Khon Sawan between wetlands and Dvaravati culture

Wetlands, waterways and cultural heritage from the Dvaravati period give Khon Sawan its varied character. Visitors planning a trip to the district can combine natural sites and temple complexes with insights into local handicraft traditions. When choosing a hotel, it can also be helpful to get your bearings among the different subdistricts.

Wetlands and waterways

The Phu Laen Kha mountain range stretches across the west and north of the district. Several large natural wetlands are among its distinctive landscapes. Bueng Waeng, also known as Nong Waeng, is home to resident waterbirds and birds that migrate from Siberia. Their numbers vary by season. A report from 2013 mentions a three-story birdwatching tower built there for visitors. Check the tower’s condition before your visit.

Nong Saeng and Nong Ben can also be distinguished by their places in the district’s watershed. Nong Saeng lies in the subdistricts of Non Sa-at and Yang Wai and is part of the Lam Nam Kam and Chi river basins. Nong Ben lies in Si Samran Subdistrict and in the Chi River basin. The Lam Nam Kam is a tributary of the Chi and flows for about 20 kilometers through Nong Kham, Non Sa-at and Yang Wai.

Another waterway is the Lam Sam Mo. It rises in Kaeng Khro District, passes through Chong Sam Mo Subdistrict and joins the Chi near Ban Sam Mo in the minor district of Ban Khok Pho Chai. Along its course, it runs for about ten kilometers through Khon Sawan District. Together with the wetlands, it helps create a picture of the landscape that is not limited to a single natural site.

Temples and Dvaravati heritage

Wat Khon Sawan brings together several distinct cultural points of interest. The temple houses a large Buddha image from the Dvaravati period, known locally as Luang Pho Yai. Inside the sim, a rectangular wooden building measuring about five by seven meters, is a seated Buddha image in a meditation pose, locally called Luang Pho Ta Daeng. The sim reflects influences from Lan Xang culture or local Isan culture. The two names and the architectural features give the temple a tangible cultural dimension.

Nakhon Kalong is another place in the district with Dvaravati connections. It is thought to have been a city during that period, and numerous inscriptions in Dvaravati script appear on stone slabs there. Those interested in early history will find a different perspective here than at Wat Khon Sawan: the temple centers on Buddha images and a historically significant building, while Nakhon Kalong is characterized by its inscriptions and cautious historical classification.

Handicrafts and local traditions

In Fai village in Nong Kham Subdistrict, the traditional craft of weaving reed mats, passed down from earlier generations, continues today. Mats, baskets and bags are made here. Basketry and weaving are also among the district’s household crafts, including the weaving of reed mats. These crafts connect one particular village with a broader picture of local skills.

Another tradition is Khon Sawan Rap Khwan Nok Pet Nam, the welcoming of waterbirds. All ten local administrative organizations in the district take part, and the dates vary from one event to the next. Bun Bang Fai and ceremonies honoring Chao Pho Nong Chat and Chao Pho Nong Waeng are also held in Khon Sawan Municipality around May or June. As the timing may vary from year to year, it is advisable to check the specific festival dates before traveling.

Choosing a location

The roads help put Khon Sawan’s geographical spread into perspective. National Highway 201 between Chaiyaphum and Chum Phae runs for 25 kilometers through Huai Rai and Chong Sam Mo subdistricts. Provincial Highway 2054 is the main road through Nong Kham, Ban Sok, Khon Sawan and Chong Sam Mo; this route is also listed as 25 kilometers long. Provincial Highway 2065 connects to Highway 2054 and provides links to Wang Noi and Wang Yai districts in Khon Kaen Province.

These road routes pass through different parts of Khon Sawan and offer a practical geographical guide without reducing the natural, cultural and handicraft sites to a single base.

For an overview of the wider trip: Chaiyaphum.