Photos of Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, also called "Stones Garden", near Ban Phu (Thailand)
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park (Stones Garden) is on the foothills of the Phu Phan Mountains in Ban Phu district, 68 km North-West of Udon Thani (northern Thailand).
The park is full of bizarre rock formations and ancient shrines built around the boulders or carved in the rocks. Several temples and very old Buddhist shrines are located in the park.
Sema stone markers and high relief sandstone Dvaravati-era Buddha images can also be seen. Evidence of prehistoric cultures can be found in a number of caves where there are wall paintings of humans and animals.
Most of the bizarre rock formations to be found in this park are featured in an enchanting local legend about a king (Phaya Kong Phan), his stunningly beautiful daughter (Nang Usa), a hermit (the Rishi Chantra) and a love-struck prince from another kingdom (Tao Baros). The most striking rock formation, Ho Nang-Usa, an overturned boot-shaped outcrop with a shrine built into it, is said to be the tower where the beautiful princess was forced to live by her overprotective father.
The tale of Nang Usa, can be found there: