"Thailand's Prehistoric Cliff Paintings" Ban Pha Taem by AlbuqRay

Ban Pha Taem Travel Guide: 5 reviews and 8 photos

Cliff Paintings with a View

The prehistoric cliff paintings are located 95 km northeast of Ubon Ratchathani in Pha Taem National Park (admission 200 baht for foreigners). They are where a rock cliff overlooks the Mekong River and the mountains in Laos. Pha Taem is at the easternmost point in Thailand, i.e., as they say...where the sun first shines in Siam. The overlook is 230 meters east of the Visitors' Center. Right behind me, there is a shear dropoff down to the level of the river. There are prehistoric paintings near the base of the cliff but above the floodline.

Red Ochre Paintings on Gray Cliffs

Cliff Paintings

The paintings are spaced near the base of the cliff in four groups. There are more than 300 pictures totaling more than 180 meters. Figures of humans (they look more like space people), domestic and wild animals, fish traps, and a giant catfish are included.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Can look into Thailand's prehistoric past
Cons:Can be really hot on the trail at the base of the cliff
In a nutshell:Take a look back 4000 years and a look at the Mekong River valley

Last visit to Ban Pha Taem: Apr 2004
Intro Updated Aug 31, 2005
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Reviews (6)

Pha Taem Viewing Platform - Ban Pha Taem

Viewing Platforms Things to Do (6)

There are also viewing platforms to let you get closer to the paintings. The cliff is to the left and the Mekong River... more travel advice

First Group of Cliff Paintings - Ban Pha Taem

Helpful Signs Things to Do (6)

There are signs to help you make out the forms of the cliff paintings. more travel advice

Giant Catfish Things to Do (6)

This is a sample of the cliff paintings you can see. It is the one with the giant catfish and the people that look like... more travel advice

Trail at the Base of the Cliff Things to Do (6)

The trail drops down steeply and then winds along the base of the cliff. You may go back the way you came or walk the... more travel advice

Comments (4)

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mvtouring Apr 2, 2008 at 10:43 PM

Does not look like an easy walk to see the cliff paintings ;-)
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Wann Sep 17, 2006 at 5:45 AM

Ubon is so far away !! Nice page :-)
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Jasen71 Oct 4, 2005 at 6:31 PM

Interesting Pages on the remote parts of Thailand.. Great Job.. Cheers Jase
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radz Jul 30, 2004 at 5:31 AM

Interesting Cliff paintings.