Northeastern Of Thailand Nong Khai

Nong Khai

Nong Khai is a city in the northeastern state of Thailand which lies along the Mekong River. In 2007 a bridge was built with sponsor from the Australian Government and completed in 2009 and named Friendship Bridge. It is a get away bridge to Vientiane 25 km up river, after the completion of the bridge many tourist flout over to extended their passport here. Further 300 km north of here is a small town called Luang Prabang an UNESCO village dated 7-8 century.

Phra That La Nong

 The Buddhist Lent festival is the most popular time in Nong Khai, with plenty of locals  flout to witness the  Fire Naga Ball. The fire ball resemble an orange sun rise out from the river to the height of 6-9 meter and disappear after 5-8 second. The Buddhist Lent festival fall on the full moon in October. During full moon tide is always on its peak and Phra That La Nong is almost covered about 90%. On this particular night a mystic fire ball shoot out from the water near this La Nong.

Sala Keoku

The other popular site for tourist is this Sala Keoku Park. The park has similarities with Buddha  Park in Laos, in 1978 Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat and his followers started construction, nobody knows why Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat built another on the Thai side. Most of the  statues has  Buddhism and Hinduism ideology. 

Chinese Temple

Mekong River

Historical Site

For travelers whom like to mellow and laze, this is a very good place. When I was there I meet a lot of travelers whom are enjoying the laid back society, communities & environment. During the day light you can just walk around the town or maybe cross over to Laos by bus, spend a day there and come back during the evening. Most of the shops prefer USD. currency in Laos, so be prepared. Feel like mingle with the locals you can pick a interstate bus to Loei overnight, Uttaradit, Phrae or Lampang and  subsequently to Chiang Mai. I feel that another 20 yrs down the road these places will be not the same any more, with all the developments. 

Tips: 

Nong Khai is easy to visit, just a night train from Bangkok to the last stop at Nong

 Khai in the morning. Railway station to the town center is just about 4-5 km. There are a numbers of economical guest house, chose near the river, during the night there is a popular restaurant in the city center, walking distance, and a small night market, a few bars. Railway fare USD25.from Bangkok. Tutut to the city center Bhd 50-80.

Amphawa Floating Market

This is one of the popular Floating Market in Bangkok.

For those who are making a day trip to this floating village it is advisable to joint in the boat trip. The boat trip will take you to visit a few interesting places, especially the river-bank houses, a famous wat which was covered with tree roots, and get to know how the people live at riverbank. 

The Tree Roots Temple Wat Bang Kung

Railway Morning Market  

Victory Monument, 

This is where the central Van Hub for major Transport to the outskirt of Bangkok,.

Tips: 

The easiest and economical way to visit Maeklong is by Van at Victory Monument. First you visit the Morning Train Market at about 8.30 am, there are 2 trips each morning that goes through market. Go early ask the station master when the next train departure through the market then  find a place have breakfast or walk aroundthe market,  after the railway experience then find a tuttu head to Ampawa floating market. Book a boat trip. After finishing your trip ask the local where to wait for the van to Bangkok, just outside at the main road.    

Wats Of Chiang Mai

Wats Of Chiang Mai

In Thailand, Chiang Mai Wats has oldest history than most wats in all Thailand. When you visit Chiang Mai you will noticed that there are a lot of influence from Burma and Laos. During the early days there are also wars between these neighboring state.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep   is a Theravada Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai Province, The temple name after the mountain where it is located. It is a sacred site to many Thai people. The temple is 15 km from the Chiang Mai city and situated at an elevation of 1,073 meters. From the temple, beautiful views of downtown Chiang Mai can be seen.The original founding of the temple remains a legend and there are a few varied versions. The temple was founded in 1383 when the first stupa was built.Some say when the king's White Elephant  reached the site she do not want to move further, and the villagers say this is a auspicious land to built a temple. From then...this temple become one of the famous temple for the locals.

The Replica of  Jade Buddha

 Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Main Gate To Wat Suthep

Hmong Tribe Dancing

Hmong Children

Dragon Path To the Phra That Doi Suthep Temple

Wat Chedilung

The construction of this Wat started in 14th century by King Saen Muang Ma, after his death the king's widow continue to build this Wat and only completed by King Tilokarat. At one time  the Emerald Buddha was enshrined in this wat, shortly after the earthquake in 1551 the Emerald Buddha was move to Luang Prabang, Laos the neighboring kingdom. Until today this Wat is very popular with the locals, A festival in honor of the city pillar is held every year in May and lasts 6–8 days.

Wat Phra Singh

Construction on Wat Phra Singh began in 1345 when King Phayu, the fifth king of the Mangrai dynasty, had a chedi built to house the ashes of his father King Kham Fu. A wihan and several other buildings were added a few years later and the resulting complex was named Wat Lichiang Phra. When, in 1367, the statue of Phra Buddha Singh was brought to the temple, the temple complex received its present name.

  

Ho Trai

This Ho Trai in Chiang Mai is very similar to the one in Lamphun. Not every Wat has a Ho Trai. You noticed that most Ho Trai is elevated to prevent from floods because it's a library and keep all important Buddhist scriptures.  

Wat Phantao Viharn Phra Singh 

This beautiful Wat structure are made of wood. I found this temple very unique in Chiang Mai, its has Burnese architecture. A Viharn, a sermon hall should be respected by all visitors and has many Buddha images. This is where worshipers performing religious rites.

The city center of Chiang Mai is in fact full of Wats. Wat Phra Singh built in 1345 during King Phayu ruled. But the most popular wat is the Wat Chedi Luang built in 1401, part of the Chedi was damaged during an earth quake in 16th century. 

Tips: The old town is best visit by bicycle, There is no heavy trucks or buses inside the old town other than tourist bus only.