travelers can learn about a community legend and the identity of Tha Phra. Road travelers can use the park as a relaxing break not far from Mittraphap Road. The experience is simple but memorable because it is tied to a story that belongs specifically to this village and this part of Khon Kaen.

 

Nearby attractions can be added to the same route. Nong Han Public Park is another local exercise and recreation space in Tha Phra. Kaeng Fa is a natural point associated with the Chi River and is best appreciated when the water level is low. Dino Water Park is suitable for families, while Wat Thung Setthi offers a striking contemporary Buddhist site. In central Khon Kaen, Bueng Kaen Nakhon and Wat Nong Waeng Royal Temple are among the most popular places for visitors. Combining the giant bear park with these destinations creates a more complete Khon Kaen itinerary.

 

One of the reasons this park is interesting is that it expands the image of Khon Kaen beyond the usual city highlights. Many travelers associate Khon Kaen with Bueng Kaen Nakhon, Wat Nong Waeng, Phra That Kham Kaen, or the main urban area. Queen Sirikit 72nd Birthday Anniversary Park shows another side of the province: local communities, public green spaces, oral legends, and landmarks created from community identity. It reminds visitors that valuable travel experiences in Thailand often come from small places with strong local stories.

 

The giant bear statue also carries emotional value for local people. It has served as a place where families take photos, children come to see a large and friendly-looking landmark, and residents use it as a point of memory. Even as time passes and the atmosphere around the park changes, the bear remains in place, continuing to welcome both residents and visitors. For many people, the significance of the statue is not only its size but also its connection with shared memories.

 

From an environmental and urban-community perspective, the park is an example of a public space with multiple functions. It supports relaxation, exercise, community activities, and identity-based tourism. Although the developed park area is not as large as major city parks, its importance comes from how it serves the community and represents the village. Travelers who see the park in this way will appreciate it beyond its physical scale.

 

The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon. Morning visits are quieter and better for clean photographs, while late afternoon visits offer a more active community atmosphere. Midday can be hot because much of the area is open. Travelers should bring drinking water, a hat, or an umbrella if they plan to walk around for longer. During the rainy season, check the weather before visiting and be careful on wet surfaces.

 

A good visit can begin with taking photos at the giant bear statue, followed by a short walk around the park to observe how the space is used by local residents. If time allows, travelers can continue to nearby community points in Tha Phra or return to central Khon Kaen for Bueng Kaen Nakhon, Wat Nong Waeng, restaurants, or hotels. This makes the park easy to include in a flexible one-day Khon Kaen route.

 

For international travelers, Queen Sirikit 72nd Birthday Anniversary Park is a useful example of local Thai tourism. It shows how a community landmark can grow from folklore, identity, and public space rather than from commercial development. Seeing a giant bear statue in a small local community helps visitors understand that Thailand’s travel appeal often lies in specific local details. These details differ from province to province and from village to village, making local travel richer and more memorable.

 

In conclusion, Queen Sirikit 72nd Birthday Anniversary Park in Ban Nong Bua Dee Mee is a worthwhile stop for travelers visiting Khon Kaen. It offers a giant bear landmark, a meaningful local legend, a community recreational space, and easy access from the city. Its appeal is simple, sincere, and strongly connected to Tha Phra’s identity. For visitors who want to see a different side of Khon Kaen, this park adds local depth and a memorable story to the journey.

 

 

A: It is located in Moo 7, Ban Nong Bua Dee Mee, Tha Phra Subdistrict, Mueang Khon Kaen District, Khon Kaen Province, about 15 km from central Khon Kaen.

 

A: The main highlight is the giant bear statue, a symbolic landmark of Ban Nong Bua Dee Mee and Tha Phra Subdistrict.

 

A: The park is open daily from 08.00 to 17.30.

 

A: No. Visitors can enter the park free of charge during opening hours.

 

A: Take Mittraphap Road toward Tha Phra Subdistrict, then continue along the Ban Nong Bua Dee Mee-Nong Pho route for about 300 meters. The park is on the right-hand side and the giant bear statue is easy to see.

 

A: It is suitable for families, photographers, cultural travelers, and anyone looking for a short local stop near Khon Kaen city.

 

A: Nearby options include Nong Han Public Park, Kaeng Fa, Dino Water Park Khon Kaen, Wat Thung Setthi, Bueng Kaen Nakhon, and Wat Nong Waeng Royal Temple.

 

A: Morning and late afternoon are the best times because the weather is more comfortable and the light is better for photography.