Approximately 75 km from Udon Thani, in Ban Phue District, is the Phu Prabhat Historical Park.
Geologists suggest that millions of years ago the area was covered by glaciers and when these melted the resulting moraine, or debris, caused the strange formations of stone. The area is scattered with unusual shapes of menhir (stand-alone rocks) and archaeologists believe that around the 14th -16th centuries of the Buddhist calendar, Buddhists and Hindu hermits lived here. These men are believed to have prayed, meditated and in general, retreated from the world in their little rock-hewn abodes. Looking at these rocks, the Hoh Nang U-sa in particular, one cannot help but wonder about the tools and techniques, these ancient people used in their building activities.
On some of the rocks one can still see carvings or drawings of men and beasts from many centuries ago, though time and the elements are slowly eroding these. However, I suspect that some of the Buddha images strewn around the place are of more recent vintage.
The park is well-maintained and the entrance fees of 100 baht per person is a pittance for the opportunity to spend a few hours in a tranquil setting while the mind wanders back many centuries in time.
Wow Laos 