Phu Pha Taem

Phu Pha Taem is part of Pha Taem National Park in Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani, eastern Thailand, on a sandstone plateau above the Mekong River opposite Laos. It is notable for extensive prehistoric rock paintings dating back 3,000-4,000 years, dramatic cliffs offering sunrise views over the Mekong, and unusual rock formations such as Sao Chaliang mushroom pillars. The park protects dry dipterocarp forest and serves as Thailand's easternmost sunrise viewpoint.

Visitors can expect a sandstone cliff plateau overlooking the Mekong River and Laos, with marked trails leading to long rock shelters containing prehistoric paintings, viewpoints for sunrise, and the Sao Chaliang mushroom-shaped rock pillars. The landscape is open dry dipterocarp forest with rocky ground and cliff edges. Areas to explore include the Pha Taem cliff viewpoint, rock art galleries, nature trails and the park visitor centre with exhibits. The environment is exposed and hot during the day with limited shade.

The Pha Taem cliffs contain one of Thailand's largest groups of prehistoric rock paintings, with more than 300 images in four groups depicting hands, animals, geometric patterns and daily life, dated to approximately 3,000-4,000 years ago and attributed to prehistoric communities inhabiting the Mekong plateau.

The rock art galleries are recognized as an important archaeological and cultural site illustrating early human habitation and artistic expression in northeastern Thailand, and the cliff area remains a significant natural and cultural landmark for visitors viewing the Mekong landscape.