At Khemmarat

"Exhausted, life is ruined, it's just a fleeting moment."

From August 14th to 16th, a young person decided to embark on a solo trip. They made the decision at noon and set off at midnight. Without friends, booked accommodation, or a planned route, they relied solely on basic research, their own determination, and a limited budget.

This review aims not only to inspire wanderlust but also to ignite a passion for travel, a yearning to break free from the confines of our four-walled routines and embark on journeys that connect us with the beauty of nature and the warmth of human connection. It invites us to trade the monotony of the Monday-to-Friday grind and the weekend slumber for an adventure that immerses us in the natural wonders and cultural richness of Khemmarat.

Khemmarat is from Ubon Ratchathani, not Cambodia (Khmer). Please read carefully. If you are ready to enjoy the pictures, scroll slowly. But if you want to have fun, read one line at a time. ><

Who are the people we know? Who are the ones who keep us from feeling lonely? Who will be there for us when we fall and can't get up? Who are the ones who make us smile so much that our cheeks hurt?

Expenses

Bus fare (ordinary) 493

The cost of the return bus (first class) is 690 baht.

Accommodation fee: 690/night

Food expenses depend on your weight.

I will summarize the places I have been to at the end of this post.

Can you please leave a small space for me to remain a child?

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Before Day 1: Travel Preparation

This text is already in English and does not require translation.

This trip was not planned, but rather driven by a "desire" to escape somewhere far away for a while. Khemmarat immediately popped into my head, as I had read that "it would be incredibly quiet, even on holidays." As soon as I thought of it, I exclaimed to myself, "Is there really a place that's incredibly quiet?"

After making a midday decision, I spent only an hour researching. I didn't know where I was going, but I knew I had to go. I knew I had to catch a bus at Mo Chit. What was I waiting for? I packed my bags. "Don't hesitate, don't think too much, or you won't go anywhere," I told myself.

After arriving at the bus station at 8:30 PM, I safely reached my destination. Throughout the journey, I kept thinking, "Am I really going alone? Am I crazy?" Coincidentally, I thought out loud, and the taxi driver who dropped me off at the bus station replied, "You're not crazy, you're awesome. If we meet again, tell me about it."

Shortly after 8 pm, I had a light snack to prepare for the journey. Platform 52 was called immediately, "Handsome, get on the train quickly." Hearing that, I readily boarded the train and presented my ticket. All the while, I was thinking to myself,

"With two strong legs and clear vision, I must venture out and face the world."

All the fears that had been plaguing him vanished completely by morning.

Day 1 has begun.

Six o'clock, hurry to see her... After the alarm clock rang and got off the car, there was a kind brother who worked as a transportation service within the sub-district. "Tuk-tuk" I rushed to the bathroom and quickly searched for information. There was 3G beside me. I had to find a place to stay... and I got here "Lae Khong Resort" (beautiful view) because I had little time. But actually there are many other places and prices. Try to study it. Yoohoo

"Where are you going? To the Mekong River? 100 baht… I'm a student, can you give me a discount?… 80 then… In that case, I'll just walk, thank you… It's 10 kilometers away… It's only 2 kilometers, I have a map."

Travel: Khemmarat Garage will be our drop-off point. From there, we will head straight to the red dot. However, if you are staying elsewhere, most places are not far apart. But after this, you will have to ask the locals for directions to get the most authentic local experience.

…And then the trouble began. Let's walk, what are we waiting for? We haven't eaten yet, and we still need to save money.

Navigating through a pack of dogs, encountering a garbage truck, and traversing a winding, unlit road with sparse traffic (what's the point of having a road without lights, especially in the morning?) I continued my journey, feeling the distance as I reached the halfway point.

The opening scene unfolds before our eyes, revealing a tableau of pure tranquility. It's a slow-life dream come true, a vision that resonates with the deepest desires of our soul. This is the essence of what we seek, the epitome of what we yearn to experience. How often in life do we encounter such moments of unadulterated bliss? The sight of genuine cows, unadulterated by any trace of buffalo, fills us with an inexplicable sense of wonder. We are transported to a realm of pure joy, where time seems to stand still and the world fades away.

The only service in this sub-district is a tuk-tuk. There are no shared taxis. If you want to use a service, you have to walk or take a tuk-tuk (the fare depends on your luck). The deeper I walked, the fewer tourists I saw. I didn't see any tourists at all. I only saw local people. Or maybe the local people are the tourists.

An hour has passed... with walking, dodging dogs, greeting grandmothers, smiling at housekeepers, and so on.

"Oh, George, I've arrived! (Is this too informal?) I've reached my humble abode. I'm curious to see the surrounding views, but I'll wait until sunrise. It's the epitome of high-society slow living, and the price is quite reasonable."

