Kantharalak District: Waterfalls, Temples and Orchards

Kantharalak District brings together waterfalls, Buddhist rock carvings, Khmer architecture and orchards. At Wat Phu Sam Sawan, Buddha figures and depictions of the Buddha’s hands and feet can be seen on rocks; Prasat Don Tuan is a small Khmer temple with a single prang. In Ban Sam Tarom, visitors can tour orchards, sample fruit and buy produce directly from the growers. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can first consider whether nature, temple architecture or orchards should be the main focus of your stay.

Waterfalls, Starry Skies and a Nature Trail

Namtok Sida is a small natural waterfall in Ban Tanmuad (Khum Huai Khayung), Moo 7, Tambon Rung. Also in Tambon Rung is Namtok Tat Hin, also known as Kaeng Tat Hin or Tat Huai Thip. It is located in Ban Huai Thip near the Phra Viharn Mountains and is a natural attraction and swimming spot.

Khao Phra Wihan National Park also includes Amphoe Kantharalak. Its open areas are suitable for observing celestial bodies and deep-sky objects with the naked eye. Sky conditions vary by season. Another nature experience is offered by the small Phu La-O waterfall: it has been developed into a nature trail that provides information about plants and the terrain. From the car park, a walking trail of about two kilometres leads to the waterfall. Allow time for the walk and check trail conditions before your visit.

Buddhist Depictions and Khmer Architecture

Wat Phu Sam Sawan is located in Ban Sao Thong Chai, Tambon Sao Thong Chai, Amphoe Kantharalak, and is a branch of Wat Nong Pa Phong. The motifs on the rocks include Buddha figures and depictions of the Buddha’s hands and feet.

Prasat Don Tuan is located in Ban Phum Srol, Tambon Bueng Malu. The small Khmer temple stands among large trees and dates from approximately the 15th to 16th Buddhist century. Its single prang has a square ground plan, with each side about seven metres long, and stepped-back corners. The structure faces east and is built half of brick and half of laterite. Compared with the rock carvings at Wat Phu Sam Sawan, the focus here is on the layout, orientation and building materials.

Orchards and Durian from Ban Sam Tarom

The Ban Sam Tarom Community Agritourism Enterprise is located in Moo 7, Tambon Trakaj, Amphoe Kantharalak. Visitors can tour the orchards and sample fruit, including the Monthong, Chanee and Kanyao durian varieties grown in volcanic soil. Visitors can also buy Si Sa Ket volcanic durian and other fruit directly from the growers. Since produce availability varies seasonally, the selection depends on the current harvest.

A Nearby Destination

Pha Mor E Daeng is about 34 kilometres from Amphoe Kantharalak. The cliff forms the edge of the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range and features ancient bas-reliefs. This destination adds a landscape with historic rock carvings to the selection and is geographically distinct from the destinations mentioned in the amphoe.

Choose the Right Holiday Rental as Your Base

When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to first decide which experiences matter most: waterfalls and a nature trail, temple architecture or orchards. Then compare the specific location details of the destinations with the location of your accommodation. Ban Sao Thong Chai, Ban Phum Srol, Ban Sam Tarom and the places in Tambon Rung offer useful points of reference.

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