Last Updated on September 13, 2026 by Nadia Halfway
📜 Introduction.
When someone mentions Thailand, what comes to mind is usually bustling Bangkok, Chiang Mai and its elephants, paradise party islands like Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, or the more notorious destinations of Pattaya and Phuket. Not many foreign tourists have heard of Chaiyaphum.
So how did I end up here? When I was planning my 2-month journey across Thailand, I applied through Workaway to several volunteering projects. I landed a role teaching English in Ban Khwao, a remote village located in this province. During the weekends, when the kindergarten was closed and there wasn’t much to do in the village, me and the other volunteers decided to explore the city that gave the whole province its name.
We spent an entire weekend here and came back another night when the kids had a dance contest. Thus, in this itinerary, I’ll show you how to make the most of Chaiyaphum in two full days: where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. The province itself is large and far from major hubs, so if you’re coming specifically to explore Chaiyaphum, I’d suggest budgeting at least three to five days to do it justice.
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Day 1: Temples, History and a Night Out.
Chaiyaphum is a compact, walkable city. The few monuments of interest are all within easy reach of one another, making the first day perfect for sightseeing on foot or taking a short tuk-tuk ride.
Start the morning at Wat Chaiprasit, which is very close to the bus station and makes a valid stop before heading to your accommodation. It is also one of the most striking temples in the city with an ornate architecture and peaceful grounds. From there, make your way to Wat Song Sila Phra Aram Luang, a larger temple complex worth a leisurely visit. As with most working temples in provincial Thailand, these are quiet, crowd-free spaces used daily by local residents rather than tour groups.
The most historically significant stop is Prang Ku Chaiyaphum, an ancient Khmer sanctuary in the heart of the city. Dating from the 11th to 12th century, this small stone tower is similar in style to the far more famous Phimai Historical Park, though far less visited.
At this point, you will be in front of a green, marshy area. We didn’t cross the wetland but if you keep going, you will end up in a nearby village. Along the way, there are also a few interesting restaurants for lunch, especially this one: เขียวแหนมเนือง ชัยภูมิ.
Later, before heading to the night market, stop at the Phraya Lae Monument, dedicated to a local nobleman who became a hero in Chaiyaphum. The monument is an important cultural landmark and a source of local pride.
There’s nothing better than at he Night Bazaar for dinner: the usual spread of pad thai, grilled skewers, soups, and fresh fruit. After eating, the Corner Bar makes for a first drink. If you’re feeling more energetic, OASIS Dance Pub is the place to go to experience provincial Thai nightlife.
Day 2: Tat Ton National Park.
About 20 km north of Chaiyaphum town, Tat Ton National Park is the most accessible of the province’s four parks and the easiest to reach from the city. It’s a quieter, more intimate option and makes for a very manageable full-day excursion.
The park is characterised by dry dipterocarp forest, but the main attraction is Tat Ton Waterfall, a wide, tiered cascade that drops over sandstone ledges into clear pools below. It’s at its most impressive during and just after the rainy season, from July to October, when the water is full and the surrounding forest is intensely green. Trails lead through the forest around the waterfall, and the area is quiet enough that wildlife sightings: birds, lizards, the occasional monkeys.
The park has picnic areas near the waterfall and basic facilities at the visitor centre where you can buy the entrance ticket at a modest price. Remember to bring water and your own food, as there are no restaurants inside.
Beyond the waterfall, the park has shorter nature trails suitable for an easy morning walk and some scenic viewpoints over the surrounding plateau. It doesn’t have the drama of Sai Thong or the rock formations of Pa Hin Ngam, but its accessibility and calm make it a worthwhile stop, especially if you’re based in the city and working with limited time.
Somewhere in the park there is also a small but charming suspension bridge. We came across it almost by chance on our way back to collect our motorbike.
🚌 How to Get to Chaiyaphum.
Chaiyaphum is not the easiest place to reach, but it is manageable. There is no direct train service to the city, so bus is the primary option for most travellers.
Be aware that there are two bus stations: Chaiyaphum Bus Terminal, right in the city centre, and Chaiyaphum Bus Terminal No. 2.
From Bangkok, buses depart regularly from Mo Chit Bus Terminal (also known as Northern Bus Terminal) and the journey takes approximately four to five hours, depending on traffic. Several operators cover this route and tickets can be bought at the terminal or booked in advance on 12Go Asia. Buses typically drop you at the Chaiyaphum Bus Terminal No. 2 on the edge of the city, from where a tuk-tuk or Grab can take you to the centre. If possible, prefer Chaiyaphum Bus Terminal as arrival station.
I arrived to Chaiyaphum from Chiang Mai on a direct night bus. However, researching now while writing this article, it seems there isn’t a direct connection between the two anymore. The most practical route is to take a bus south to Bangkok and then connect onward, or to travel via Khon Kaen and continue by local bus. Departing from Chiang Mai will take a whole day, so you might want to consider spending the night in one of the two cities.
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🛏️ Where to Stay in Chaiyaphum.
I visited Chaiyaphum three times in total, and stayed in two different hotels.
The first time, I arrived from Chiang Mai before starting my volunteering experience at the kindergarten. I stayed only one night at Hop Inn, waiting for the school staff to pick me up the following morning.
For my second and third visits, I was with the French couple from the volunteering programme and we stayed at Tonkhoon Hotel. It’s a slightly niche option: it doesn’t always show up on popular booking platforms and it is usually unavaialble on others. Your best options are to book in person (which is what we did as soon as we arrived), or try booking via Kayak or Traveloka. It’s the cheaper of the two and breakfast is included, though I’ll admit I only had a coffee as I wasn’t much enthusiast about soup for breakfast.
