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Escape the Ordinary: Our Guide to Finding a Tranquil Adventure in Amnat Charoen
- Best Time to Visit Amnat Charoen
- Things to Know
- How to Get to Amnat Charoen
- Where to Stay in Amnat Charoen
- Baan Ing Daan Hotel
- Nakarin Hotel
- Ramiarn Dao Boutique Place Hotel
- Where to Eat in Amnat Charoen
- Tiengna Cafe & Restaurant
- Malila Cafe and Restaurant
- Shrimp Noodles Amnat Charoen
- What to See and Do in Amnat Charoen
- Visit Puttha Utthayan and Phra Mongkol Ming Muang
- Stop by the Amnat Charoen Clock Tower
- Check out Wat Tham Saeng Phet
- Explore Phu Sing-Phu Pha Phung Forest Park
- Admire Wat Pra Lao Thep Nimit’s architecture
- See Wat Chaiyatikaram’s unique statues
- Admire the Mekong River at the Rim Khong View Point
- FAQs about Amnat Charoen
To be honest, Amnat Charoen isn’t really a name that comes up when talking about visiting Thailand. But that’s why it’s a special destination for peaceful retreats when you want to avoid throngs of tourists common to the top beaches of the land.
This off-the-beaten-path province in Central Northeastern Thailand is steeped in natural beauty, it’s a previous gem! Here, you can experience raw Thai culture and tradition, without much modern intervention.
If you’re on the hunt for scenic mountains, forests, and rivers to quench your thirst for nature, this is it! Read our complete guide to know more about why Amnat Charoen is the perfect relaxing escape, far from the chaos of the capital city.
Best Time to Visit Amnat Charoen
The best time to visit Amnat Charoen is between November and February to enjoy optimal weather conditions and cool average temperatures. During this time, you also get bright sunny days with little to no precipitation, perfect for outdoor exploration.
The cooler temperature also means you can go outside from morning to night without worrying about sweltering heat during midday.
Things to Know
Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Thai (Central Thai)
Calling Code: (+66)
Location: Amnat Charoen, Thailand
Nearest Airport: Ubon Ratchathani International Airport (95.4 km)
How to Get to Amnat Charoen
Bus: The cheapest and most straightforward way to get to Amnat Charoen from Bangkok is to catch a provincial bus at the Mochit Bus Terminal. The bus will follow the route through Yasothon Province and drop you off at Amnat Charoen’s town center.
Your options are the Nakhonchai Air and Sombat Tour buses and the travel duration should be between 9 and 10 hours.
Train: You can also ride a train in Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to get to Amnat Charoen. However, the train can only take you to the station in Ubon Ratchathani so you still need to ride a taxi to Amnat Charoen.
The train ride takes approximately 9 hours and the taxi to Amnat Charoen takes around an hour.
Rental Car: Another way to get to Amnat Charoen is to self-drive a rental car from Bangkok. You must drive north on Sirat Expressway, turn right to Highway 9, switch to Highway 1, and turn right to Highway 2 in Pak Phriao, Saraburi.
Head east but switch to Highway 6 at Saithon, turn left to Highway 290 in Kham Thale So, and turn left again to Highway 2 in Non Sung District. Next, turn right to Highway 207 in Thephalai, switch to Highway 202 in Prathai, and use Highway 292 in Yasothon.
Make another left turn to Highway 202 and keep driving east until you reach Amnat Charoen’s town center. Bear in mind that tourists need a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit to drive and rent vehicles in Thailand.
Where to Stay in Amnat Charoen
Baan Ing Daan Hotel
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Address: 791 Moo 16, Bung Subdistrict
Operating Hours: 12 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 90 405 5504
Website: http://www.facebook.com/BaanIngDaan
Pricing: ฿
Baan Ing Daan Hotel is one of the best-rated hotels in Amnat Chaoen, and it’s certainly worth checking out for its affordable pricing. This unpretentious hotel is tucked away in a quiet rural residential area, perfect if you like to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.
We like the dark wood elements in their rooms because it makes them look elegant despite the minimalist design. The property also has a small flower garden which is great if you enjoy walking around in the morning and afternoon.
