Pha Tham Phra

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Pha Tham Phra in Surin is a natural cliff and spiritual attraction located on Khao Sala, Moo 8, Charat Subdistrict, Buachet District, Surin Province. It sits within the wider landscape of Wat Khao Sala Atulthanacharo, a forest temple and Buddhist park surrounded by natural woodland, mountain scenery, and the borderland environment of southern Surin. The main feature of Pha Tham Phra is its impressive natural cliff, approximately 100 meters high and 200 meters wide, standing within a peaceful forest setting that gives the site both scenic and spiritual significance.

 

Pha Tham Phra is suitable for travelers who want to experience Surin in a deeper and quieter way. This is not only a viewpoint or a rock formation; it is part of a large forest temple where nature conservation, Buddhist practice, local faith, and borderland geography come together. Visitors can enjoy the cliff landscape, pay respect at sacred Buddhist sites, walk through the forest atmosphere, see the Naga tunnel, and connect the trip with important areas inside Wat Khao Sala Atulthanacharo, including Pha Nang Khoi, Phra Phuttha Barami Siam Buri Phithak, the Buddha’s footprint, the white jade Guanyin image, Nam Sap Chedi, and Ban Charat Reservoir.

 

Khao Sala is one of the most distinctive natural and spiritual landscapes of Buachet District. Located in Charat Subdistrict near the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range, the area belongs to the southern part of Surin Province where forests, hills, reservoirs, and borderland communities shape the character of the land. The atmosphere at Pha Tham Phra is very different from attractions in downtown Surin. Here, visitors find forest shade, cliff scenery, temple silence, and broad views toward the natural landscape along the Thai – Cambodian frontier.

 

Pha Tham Phra is closely connected with Wat Khao Sala Atulthanacharo, a Dhammayut forest temple widely known as Thailand’s first Buddhist park. The Buddhist park covers about 10,865 rai and has long been associated with forest conservation, Buddhist practice, and environmental protection. This means that visitors to Pha Tham Phra are not entering an ordinary scenic cliff, but a protected sacred landscape where the temple, forest, and local community work together to preserve the natural environment.

 

The development of Khao Sala is strongly linked with forest conservation. Wat Khao Sala Atulthanacharo was designated as a Buddhist park in 1993 to promote Buddhism, protect forests, and improve the surrounding environment. Later, the forest area around the temple was included in a royal development initiative for conserving model border forests. The project supports the area as an ecological learning site and a model for forest protection through cooperation among monks, government agencies, local communities, and conservation networks.

 

This background gives Pha Tham Phra a deeper value. The cliff is important as a natural landmark, while its location within a Buddhist park makes it part of a living spiritual environment. Travelers can experience both the beauty of a natural cliff and the calm presence of a forest temple. This combination is what makes Pha Tham Phra different from ordinary viewpoints. It is a place where the landscape itself carries religious, ecological, and community meaning.

 

The cliff at Pha Tham Phra is striking because of its scale and setting. With a height of about 100 meters and a width of about 200 meters, the cliff creates a powerful visual impression from below and a spacious sense of openness from the viewing areas above. Natural woodland surrounds the cliff, giving shade and softening the rocky landscape. The overall atmosphere is calm, scenic, and suitable for visitors who enjoy nature, quiet reflection, and Buddhist places.

 

The Thai name “Pha Tham Phra” combines 3 important ideas: cliff, cave or rock hollow, and Buddhist sanctity. The name suggests a natural rock formation connected with Buddhist faith. Visitors should therefore treat the area with the same respect expected in a temple. It is a place for quiet walking, scenic appreciation, and mindful observation rather than loud recreation.

 

The surrounding forest plays a major role in the experience of visiting Pha Tham Phra. The woodland protects soil, preserves moisture, supports wildlife, and creates a learning environment for people who want to understand border forest ecosystems. Conservation work in the broader Khao Sala area includes forest patrol coordination, youth conservation activities, forest restoration, small check dams, and biodiversity surveys. These efforts help maintain the health of the forest and strengthen the role of the temple as a conservation center.

