Kaeng I Khiao in Ubon officially opens as new ecotourism destination
Visitor services and round-the-clock safety measures are in place, while access rules protect wildlife habitats and the opening is intended to support local communities.
- Kaeng I Khiao has been officially opened as a new ecotourism destination within the Buntharik-Yot Mon Wildlife Sanctuary in Ubon Ratchathani.
- The initiative aims to promote ecotourism, stimulate the local economy, and generate sustainable income for communities near the forest.
- The site's main attraction is a large rock terrace with a stream flowing across it, surrounded by an intact forest ecosystem.
- To manage the new destination, officials have established safety measures, visitor services, and strict environmental regulations to protect wildlife and ensure sustainability.
Protected Areas Regional Office 9 (Ubon Ratchathani) officially opened Kaeng I Khiao as a new natural attraction at Buntharik-Yot Mon Wildlife Sanctuary in Kho Laen subdistrict, Buntharik district, Ubon Ratchathani province, on Friday (September 18, 2026).
The opening is intended to promote ecotourism, stimulate the grassroots economy and generate sustainable income for communities bordering the forest.
Pichai Watcharawongpaiboon, director of the regional office, chaired the ceremony, attended by Wichian Chinwong, chief of the sanctuary, and staff under the office.
Pichai said Kaeng I Khiao had strong potential as a natural attraction. Its main feature is water flowing across a broad rock terrace surrounded by intact forest, making it suitable for recreation and learning about the ecosystem.
He said its official opening would not only promote ecotourism in Ubon Ratchathani but also stimulate the grassroots economy and create sustainable opportunities and income for communities around the forest boundary.
Wichian said the sanctuary had prepared staff and arranged round-the-clock safety coverage.
It had also established a visitor service point and a first-aid post, and introduced visitor regulations to avoid disrupting wildlife habitats.
Visitors were asked to take all their rubbish with them whenever they leave the area to help keep it clean.
Kaeng I Khiao is regarded as one of the rich forest areas in eastern Ubon Ratchathani.
Physically, the area comprises a large natural rock terrace and a stream that flows throughout the year.
It is surrounded by a wide variety of plant life and provides habitat for many species of wildlife.
The site was assessed for its potential to accommodate visitors before being opened as a learning and tourism site, with the ecosystem’s carrying capacity treated as a primary consideration.
Protected Areas Regional Office 9 has instructed the sanctuary to strengthen safety measures and manage facilities alongside strict environmental protection and waste management to ensure balanced and sustainable tourism.
The initiative is expected to bring tangible income to shops, communities and local tourism services in Buntharik district.