After dragging myself here, what I heard almost made me collapse. Tears welled up in my eyes. "Check-in is at 2 p.m., dear," the receptionist said. But it's 7 a.m. now! What am I supposed to do? I haven't showered or eaten anything.

"Excuse me, Tap. Could you please hold onto my bag for me and lend me a bicycle? I don't have my own vehicle." (Normally, bicycles are not allowed to be borrowed, so you have to ask nicely.)

Note: At Laokhong, most visitors come for conferences and have their own vehicles. This is because the main attractions are located outside the city, such as Sam Pan Bok and Pha Chan. I was the only one who came to visit alone and didn't have a car. What a crazy idea!

With a roar, the trusty bicycle, number 11, sped forward, marking the beginning of an escape into a life surrounded by blessings. Let's go!

An exploration of the real path. Look how cool it is, how quiet it is, how alive it is. Wow, amazing, fantastic.

After a long bike ride, as the sun began to rise, my stomach started to growl, signaling the start of a typical day in Khemmarat: breakfast.

"Excuse me, sir. The shop seems empty. Are you open?"

"It's open, honey. What would you like to eat?" (Heavenly voice, I can finally eat!)

Speaker 1: Aunt Tim

For my first meal, I tried the minced pork with basil and fried egg, a simple dish that won over the aunt. After ordering, I ran to watch her cook and chatted with her (she was lonely). Her name is "Tim". She is a hard-working woman. She doesn't talk much, or maybe she was busy and I was bothering her (who knows). Her face was happy. She was the first stranger I greeted, even though I'm shy, and she was the first person to make me laugh in Khemmarat.

Translation: "Auntie, you gave me too much rice! My stomach is about to burst. Ouch!"

"We don't know when our strength will run out, so let's give it our all every day."

Translation:

Is there anything else I can help you with?

Advertising space (requested by auntie 555)

See that shop with the red sign? That's Auntie Tim's. Hello, Auntie Tim!

Glancing at the clock, I noticed my phone battery was about to die. Without hesitation, I went back to ask for a charger, feeling no shame as I knew I wouldn't survive otherwise. Thankfully, Dayo agreed, and I stayed put for hours until the sun truly began to shine.

It's time to go... where to? I'll ask around later. Whoever I meet, I'll talk to them (I'm really lonely, TT).

Translation:

The bicycle chain snapped not far from home, in front of a stranger's house. After fixing it, my hands were covered in grease. This seemingly random event led to a fateful encounter with "Uncle Chai."

Translation:

Second person: Uncle Chai

Uncle Chai, a shrimp farmer, brought his catch to sell. He owns a restaurant and several businesses, and his son is about to graduate with a doctorate. Wow! Uncle Chai also whispered his income, which made me question my upcoming bachelor's degree. He advised, "It doesn't matter what you graduate with. If you're hardworking, resourceful, and well-read, you'll survive comfortably." I talked to him for about an hour (what a long conversation!), and it felt like a giant hammer had struck my left temple. I'm motivated now!

After my uncle taught me how to raise shrimp, fish, and how to live my life, I thought to myself, "Will I get to eat free shrimp?" I guess I thought too lightly, so I missed out.

The seafood is incredibly fresh, with shrimp and fish being caught and prepared right before your eyes. As the saying goes, "It's not what you do, but what you get out of it that matters."

Looking back, I remember my elementary school days, playing football with my friends who had shaved heads.

After a lengthy repair and chat with Uncle Chai, we continued cycling along a straight path. We greeted and stopped to chat with everyone we encountered, as per our usual practice. Before parting ways, Uncle Chai suggested we visit "Wat Pho".

Translation:

“If you haven't ventured out into the world today, your life is no different from a withered leaf that has died.”

Translation:

At Wat Pho, my initial impression was that there was no one around. I wondered if anyone was even at the temple. After parking for a while, someone rode past me. "Excuse me, can I go inside the chapel to pray?" I asked. The person turned and nodded twice with a sweet smile. "Permission granted, then," I thought with a chuckle.

Translation:

Amen. Thank you for the fortune sticks.

In rural areas, temples often serve as a central gathering place for villagers, similar to a Buddhist version of Siam Paragon. Villagers gather here to prepare offerings for the monks. The parents, aunts, and uncles were incredibly friendly, and I exchanged a few words with them.

The first question they asked was, "Who are you with?" "I'm alone, auntie," I replied. The aunties laughed and invited me to eat with them, seeing that I was lonely and feeling a bit sorry for me. However, out of courtesy, I declined. As always, "asking" is very important.

The aunt then gave me directions to continue, suggesting I visit the temple. However, I accidentally bumped into a papaya salad stall in front of the temple. "One spicy papaya salad, please," a young child in early elementary school ordered. It was a "wild papaya salad," whatever that is. (Don't judge me, I only eat fermented crab and fish papaya salad.)

