Paintings Group (Pha Mon Noi)
Ancient prehistoric rock art site in Khong Chiam, featuring mysterious cliff paintings along the Mekong River.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Mon 08:00–17:00, Tue 09:00–18:00, Wed–Thu 08:00–18:00, Fri 09:00–17:00, Sat–Sun 08:00–18:00
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Details
Full opening hours
Tours that include Paintings Group (Pha Mon Noi)
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Paintings Group (Pha Mon Noi).
Why go, and how to do it well
Tucked into the rugged landscape of Khong Chiam District in Ubon Ratchathani, this prehistoric rock art site preserves a remarkable collection of ancient cliff paintings believed to date back thousands of years. The site, known locally as Pha Mon Noi, forms part of a broader group of painted rock shelters in the region and offers visitors a rare window into the lives and beliefs of the people who once inhabited this remote corner of northeastern Thailand.
Visitors can expect a quiet, contemplative atmosphere quite different from the bustle of more mainstream tourist sites. The paintings themselves depict human figures, animals, and geometric patterns rendered in earthy red pigments across sheltered rock faces. The natural surroundings — characterized by sandstone cliffs and riverine vegetation — add significantly to the sense of discovery, making the experience as much about the landscape as the art itself.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026
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Tours that include Paintings Group (Pha Mon Noi)
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Paintings Group (Pha Mon Noi).
Experience hints
9GX6+QPG, Huai Phai, Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani 34220, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within a 15-minute walk of Paintings Group (Pha Mon Noi).
Painting Group 1: Pha Taem
Sao Chaliang
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Go Early Morning
Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.
Paintings Group (Pha Mon Noi): Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paintings Group (Pha Mon Noi) worth visiting?
Paintings Group (Pha Mon Noi) holds a 4.6★ rating from 92 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Ubon Ratchathani.
What are the opening hours of Paintings Group (Pha Mon Noi)?
Paintings Group (Pha Mon Noi) is typically open 08:00–18:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Paintings Group (Pha Mon Noi)?
The best months to visit Ubon Ratchathani are November – February (plus July for the Candle Festival), with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in Candle Festival (July, Khao Phansa) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April (peak heat).
Where is Paintings Group (Pha Mon Noi) located?
Paintings Group (Pha Mon Noi) is at 9GX6+QPG, Huai Phai, Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani 34220, Thailand, in Ubon Ratchathani. Getting around Ubon Ratchathani: Grab and songthaews in the city; Rental car or driver for the Mekong loop (Khong Chiam, ~75 km east).
Also popular in Ubon Ratchathani
Central Ubon
Chomjan Bar & Restaurant
Garden House Thai Massage
Ubon Ratchathani Zoo
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