Hin Chang Si

Khon Kaen Province


The core attraction of Nam Phong National Park and the nearest nature reserve to Khon Kaen city, the Hin Chang Si ('Elephant-Rubbing Rock') area is full of oddly eroded house-sized rocks scattered around a scraggy forest. There are some wonderful viewpoints of Ubonrat Reservoir and the Phu Wiang Mountains. It's worth spending at least an hour roaming around, and you could do more if you follow the trail northeast along the top of the cliff (you're supposed to hire a ranger for this).

A small rock-climbing club (www.khonkaenclimbing.com) is active here and hosts a bouldering festival in January. Isan Explorer has a trekking trip that takes you from the top of the mountain down to the lake below.

It's 50km from the city and there's no public transport anywhere near it.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Khon Kaen Province attractions

1. Wat Pa Thama Uthayan

16.71 MILES

Spread over the vast grounds of this peaceful temple, 10km north of the city, are many beautiful monuments, including a 23m-tall white walking Buddha…

2. Si Wiang Dinosaur Park

17.82 MILES

One of the first things you see after crossing the pass into the mountain, Si Wiang Dinosaur Park is full of giant photogenic concrete dinosaur statues…

4. Art & Culture Museum

19.75 MILES

Khon Kaen's leading arts showcase is this two-storey gallery at Khon Kaen University. It features monthly installations of mostly professional artists…

5. Khon Kaen National Museum

20.84 MILES

This collection of artefacts spans prehistoric times to the present. Highlights are Ban Chiang–era pottery and a beautiful Dvaravati bai săir·mah (temple…

6. Walking Street Market

20.97 MILES

In the spirit of Chiang Mai's weekend street markets (but not touristy like them), hundreds of vendors take over Th Na Sunratchakan. Many of them sell…

7. City Pillar Shrine

21.08 MILES

Khon Kaen's city pillar shrine is fancier and more frequented than those of most northeastern cities. As thanks for large wishes granted or success in…

8. Ton Tann Art Space & Gallery

21.28 MILES

This gallery is in the big stilted building at Ton Tann Green Market. Because of its location, it's the most popular art gallery in the city.