While it's difficult to get to – there's no public transport so you have to either drive the 50km, or hire a taxi from Khon Kaen – the Hin Chang See Viewpoint is well worth the trip. More than a viewpoint, it's a wonderland of massive boulders (think 'house-sized') scattered around the scraggy forest, culminating in the lookout itself, which offers spectacular views over the Ubonrat dam. It's a lot higher and more impressive than you'd expect from the drive up.
It's part of Nam Phong National Park, but you can drive straight to the viewpoint from Khon Kaen without going through the main national park entrance, which is about 30km away on another route. To get to Hin Chang See, take Hwy 12 (Th Maliwan) until the 30km marker, then follow Rte 4064 onto Rte 5035 for another 12km. Taxis can be hired for the half-day trip from Khon Kaen for around 1500B. Khun Panya in Khon Kaen can do a day trip for 1300B (fuel not included). Koon Travel in Khon Kaen can arrange tours, including camping in the area. Isan Explorer has hiking trips that take in the spectacular views.