Both hotels work well for a short stay. If I had to choose, I’d go with Hop Inn, even at a slightly higher price.
Breakfast isn’t included, but they have coffee, hot drinks, and snacks. The hotel is clean, quiet, close to the bus station and reception is open 24/7. It gave me a genuinely good vibe overall, and it’s the one I’d recommend
💰 Price: starting from €18 per night
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🍜 What to Eat in Chaiyaphum.
Chaiyaphum is a provincial Thai city: its food scene is local, unpretentious, and excellent value. You won’t find tourist-facing menus here. Most restaurants have no English signage, but pointing at what your neighbour is eating works perfectly well.
The Night Bazaar is the most reliable and enjoyable spot in the city for food. Every evening, stalls set up around the central area and the spread is wide: Pad Thai, som tum, grilled skewers, noodles, fried rice and fresh fruit. It’s cheap, good, and it’s where the locals eat.
For a more sit-down experience, look for khao rad kaeng (rice with curry) restaurants which serve rotating daily dishes at fixed low prices and are typically open from mid-morning until early afternoon. These are the kind of places without menus so you simply point at whatever is in the trays.
For coffee, breakfast and brunch, there are several small cafés in Chaiyaphum. Look for independent spots near the temple district rather than the main road chain branches. Good Day Chaiyaphum Cafe looks very nice, although it’s a bit out of the way.
In the evening, the Corner Bar is a great place for a drink before heading off to a nightclub, if you fancy it. The OASIS Dance Pub is the town’s main club, popular with locals at the weekend. It’s completely different from the nightclubs in Phuket or the beach parties on Koh Samui.
🗺️ What Else to See in Chaiyaphum Province.
The two days outlined above barely scratch the surface of what the entire province of Chaiyaphum has to offer. If you have more time, here is what else you can add to your itinerary.
Sai Thong National Park.
About 70 km west of the city, this is Chaiyaphum’s most spectacular natural attraction. From June to August, its famous Thung Bua Sawan meadow turns pink with Siam tulips (dok krachiao): one of the most extraordinary seasonal floral displays in Thailand. The park also has the Sai Thong and Chuan Chom waterfalls, and the Pha Ham Hod cliff viewpoint.
Pa Hin Ngam National Park.
Arguably the most dramatic of Chaiyaphum’s four national parks, Pa Hin Ngam is famous for its surreal rock formations. Here you will find enormous boulders balanced improbably on the hillside, surrounded by forest, such as the Elephant Rock. Like Sai Thong, it also hosts Siam tulip fields, where the famous Dok Krachiao (Siamese Tulip Festival) is held in the summer.
Phu Laen Kha National Park.
It’s the most remote of the four parks, located in the Phetchabun Mountain range along the border with Phetchabun Province. Dense forests, waterfalls, and rocky mountain cliffs make it a rewarding destination for serious hikers and nature lovers willing to make the journey.
Wat Phra That Chaiyaphum.
Built on a hilltop in the Kaeng Khro District, this striking white chedi with a bright golden tip blends Lanna and Lan Xang architectural styles and offers panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. The grounds are peaceful and shady, and the temple is also used as a place for Buddhist meditation practice. It’s further from the city centre than the temples on Day 1, so it would be best to include it as a morning stop before visiting Tat Ton National Park.
Ban Khwao and the Silk Street.
The small village of Ban Khwao, about 25 km from Chaiyaphum town, is where I spent two weeks volunteering at a kindergarten. Its Silk Street (Road 3002) is lined with family-run workshops producing mudmee ikat silk, one of the finest traditional weaving traditions in Thailand. Worth a visit for anyone interested in local craftsmanship and proper village esperience.
💡 Travel Tips.
Getting around.
Chaiyaphum town itself is walkable and tuk-tuks are available near the bus terminal and the Night Bazaar. However, the national parks and most sights outside the centre are not reachable on foot. Renting a scooter is the most practical option and gives you complete flexibility, especially for furthest destinations. If you’re not comfortable on a scooter, Grab works in the city and to reach Tat Ton National Park but be aware that driver availability is considerably lower here than in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Wait times can be long, and during quieter hours you may not find a driver at all.
Cash.
Carry enough Thai Baht for your entire stay. Many restaurants, markets, and smaller shops in Chaiyaphum are cash-only. ATMs are available in the city centre, but not near the national parks.
Language.
English is spoken very little outside hotel reception desks. Google Translate is your best friend here, useful for menus, signs, and negotiating tuk-tuk fares. Locals are helpful and patient; a smile goes a long way.
eSIM.
Having a connection is essential in remote area, so I highly suggest you to set up an eSIM with good coverage across Thailand.
Airalo is one of the best-known eSIM providers on the market and setting it up is also very straightforward. You can search for your destination directly in the bar below.
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🎈 Conclusion.
I came to Chaiyaphum by accident, and I left genuinely glad I had. It was never on any list I’d seen, never mentioned in any guide to Thailand I’d read. And yet it had ancient Khmer ruins in the town centre, a national park full of tulips, waterfalls, temples where the only other visitors were monks, and even nightspots.
That’s the thing about the places nobody talks about: they haven’t learned to perform for an audience yet. Chaiyaphum is still authentic: a Thai provincial city going about its life, slightly puzzled by the occasional foreigner who shows up and wants to see it.
If you’re travelling through Isan, or looking for somewhere genuinely off the map, include it in your itinerary.
💬 And you? Have you ever ended up somewhere completely unexpected and loved it? Let me know in the comments below!
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