This hill
Tribe centre has a house with a raised lower floor, a
thatched roof and bamboo walls. This is a replica of a Karen
house for tourists to see and there is also a room
displaying tools and utensils of Karens. There is
accommodation available and a cultural performance if
advance notice is given. Moreover, there are hill tribe
volunteers taking visitors to see nearby areas. For more
information, please contact Tel: 0 5652 0723, 0 5651 2026.
The Karen
village near here is Chao Wat Yang Daeng Village that
strictly adheres to old traditions. It leads a simple
lifestyle and has a peaceful atmosphere. The interesting
event of this village is the New Year Festival that is held
on the full moon night of April.
Getting There: From Amphoe
Ban Rai, take Highway No. 3011 (Ban Rai-Phu Bon) for about
17 kilometres.
Pha Rom
Yen Waterfall is in Ban Mai Rom Yen. The highlight of the
waterfall is its uniqueness of being a limestone waterfall
that falls from a cliff. It can be clearly seen from the
road nearby. This beautiful waterfall flows from a small
stream 4 levels up. It is about 100 metres high. The highest
level is a stream that falls down to a pool on the second
level. The highest level is the level that can be viewed
from the entrance. The beauty of this waterfall lies in the
fact that it falls down a high cliff, splashing into mist
down below. The nearby area is bright green with moss and
ferns. The surrounding nature provides cool shade for
visitors.
Getting There: From Amphoe
Ban Rai, take Highway No. 3011 (Ban Rai-Phu Bon) to the
entrance of Ban Mai Rom Yen, then turn right for around 2
kilometres. Then go on foot for 400 metres from the entrance
to the waterfall.
Wat Khao
Wong is a temple in a valley. It has a beautiful two-storey
Thai-style convocation hall. The area has been exquisitely
landscaped. The monastery is the 13th of 19 branches of Wat
Sangkhathan in Nonthaburi that are in places such as Chiang
Mai, Um Phang, the United Kingdom, and India. The monastery
was built in 1987 and has a total area of 320,000 square
metres. The surrounding area is mountain and forest.
The most
striking feature of Khao Wong Monastery is the 4-storey
Thai-style multi-purpose pavilion. Built almost entirely of
wood, the pavilion has a pond in front with many fish.
Around the pond is a garden of colourful flowers. The wood
used in the pavilion’s construction was donated by locals
and has been transformed into a work of architecture that
retains natural qualities. The monastery has a monthly
meditation class for those who are interested.
Getting There: Use the same
route as Phu Wai Cave. It is about 3 kilometres before
reaching the cave (there is a cooperative store selling
souvenirs and free accommodation for up to 200 persons).