There’s also a tiny shop in the lobby in case you want to have a snack while relaxing in their garden. It’s also only a 6-minute drive to the town center which is a plus.
Nakarin Hotel
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Address: 300 Moo 10, Bung Subdistrict
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 45 511 226
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Nakarinhotel
Pricing: ฿
Nakarin Hotel is one of the best hotels in Amnat Charoen Town. This hotel offers a convenient location close to the town’s popular attractions, from the Amnat Charoen Clock Tower to the Ming Muang Chalerm Prakiat Park and Wat Samran Niwet.
We also like their comfy minimalist rooms which come with basic modern amenities. This includes flat-screen TVs, mini refrigerators, air conditioning units, and en-suite bathroom and shower facilities.
They also have large family rooms with 2 queen beds, living room table sets, wardrobes, and vanity tables. You can book with them directly for a cheaper price as well.
Ramiarn Dao Boutique Place Hotel
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Address: 151, 153, Bung Subdistrict
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 81 067 4149
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ramiarndao/
Pricing: ฿
Ramiarn Dao Boutique Place Hotel is a peaceful hideaway on the outskirts of Amnat Charoen Town. This place is known for its charming tropical-style wooden bungalows with bamboo woven walls and landscaped gardens.
There’s also a viewing deck within the property which overlooks the surrounding vast rice paddies. It also has ornate round tables and chairs so you can relax, read books, or enjoy snacks while you soak in the breathtaking scenery.
Moreover, the free breakfast included in their affordable room booking is a massive plus. You can ask them to make it vegetarian-friendly as well.
Where to Eat in Amnat Charoen
Tiengna Cafe & Restaurant
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Address: 32/1 Arun Prasert Road, Bung Subdistrict
Operating Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 94 369 3228
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066632406193
Pricing: ฿฿
Tiengna Cafe & Restaurant is a stylish food spot known for its traditional-style rustic interior and charming garden setting. We particularly like their alfresco dining area because of its beautiful lakeside scenery and intimate atmosphere.
Its garden is also packed with numerous photo spots, from the chic wooden arch bridge to the lake viewing platform, octagonal gazebo, and more. They also have loft nets over the lake, so you can relax and admire the lotus-filled water.
Their great selection of reasonably-priced Thai and Chinese-style dishes is also a plus. They also have a wide range of drinks, from coffee to tea, smoothies, infused water, and more.
Malila Cafe and Restaurant
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Address: 530 Soi Nakhon Amnat 2, Bung Subdistrict
Operating Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Saturday)
Contact Number: +66 93 965 4741
Website: https://www.facebook.com/MalilaCafe.restaurant/
Pricing: ฿฿
Malila Cafe and Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in the heart of Amnat Charoen Town. This place focuses on Thai and international cuisines, so expect to see a wide range of Western and Asian-style dishes on the menu.
This includes steaks, salads, pasta, and hot pots. However, the diehard foodies on our team particularly like their Korean menu which consists of Korean-style hot pot and barbecue sets.
Each set is served with 5 types of kimchi and you can also choose from over 25 topping and sauce options. But if you’re a light eater, you can also opt for their a la carte menu with classic Thai dishes like tom yum goong, fried rice, and chili basil seafood stir fry.
Shrimp Noodles Amnat Charoen
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Address: 296 Moo 9, Bung Subdistrict
Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 45 984 495
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057494257359
Pricing: ฿
If you’re traveling on a tight budget, Shrimp Noodles Amnat Charoen is an excellent option. This local food spot specializes in authentic guay jab which is made with rolled homemade noodles and a rich savory pork broth.
But if you’re not a big pork fan, they also have shrimp and chicken-based guay jab. Moreover, they give you plenty of topping options, from shrimp to pork ribs, chicken legs, meatballs, and more.
They also serve traditional Thai dishes like mango sticky rice, pork and bean sprout omelet, and spring rolls.