Translation:

Is there anything else I can help you with?

"Auntie, I'd like the mildest version of the dish, please." ... "This is the mildest we have. Look at the color! My tongue almost fell off (exaggeration, right?)."

The third person, the mother (as they requested to be called).

"Don't take a picture yet, honey. Let me put on some makeup first, or I won't look pretty." Again, I'm here for another hour, fighting with this 30 baht papaya salad. But the amount is like an elephant eating. Ohhhhh, Gosh! You're crazy. And my mom came to sit and talk to me, "Why are you here alone? Did you get dumped?" Wow! The teenagers are going crazy. My mom is so hilarious. If anyone is passing by, you can try the super spicy papaya salad. (It's really delicious)

Before leaving, my mother dropped a little word of wisdom: "You were born handsome, so you have to make the most of it, son." Hmm... that cost me another bottle of Coke. She's a real saleswoman, haha.

At Wat Nua, the temple I didn't enter, I parked in front and was confused. It was a very large temple with no one walking by, which made me feel hesitant to go inside. So I parked my trusty bicycle and took a picture to remember it. The next place, as recommended, was a bike ride along the Mekong River (which was incredibly romantic).

It brings immense joy to witness things that remind us of our childhood, such as seeing our mothers offering alms every morning.

"The road ahead may be long, but we must reach our destination."

Translation:

After leaving the north temple and turning left, the most impressive sight was this: no shops, no crowds, just gentle sunshine and many trees. This is it! This is what I'm looking for!

I'll continue this later in the evening. Urgent business calls! 😅

Translation:

After checking the time, I realized it was already two in the afternoon. Finally, it was time to take a shower and scrub off the grime (my own, of course). I quickly cycled back, covering more than a kilometer, after soaking in the beauty of the Mekong River. Oh my god!

Translation:

Who will come and stay in this room, please take a picture and send it to me. Hehe.

Translation:

For a price of 690 baht, the accommodation is not bad at all. Free Wi-Fi is included, but unfortunately, there are no complimentary sleeping partners (just kidding!). The bathroom was clean, but I didn't take any pictures as it might not be appropriate.

...and then went to take a shower. After that, I met a kind and lucky person I knew in Ubon because I didn't know where to go. I heard that there was a walking street at night, so I was going to sleep and wait, but I decided to go out and have fun instead.

Translation:

The following is for people with the "car" option, as traveling long distances here can be very difficult. And to get to… I have no idea! Whatever comes up, Google Maps will be used immediately.

Around three in the afternoon, I finished showering and started thinking about where to go. My brother had told me, "Choose where you want to go" (in a movie-like voice). And then, the trip magically appeared.

Three thousand kilometers
Let's just think of one place to go and see what we find along the way.

Translation:

Transportation: There are no public buses available. Technically, there are, but they are very infrequent and unreliable (according to the staff). Therefore, if you don't have your own vehicle, it's recommended to relax and enjoy the scenery in Khemmarat. However, if you do have your own transportation, feel free to follow us!

Note: Please rely on Google Maps for directions. Don't rely on me, I apologize. 555

Hello, Three Thousand Bends. We finally meet, but why is the water so full!

Please translate:

The unique features of this place are only visible during low tide. If you want to see them in their entirety, come during low tide. However, it is already the end of the rainy season, so will the tide be low then? I would like to see it again.

Are you lonely?

Please translate:

Translation:

A local resident informed me that this is a homestay called "Homestay Ton Nam Long," which is open during festivals and welcomes visitors during low tide. I couldn't help but chuckle as I imagined the scene with the lights out. However, it's important to note that this accommodation is located at the Three Thousand Bends of the Mekong River, which is quite a distance away.

"The most beautiful life is the one we choose for ourselves."

As we walk alone, we often reminisce about the hands that once held us. (This is a picture of a dog, by the way.)

Translation:

This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

The sixth person, Uncle Khun, the uncle who made me tear up.

Please translate:

Translation:

Uncle Khun is a craftsman who makes fishing nets. He only weaves the edges of the nets, and I don't know the specific term for this part. Uncle is a hard worker who did not finish school, but he has learned to live a happy life. He earns 150 baht per day, which he considers a good income. He demonstrates contentment and satisfaction with what he has. Uncle is quite shy, and when I ask him questions, he tends to smile, look down, and give brief answers.

"When we are content with something, we can stay with it for a long time without having to force ourselves." The same goes for love.

The lives of the people here are deeply intertwined with the Mekong River. Everywhere you look, you see people sailing back and forth. If they had life jackets to rent, I would definitely hop on a boat (I wish I knew how to swim!).

