Khon Sawan: Discover Wetlands and Dvaravati Culture

Khon Sawan combines extensive natural wetlands with traces of the Dvaravati period and vibrant craft traditions. This gives you different themes to focus on during your trip: waterbirds and landscapes, historical evidence, or insights into local handicrafts. Which of these aspects interests you most can also help you choose the right vacation rental as a base for your stay.

Wetlands and Rivers in the District

Bueng Waeng, also called Nong Waeng, is a large natural wetland. It is home to resident waterbirds as well as birds that migrate from Siberia. A three-story birdwatching tower has been built at the wetland for visitors. If you are interested in birdwatching, this gives you a specific reason to include Khon Sawan’s natural side in your travel plans.

Other wetlands shape different parts of the district. Nong Saeng lies in the Lam Nam Kam and Chi river basins and extends across the subdistricts of Non Sa-at and Yang Wai. Nong Ben is in the Chi River basin and lies in Si Samran Subdistrict. These names refer to distinct, clearly located landscape areas within Khon Sawan—useful if you also want to consider which parts of the district you would like to explore when looking for a vacation rental.

The rivers also give the region its geographic structure. Lam Nam Kam is a tributary of the Chi and flows for about 20 kilometers through Nong Kham, Non Sa-at, and Yang Wai. Lam Sam Mo rises in Kaeng Khro District, runs through Chong Sam Mo Subdistrict, and joins the Chi at Ban Sam Mo in Ban Khok Pho Chai Minor District. It runs through Khon Sawan for about ten kilometers. The Phu Laen Kha mountain range also extends across the west and north of the district.

Dvaravati Heritage and Local Traditions

Inside the sim at Wat Khon Sawan, a rectangular wooden building measuring about five by seven meters, is a seated Buddha figure in a meditation posture, locally known as Luang Pho Ta Daeng. The sim is influenced by Lan Xang culture or local Isan culture. Wat Khon Sawan is also home to a large Buddha figure from the Dvaravati period, which locals call Luang Pho Yai.

Nakhon Kalong also points to the Dvaravati period: the site is believed to have been a city at the time, and numerous inscriptions in Dvaravati script are found there on stone slabs. Along with the Buddha figures, this site offers a different way to experience Khon Sawan than the wetlands—through historical names, writing, and religious art.

Reed-mat weaving is also part of local cultural life. In Fai Village, in Nong Kham Subdistrict, this tradition, passed down from earlier times, is still carried on. Mats, baskets, and bags are made. Basket weaving, weaving, and reed-mat weaving are also generally among the district’s home crafts. If you enjoy discovering more than landscapes when you travel, you can make these craft traditions a focus of your visit.

Khon Sawan Rap Khwan Nok Pet Nam is a tradition for welcoming waterbirds, in which all ten local administrative bodies in the district take part. Bun Bang Fai and the worship ceremony for Chao Pho Nong Chat and Chao Pho Nong Waeng take place in the municipal area around May or June. If you are interested in these celebrations, keep the approximate period mentioned in mind when planning your trip.

Choosing a Vacation Rental: Getting Your Bearings

Several roads are useful for getting around the district. National Highway 201 between Chaiyaphum and Chum Phae runs for 25 kilometers through Huai Rai and Chong Sam Mo subdistricts. Provincial Highway 2054 is the main road through Nong Kham, Ban Sok, Khon Sawan, and Chong Sam Mo; it also runs for 25 kilometers there. Provincial Highway 2065 connects with Highway 2054 and provides a link to Wang Noi and Wang Yai districts in Khon Kaen Province.

For an overview of travel in the wider area: Chaiyaphum.