Phu Phrabat Historical Park
อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์ภูพระบาท
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2024, Phu Phrabat is a sandstone mountain forest scattered with strangely shaped boulders, prehistoric rock paintings, and Dvaravati-era boundary stones. Princess Usha's Tower is the most famous landmark.
Phu Phrabat sits in the Phu Phan Mountains in Ban Phue District. Weathered sandstone has formed mushroom-shaped and table-top boulders, and prehistoric people left painted rock art beneath the overhangs. From the Dvaravati period through the Khmer era, Buddhist boundary stones (sema) were erected here in circles. In 2024 the site was inscribed as a World Heritage Site under the title “Tradition of Dvaravati-period Boundary Stones.” Inside the park, a loop trail of about 3 km links Princess Usha's Tower, Cow Shed Rock, and the rock-art sites. It is open 08:00–16:30, and foreigners pay about 100 baht for entry. The park is about 70 km from Udon Thani, so you will need your own car or a hired driver. Nearby is Wat Phra Phutthabat Phu Phrabat, a temple built around a sacred footprint of the Buddha.
Opening hours
08:00–16:30
Nearby sights
- Wat Pa Phu Kon
- Sala Kaew Ku
- Ban Na Kha Weaving Village
- Wat Phothisomphon
- Nong Prachak Park
- Udon Thani City Museum
- Thung Si Mueang & City Pillar Shrine
- UD Town & Night Market