What to See and Do in Amnat Charoen
Visit Puttha Utthayan and Phra Mongkol Ming Muang
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Address: 126 Chayangkun Road, Bung Subdistrict
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 94 421 1161
Website: https://www.facebook.com/50mingmuang
Puttha Utthayan and Phra Mongkol Ming Muang are arguably the most popular attractions in Amnat Charoen. Puttha Utthayan, also known as Buddha Park, is particularly known among locals and tourists for its great collection of Buddha images.
However, the park’s biggest draw is Phra Mongkol Ming Muang. It’s a Pala-style 20-meter-tall golden Buddha image with more pronounced elongated ears, flame-like finial, and a subduing mara posture
Beneath the giant statue are smaller Buddha images, a large censer for burning incense sticks, and an altar for flower offerings. The ground around Phra Mongkol Ming Muang is tiled, so you must remove your shoes if you like to get close and pay your respects.
Stop by the Amnat Charoen Clock Tower
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Address: Chayangkun Road, Bung Subdistrict
Operating Hours: 24/7
The Amnat Charoen Clock Tower is the centermost attraction in Amnat Charoen Town, and it’s definitely a must-visit for its charming architecture. It’s made with laterite layers and it features 4 sitting Buddha images carved on its 4 sides.
This landmark is also busy, so expect to see plenty of local vendors selling street food, fresh produce, and handicrafts. At night, the clock tower also becomes a spectacle with its colorful lights breathing more life into this part of town.
Check out Wat Tham Saeng Phet
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Address: Nong Ma Saeo
Operating Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Wat Tham Saeng Phet is one of Amnat Charoen’s most tranquil Buddhist temples, perfect for meditation and pleasant strolls. Going here also lets you admire the beauty of nature because lush hills and forests surround its temple complex.
In fact, our team particularly finds strolling around the park’s bamboo forest path relaxing, especially when you hear these tall plants sway with the wind. Still, most people frequent this temple for its collection of Buddha images.
These sacred statues are in the temple’s prayer hall, shrine, and cave. There are also a great number of animal statues within the temple complex.
Explore Phu Sing-Phu Pha Phung Forest Park
Address: Lao Phruan
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 32 562 744
Website: https://www.dnp.go.th/
If you love exploring nature, a trip to Amnat Charoen won’t be complete without visiting Phu Sing-Phu Pha Phung Forest Park. This park boasts lush deciduous forests and stone mountains with plenty of wildflowers and unique sandstone formations.
It’s also a must-visit for hikers because Phu Sing is the highest point of Amnat Charoen. And visitors who reach its summit are rewarded with a stunning bird’s-eye view of the park’s vast evergreen forests.
Admire Wat Pra Lao Thep Nimit’s architecture
Media credit: kai_godfinger29
Address: Phana District
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 89 718 2737
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064695186193
Admission Costs:
Wat Pra Lao Thep Nimit is one of Amnat Charoen’s most beautiful temples. It’s most known for its vibrant red-walled ubosot or ordination hall adorned with intricate gold patterns.
It features Lan Xang-style architecture originating from ancient Laos, so definitely it’s one of the more unique temples you’ll find in the province. The temple also has a distinctive seated Buddha image with the Maravijaya posture.
See Wat Chaiyatikaram’s unique statues
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Address: Mai Klon, Phana District
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 84 472 0266
Wat Chaiyatikaram is a unique temple in Amnat Charoen. It enshrines a 55-meter bronze seated Buddha image with a subduing mara posture, constructed by craftsmen from Vientiane, Laos.
The temple also has a giant statue of the Thai mythical bird called hatsadiling, also known as nok hatstadiling or nok hatsading. This house-sized creature is said to have an elephant’s tusk and trunk, lion’s head and body, bird’s wings, and rooster’s comb.
Admire the Mekong River at the Rim Khong View Point
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Address: Chanuman District
Operating Hours: 24/7
Rim Khong View Point is a scenic riverside in Chanuman District with a nice view of the great Mekong River. It’s also a community space where you can relax and shop from numerous street side stalls.
Every November, it’s also where the annual Boat Racing Festival in Amnat Charoen is held, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you like watching longtail boats racing. You’ll also see colorful decorative boats from Laos and other Thai provinces which is a plus.
