Travel Letters

Sai Ngam Banyan Tree Grove

Posted November 16, 2021 by Jan
Thailand: Isan

Sai Ngam

Nakhon Ratchasima

Thailand

November 16, 2021

 

Seventeen years ago, when I made my first trip to the northeast of Thailand, I visited Sai Ngam, purported to be the largest and possibly the oldest banyan tree in Thailand.
 
I wandered into and through and under and around this 1350 square meters (1615 square yards), 350 year old tree.  A series of dirt and brick paths meander beneath the trees and the grove is surrounded by water. 
 
That was then. 2004.
 
This year 2021 torrential rains have flooded the area.  Jenjira and I walked to the periphery of the grove but deep water prevented us from "meandering."
 
Apparently, because of the reproduction mechanism of the banyan tree, with its myriad of interconnecting roots and trunks and branches, Sai Ngam is just one tree! 
 

THAILAND'S LARGEST BANYAN TREE GROVE

The Sai Ngam banyan tree grove is one of Thailand's spookier attractions. It feels like the setting for a twisted horror film where the trees come alive and strangle unsuspecting passersby, and locals believe that potent terrestrial spirits dwell here. For photographers, or anyone who appreciates the eerie, Sai Ngam makes a visit to Phimai even more worthwhile.

Phimai Historical Park

Posted November 16, 2021 by Jan
Thailand: Isan

Nakhon Ratchasina Province

Thailand

November 16, 2021

The Phimai Historical Park is one of the largest Hindu Khmer temples in Thailand.  It is located in the town of Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima province. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

Phimai had previously been an important town at the time of the Khmer Empire. The temple Prasat Hin Phimai, located in the center of the town, was one of the major Khmer temples in ancient Thailand, connected with Angkor by an ancient Khmer Highway, and oriented to face Angkor as its cardinal direction. The site is now protected as the Phimai Historical Park.

Tham Dao Khao Kaeo Cave Temple

Posted November 15, 2021 by Jan
Thailand: Isan

Tham Dao Khao Kaeo

Tambon Phaya Klang

Muak Lek District

Saraburi Province

Thailand

November 15, 2021

The Tham Dao Khao Kaeo Cave Temple is 75 kilometers from Saraburi town or 122 kilometers from Nakhon Ratchasima city.

This cave is located up 100 meters of stairs from the foot of a hill, Khao Kaeo.

When rays of sun fall upon the cave, the walls sparkle red, black, and brown, like stars, or Dao, giving it part of its moniker.  

Market, Kampong Thom, Cambodia

Posted January 28, 2019 by Jan
Cambodia

Kampong Thom

Cambodia

January 27, 2019

Hello from Central Cambodia,

Kampong Thom may be a small city.  But it’s also a city of lively contrasts.

A constant flow of determined traffic crosses the steel arch bridge that spans the Steung Saen River.  In the shadow of the bridge, a lone fisherman silently casts his net from a tiny wooden boat.

The traffic across the bridge is brisk.  Vehicles vary in size and speed.   Yet without the assistance of traffic lights at the four-way intersections, the trucks, buses, cars, vans, and motorbikes sort themselves out, effortlessly, courteously and safely.

Loi Krathong and Wat Phra Yai

Posted November 19, 2020 by Jan
Thailand: Islands and Beaches

Jomtien Beach

Chonburi Province

Thailand

October 31, 2020

Jenjira and I celebrate Loi Krathong festival with our friends Dan and Anna. 

We float our kratongs in the sea, enjoy the festivities and continue our colorful evening at an all-you-can-eat cook-it-yourself fish and seafood buffet.

A few days later, Jenjira and I climb the steep dragon-protected steps to visit and pay our respects at the Wat Phra Yai complex, also known in Pattaya as The Big Buddha.  The seated Buddha rises over us at eighteen meters or fifty-nine feet.

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