Phu Phra Bat Historical Park

Phu Phra Bat is located in the western zone of the Phu Phan Mountains between Udon Thani and Nong Khai, at a distance of about 65 kilometres (40 mi) from each city. The park's area is 1,200 acres (4.9 km²)[1] and is entirely within the Phu Phra Bat Buabok Forest Park.

The unusual rock formations in the park include spires, massive boulders and balanced rocks and form the backdrop for the prehistoric art and religious shrines created there.[2] The geological origins of these rocks are thought to be from under-sea erosion that occurred fifteen million years ago.[3]

Tham Khon prehistoric rock painting

Prehistoric art paintings on the rocks can best be seen where some rocks have formed a natural shelter. Others have faded considerably. The formations named Tham Wua and Tham Khon are particularly good examples; in the former oxen are depicted, the latter has human figures. The park's rock paintings are believed to date from 6,000 years ago.[3]

Phu Phra Bat's rock formations are the setting for a local legend about a king, his daughter and her suitor. The park's most striking rock formation, Hor Nang Usa, is where the overprotective king forced his beautiful daughter to live. Despite her confinement, she was able to get a message out to her suitor prince and the two were married in defiance of her father.[3]

Shrine at Phu Phra Bat

Hor Nang Usa is one of a number of the rock formations where a shrine has been constructed. Early shrines date to the Dvaravati period in the seventh to tenth centuries. Shrines feature Hindu and Buddhist influences.

The park's most significant shrine is Wat Phra Putthabaht Bua Bok, where a Cham–Khmer style chedi covers a chamber housing a sandstone Buddha footprint. The shrine is a pilgrimage site with an annual festival held in March.[2][3]