Phu Phrabat Historical Park in Udon Thani is the latest addition to Thailand’s list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The cultural attraction in the north-east region of Isaan became the eighth UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thailand in July 2024. Phu Phrabat is now the second such site in Udon Thani with Ban Chiang Archaeological Site already listed by UNESCO.
(Photo: The Fine Arts Department of Thailand)
Mountain of Buddha’s Footprints
Located in a quiet rural area of Udon Thani province, Phu Phrabat Historical Park is a fascinating place to visit. The park combines a blend of natural beauty, ancient history, and mystical folklore.
Located on the mountain slopes of Phu Phrabat, this area is characterised by dramatic mushroom-shaped sandstone rock formations. The name of this area translates to ‘Mountain of Buddha’s Footprints‘ and hints at the area’s deep connection to Buddhist culture and beliefs.
It’s thought that this region saw the arrival of Buddhism during the Dvaravati period (7th-11th centuries CE). This coincided with an increase in the number of standing stones known as Sīma stones (or bai sema). These stone formations were erected as boundary markers around religious sites.
“The Phu Phrabat Mountain area preserves the largest corpus in the world of in situ Sīma stones from the Dvaravati period, testifying to the tradition that once prevailed in the region.”
– UNESCO World Heritage
(Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand)
Step back in time
Archaeologists have unearthed evidence of human occupation at Phu Phrabat dating back over 3,000 years. Prehistoric rock paintings can still be seen in areas of the Historical Park. The rock art consists of simple yet evocative paintings depicting human figures, animals, and geometric patterns. These ancient artworks are believed to have been created by early hunter-gatherer communities who used the area for rituals and ceremonies. Though faded with time, the paintings still hold a mysterious allure, inviting visitors to ponder their meanings and the stories they may tell.
(Photo: The Fine Arts Department of Thailand UNESCO)
Phra That
In addition to the rock art, Phu Phrabat Historical Park is home to several religious shrines and monuments that were built between the 6th and 13th centuries during the Dvaravati and Khmer periods. These shrines, known as “Phra That,” are dedicated to Buddhist and Hindu deities and are believed to have been used for worship and meditation. The most famous of these is Phra That Phu Phrabat, a small stupa situated atop a large rock formation, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The UNESCO citation also states, “While sacred boundary markers for areas of Theravada Buddhist monastic practice vary in materials, extensive use of stones is found only in the Khorat Plateau region in Southeast Asia.”
(Photo: The Fine Arts Department of Thailand)
Location Map
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Thailand
Phu Phrabat Historical Park was listed by UNESCO in 2024. The full list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Thailand and the date they were listed:
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