The Wild Orchid Park at Wat Pa Manjakiri is located on the Manjakiri-Chanabath road, just 1 kilometer from the Manjakiri district center, and approximately 57 kilometers from Khon Kaen. The temple is situated on a large mound in the middle of a field, covering an area of about 15 rai. The site boasts numerous ancient trees, some of which are several hundred years old, particularly tamarind trees, along with kahun and wild acacia trees, totaling around 280 trees. It is home to over 4,000 naturally occurring wild orchid species known as "Chang Kra," which cling to the branches and thrive in the area. These orchids typically begin to bloom around December, with their pink and white flowers fully blossoming between January and February each year, releasing a gentle fragrance that fills the surroundings. The history of Wat Pa Manjakiri, originally called Wat Pa Non Ban Khao, dates back approximately 500 to 700 years, believed to have been established between 1800 and 2300 BE by Lady Jom Jum and her followers who traveled to this vast fertile area named Non Ban Khao, adorned with majestic tamarind trees enveloped in wild orchids. The area also features a rich pond nearby. In 2335 BE, Lady Jom Jum constructed a sandstone stupa to perpetuate Buddhism. In 2424 BE, Phra Ketswattana led people from the city of Suwannaphum to establish the town of Chanabath, directly under the Nakhon Ratchasima province, expanding the territory into the Non Ban Khao community, where frangipani trees were planted in the temple grounds, remnants of which can still be seen today. Due to unsuitable terrain and outbreaks of disease, the population was later relocated to Don Meud Aek, in the western part of Bueng Kut Khao, the current site of Manjakiri city, causing Non Ban Khao to become a deserted town for 40 years. Eventually, Luang Pu Kiew arrived and renovated the area, constructing a temple in the water at Nong Bua Noi, located to the southwest of Non Ban Khao, though it has since been destroyed by fire. To reach the site, take the Mittraphap Road (Highway No. 2) and turn left into Chanabath, following Highway No. 229 (Chanabath-Manjakiri). The entrance to the temple will be on the left, just 1 kilometer before entering Manjakiri city, approximately 35 kilometers from Mittraphap Road. From Khon Kaen, you can take Highway No. 2731 (Khon Kaen-Phra Yuen) and then connect to Highway No. 2092 (Phra Yuen-Manjakiri), covering a distance of around 57 kilometers from the city center of Khon Kaen. Explore the cultural heritage of Khon Kaen by engaging in sustainable local knowledge along the textile route, visiting the handicrafts group at Khum Sukho, and experiencing local lifestyles through the art of devotion known as "Hoop Thaem, Sim Isaan," or enjoy the snacks & cafe in Khon Kaen.