 

When arriving at Wat Khao Sala Atulthanacharo, visitors quickly see that the site functions as a temple, Buddhist park, and nature attraction at the same time. One of the major religious landmarks is Phra Phuttha Barami Siam Buri Phithak, a large golden Naga-protected Buddha image placed in an open-air area near Pha Phra Phu Sala. The image is an important symbol of the temple and is often one of the first places where visitors stop to pay respect.

 

Phra Phuttha Barami Siam Buri Phithak is meaningful both visually and spiritually. The name refers to the Buddha’s protective merit over Siam, and the image’s Naga-protected posture reinforces the idea of protection and blessing. With the forested mountain as a backdrop, the Buddha image creates one of the most memorable views within the temple. It is also a popular photography point for travelers who want to capture the sacred atmosphere of Khao Sala.

 

Pha Nang Khoi, also known in the area of Pha Phra Phu Sala, is another important viewpoint. From this rocky open area, visitors can see Ban Charat Reservoir, the surrounding forest, and the Phanom Dong Rak range, which forms a natural border between Thailand and Cambodia. The viewpoint contains several Buddha images and revered figures associated with the Thai forest meditation tradition. It is therefore both a scenic lookout and a place for worship.

 

The Buddha’s footprint is another central spiritual feature of Wat Khao Sala. The site is known for a large footprint carved or found on a stone slab within the forest area. Its scale and symbolic patterns give it great religious meaning. For Thai visitors, paying respect to a Buddha’s footprint is an act of devotion and blessing. For international travelers, it provides insight into how Buddhist communities transform natural rock landscapes into sacred places.

 

The Naga tunnel is one of the most visually distinctive areas in Wat Khao Sala Atulthanacharo. The tunnel is approximately 200 meters long and around 4 meters wide. It is inspired by the Naga, a serpent-like guardian figure deeply connected with Buddhist symbolism in Thailand. Walking through the Naga tunnel feels like passing through a symbolic gateway into a sacred landscape. It is one of the most popular places for visitors to photograph and explore.

 

The white jade Guanyin image adds another layer of devotional meaning to the temple. Guanyin is associated with compassion and protection, and the image contributes to the temple’s diverse spiritual atmosphere. Together with the Buddha images, footprint, chedi, forest, and cliff scenery, the Guanyin image helps make the Khao Sala area a destination where different forms of faith and natural beauty are experienced in one journey.

 

The best way to visit Pha Tham Phra is slowly. The area is wide and has several points of interest, so visitors should not rush. A good visit includes paying respect at the main Buddha image, walking through the Naga tunnel, spending time at Pha Tham Phra, enjoying the view from Pha Nang Khoi, and observing the forest around the temple. Morning and late afternoon are the best times because the weather is more comfortable and the light is softer for photography.

 

During the rainy season, Khao Sala becomes greener and fresher. The forest around Pha Tham Phra feels especially rich and cool, while views across the reservoir and mountain landscape become more atmospheric. The cool season is the easiest period for walking, sitting at viewpoints, and exploring the temple grounds. The hot season is still possible for travel, but visitors should choose early morning or late afternoon and bring enough drinking water.

 

Visitors should dress modestly because Pha Tham Phra is inside a temple and Buddhist park. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended because some areas include slopes, stone surfaces, and natural paths. Visitors should remain careful near cliff areas, avoid climbing beyond safe points, and keep quiet around meditation and worship zones. Respecting both the temple and the forest is essential when visiting this type of destination.

 

Pha Tham Phra is also useful for understanding the geography of southern Surin. The area lies near the Phanom Dong Rak range, a mountain system that has shaped the history, culture, and borderland identity of this region. From the viewpoints, travelers can see how forest, mountain, reservoir, and village landscapes connect. This makes the site valuable not only for scenery but also for learning about the relationship between land, religion, and community in Surin Province.

