Kantharalak District: Temples, Waterfalls and Orchards

Kantharalak District in Si Sa Ket Province brings together Khmer architecture, waterfalls, a nature trail and orchards. When planning your trip, you can focus on architecture, scenery or orchards. The destinations are located in different parts of Amphoe Kantharalak.

Temples and Khmer Architecture

Wat Phu Sam Sawan is in Ban Sao Thong Chai, Tambon Sao Thong Chai, Amphoe Kantharalak. The temple is a branch of Wat Nong Pa Phong. Its features include Buddha figures on rocks and depictions of the Buddha’s hands and feet.

Prasat Don Tuan, a small Khmer temple among large trees, is in Ban Phum Srol, Tambon Bueng Malu. It is thought to date to approximately the 15th to 16th Buddhist centuries. The single prang has a square ground plan, measuring about seven metres wide and seven metres long. It faces east and is made half of brick and half of laterite. Its stepped-back corners, layout and materials provide specific points of reference for observing the temple’s Khmer architecture. The architectural details of Prasat Don Tuan thus offer a different cultural focus from the Buddha figures and rock carvings at Wat Phu Sam Sawan.

Waterfalls and Nature Observation

Namtok Sida is a small natural waterfall in Ban Tanmuad (Khum Huai Khayung), Moo 7, Tambon Rung. Namtok Tat Hin, also known as Kaeng Tat Hin or Tat Huai Thip, is in Ban Huai Thip, also in Tambon Rung, Amphoe Kantharalak. The waterfall is a natural attraction and swimming spot near the Phra Viharn Mountains. The similar waterfall names therefore refer to different places; at Tat Hin, swimming is explicitly part of the travel experience.

The small Phu La-O waterfall has been developed into a nature trail that provides information about plants and the terrain. A walking path of about two kilometres leads from the car park to the waterfall. Trail conditions can vary; check the current situation before your visit. Phu La-O thus combines a waterfall and a walking route with a focus on natural history.

Khao Phra Wihan National Park also includes Amphoe Kantharalak. The park has open areas suitable for observing celestial bodies and deep-sky objects with the naked eye. Sky conditions vary by season. Nearby, Pha Mor E Daeng is about 34 kilometres from Amphoe Kantharalak. The escarpment forms the edge of the Phanom Dong Rak Mountains and features ancient bas-reliefs.

Orchards and Seasonal Tastings

The Ban Sam Tarom Community Agritourism Enterprise, an agritourism orchard destination, is in Moo 7, Tambon Trakaj. Visitors can tour the orchards and sample fruit. These include Monthong, Chanee and Kanyao durian varieties grown in volcanic soil. You can buy Si Sa Ket volcanic durian and other fruit directly from the growers. Produce availability is seasonal, so the selection may vary depending on when you travel. A visit to the orchard therefore combines sightseeing, tasting and shopping directly from the growers.

Discover more destinations: Cham

For the broader travel overview: Sisaket.