Phu Phra Bat: 3,000 Years of History, Thailand’s Newest UNESCO World Heritage Site
On 27 July 2024, UNESCO officially inscribed Phu Phra Bat: a testimony to the Sīma stone tradition of the Dvaravati period as Thailand’s eighth World Heritage Site and fifth cultural site, recognizing its exceptional archaeological, spiritual, and geological value
This historic milestone not only honors Phu Phra Bat’s role in preserving the world’s largest collection of Dvaravati-period Sīma stones, but also elevates Udon Thani as the only province in Thailand to house two UNESCO-listed sites
Nestled in the Phu Phan mountain range, about 67 km from Udon Thani city, Phu Phra Bat is known as “Phu Phra Bat: Testimony of Cultural Sema from the Dvaravati Era.” The site preserves traces of human civilization spanning over 3,000 years, from prehistoric communities to the Dvaravati, Lopburi, Lan Xang, and Rattanakosin periods.
Unique Rock Formations – Some of Phu Phra Bat’s signature landscapes are natural stacked rocks.
The Trail – Gentle walking paths guide visitors through the park.
Before Ho Nang Usa – The approach to one of the most iconic landmarks.
Visitor Center – The starting point for essential knowledge before exploring.
Interpretive Signs – Informative panels and distance markers at each key site.
Visitors can explore:
- Prehistoric cave paintings – More than 54 ancient paintings on cliff walls and rock shelters, depicting human figures, animals, and symbolic patterns that reveal stories of life and beliefs from over 3,000 years ago.
- Sacred Buddha footprints – Revered imprints carved into stone, dating back to the Dvaravati and Lan Xang periods, reflecting centuries of Buddhist devotion and cultural continuity.
Rock shelters and sandstone outcrops – Naturally sculpted formations later adapted by humans into religious monuments, shrines, and ritual spaces, blending geological wonder with spiritual significance.
Rock-Carved Seated Buddha – Remarkably well-preserved and serene.
Rock-Carved Standing Buddha – Weathered gracefully through time.
- Remarkable landmarks – Iconic sites such as Ho Nang Usa, linked to a famous local legend; Tham Phra, a rock shelter once used for Buddhist rituals; Tham Wua, home to prehistoric rock art; and ancient Dvaravati-era bai sema stones, boundary markers that defined sacred monastic spaces.
Ho Nang Usa – A legendary sandstone rock shelter steeped in folklore.
Ho Nang Usa in the Rainy Season – Surrounded by lush greenery and fresh mist.
Tham Phra Rock Shelter – A sacred cave-like shelter used since ancient times.
Stone Boundary Marker at Tham Phra – Historic bai sema marking sacred space.
Dvaravati-Era Sema Stones – Ancient boundary markers on Phu Tham Phra’s rocky plain.
Ancient Rock Paintings at Tham Wua – Prehistoric art still visible on the cave wall.
Phu Phra Bat is also one of the largest Buddhist sema sites in the world, where natural geological formations became sacred grounds for rituals and monastic life. Walking through its expansive rocky plateaus, visitors step into a living museum where nature, culture, and spirituality merge seamlessly.
The best time to visit is between September and November, when the forest turns lush and wildflowers bloom after the rains.
Forest Fruits in Late Winter – Seasonal plants like dipterocarp species around the park.
Whether you are fascinated by archaeology, culture, or simply enjoy walking through timeless landscapes, Phu Phra Bat offers a journey of discovery like no other.
Experience Phu Phra Bat with Pacific Leisure – where every journey is guided by knowledge, care, and the joy of meaningful travel. Contact us to plan your unforgettable cultural adventure in Udon Thani.
Editor in Chief : Nampetch Siramanon
Editor: Pacific Leisure (Thailand)
Content Creator : Mr. Saroj Na Ayutthaya