 

What makes Pha Tham Phra special is that it expands the image of Surin beyond elephants, silk, and Khmer ruins. The site shows another side of the province: quiet border forest, Buddhist conservation work, mountain views, and a large forest temple that protects a significant natural landscape. It is ideal for nature lovers, temple travelers, photographers, cultural visitors, and anyone seeking a peaceful destination away from urban crowds.

 

Getting There is most convenient by private car or rental car. From downtown Surin, travel toward Sangkha and Buachet districts, then continue to Charat Subdistrict and Wat Khao Sala Atulthanacharo. The distance from Surin city is about 80 km. The temple is the main reference point for reaching Pha Tham Phra. Some local roads lead into hill and forest areas, so careful driving is recommended, especially after rain.

 

Once in Buachet District, continue toward Charat Subdistrict and follow the route to Wat Khao Sala Atulthanacharo. Travelers without a private vehicle should arrange local transport from Surin city, Sangkha, or Buachet in advance, as flexible public transport to the temple area is limited. A private vehicle also makes it easier to combine Pha Tham Phra with nearby attractions in Buachet and southern Surin.

 

A visit to Pha Tham Phra can be planned as either a half-day or full-day trip. Travelers who want to see the cliff, pay respect, and walk through the main temple areas should allow about 2 – 3 hours. Those who want to take photographs, spend time at viewpoints, and explore the forest and nearby attractions should plan at least half a day. Starting early from Surin city allows a more comfortable and complete visit.

 

Nearby places that can be combined with the trip include Ban Charat Reservoir, Buachet town, Prasat Phum Pon in Sangkha District, and other southern Surin cultural routes. Travelers staying in Surin city can leave in the morning, visit Pha Tham Phra and Wat Khao Sala, then return to the city for dinner and accommodation. This makes the site practical even for travelers who do not stay overnight in Buachet.

 

For nature-focused visitors, Pha Tham Phra rewards slow observation. Instead of only taking photos and leaving, spend time noticing the cliff surface, rock layers, forest textures, bird sounds, and the way the temple landscape blends into the natural environment. The forest around Khao Sala plays an important conservation role, and respectful tourism helps support the long-term value of the site.

 

Pha Tham Phra in Surin is therefore more than a natural cliff. It is a destination where a 100-meter-high cliff, forest shade, mountain views, Buddhist devotion, Thailand’s first Buddhist park, a major Buddha image, a Naga tunnel, a sacred footprint, and a royal forest conservation project all meet in one place. For travelers who want to understand the quiet and spiritual side of Surin Province, Pha Tham Phra is one of the most meaningful places to visit.

 

 

A: Pha Tham Phra is located on Khao Sala, Moo 8, Charat Subdistrict, Buachet District, Surin Province, inside the Wat Khao Sala Atulthanacharo Buddhist park area.

 

A: Pha Tham Phra is open daily from 08.00 to 17.00.

 

A: The main highlight is a large natural cliff about 100 meters high and 200 meters wide, surrounded by natural forest and connected with important Buddhist sites inside Wat Khao Sala Atulthanacharo.

 

A: Pha Tham Phra is located within the Khao Sala landscape and is part of the wider Wat Khao Sala Atulthanacharo Buddhist park and border forest conservation area.

 

A: Important points include Pha Tham Phra, Pha Nang Khoi, Phra Phuttha Barami Siam Buri Phithak, the Buddha’s footprint, the Naga tunnel, the white jade Guanyin image, Nam Sap Chedi, and Ban Charat Reservoir.

 

A: Morning and late afternoon are the best times because the weather is more comfortable, the light is suitable for photography, and visitors have enough time to explore the temple and viewpoint areas.

 

A: Private car or rental car is the most convenient option. The site is in Charat Subdistrict, Buachet District, about 80 km from downtown Surin.

 

A: Nearby places include Ban Charat Reservoir, Buachet town, Prasat Phum Pon, Sangkha District, Huai Thap Than – Huai Samran forest area, and downtown Surin.