The Next Destination: A Mysterious Rock Formation

The next stop on our journey was shrouded in mystery. We decided to forgo Google Maps and instead, asked the locals for recommendations. They enthusiastically suggested "Sao Chaliang," describing it as a fascinating rock formation resembling a pillar with another boulder precariously balanced on top. Intrigued, we set out to find this hidden gem.

The next station, lost... until it became destiny. Until I found an unseen place, "Pha Chan". I thought no one would have entered this path, but what I saw was amazing. Let's see what it is (Clickbait, right? 555)

Initially, the buffalo was lying down, but then it suddenly stood up and charged towards the camera. The photographer was able to capture the image just in time, resulting in a perfect shot with the buffalo in the foreground.

Don't bother me while I'm eating, or else...

Here it comes! Run! It's really chasing us! We almost got it!

After enjoying the view and running away from the buffalo, it turned out to be a workout for the whole year. We were out of breath, but we continued to hunt for the next pavilion. I really can't tell you where it is.

After a long search, we finally found the "Sala Cheliang".
The highlight, however, is on the right side of this picture, where there is a path leading up to the "Hin Taek" rock formations and breathtaking views. Let's explore!

When traveling alone, you will have yourself in the picture with a tripod. But here, I ask someone to hold the camera for me (the tour guide).

Without further ado, let's move on to the next one. This is what my brother told me, "You have to go to Ben Pha Taem, it's fucking beautiful." (Let's hear the sound in the film again.) Drive for another half hour or so and you'll be there.

Pha Taem offers more than just breathtaking views; it also provides an exciting activity for those who arrive before nightfall: a hike around the mountain. The trail, spanning over three thousand meters, promises stunning scenery and an unforgettable experience. Unfortunately, due to my late arrival, I could only explore a small portion of it. Additionally, three young tour guides were present to assist visitors along the way.

Translation:

This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Let's go, buddy! (a silent voice in my heart)

I climbed up because I wanted to see the sky. If I had walked the entire loop, it would have taken an hour. The sky would have been pitch black, and I would have gotten lost. Thank you to the two people in the picture who led the way back.

"A photograph becomes more beautiful when love is an element."

The view is truly amazing, but the cliff is terrifying. It's almost completely vertical, at a 90-degree angle.

The sky is about to close, and time is running out. We will continue (where we don't know) or go back to admire the walking street. And my brother offered again in a film voice, "I'll take you to see the two-colored river." The image flashed in my head. I had seen it in the second grade of elementary school in history and archeology.

Let's go, brother… No more hesitation.

Translation:

This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

After asking the villagers where the best view was, "Wat Khong Chiam" was the answer we received, and that's where we had to go. Let me tell you, we were lost.

Upon arrival, visibility was severely limited due to darkness. The image has been adjusted for clarity, but in the actual conditions, it was nearly impossible to see anything.

Translation:

This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Finally, it was time to return to the walking street. However, it was already 7 pm, and there were no lights on the side of the road. I could only pray that I would arrive before the market closed. I sped up, and by 8:30 pm, when I arrived, every house had turned off their lights as if they were preparing to go to sleep. It was very dark. I wondered if it was too dark, so I went to ask a local resident near the market.

“Normally, they open on the 2nd and 4th weeks of the month. Come next week, okay?" Oh, my God! My seniors have been saying this all day. I guess I was given false hope.

Let's grill the marinated meat to our heart's content!

I forgot the name of the restaurant and the price, haha. But there's only one restaurant in that area. It's located near the city entrance, so you'll see it if you're looking for grilled meat in the province. After that, they dropped me off at the resort. Thanks a lot for taking me around! We then went our separate ways.

And it was time to release the view at night at Lae Khong. Let me tell you, at that time... it was very lonely.

Food zone, anyone who wants to gain weight with anything can use the service, but there are opening and closing times. 11 am to 4 pm.

A truly romantic evening by the Mekong River (just the two of us, of course).

Please translate:

If you're going to do something, you have to go all the way like this. (If the picture is inappropriate, please let me know.)

- I'm full, let's go to sleep. -

Day 2: Chasing the Sun and Photography Angles

"A voice in my heart woke me up at five o'clock, almost six. Don't ask if I showered, I didn't even brush my teeth. I grabbed my camera and ran to the Mekong River as fast as I could. And I got the picture I wanted most."

What if the view last night was in the morning, how amazing would it be?

Please translate:

Had I not made the decision at noon yesterday, I would not have seen anything like this.

I immediately went to arrange breakfast because it was around 6:30 am. I walked out and asked my brother, "I want to put alms." "It's too late, brother. Eat rice instead." Are you still kidding me, TT? And then, the staff told me to go choose a seat with a beautiful view. I'll bring you breakfast.

Vietnamese pork noodle soup, deep-fried dough sticks, and Ovaltine served as comfort food, along with a breathtaking view. Okay, after that, I grabbed my trusty bicycle to chase after the angle I had memorized from yesterday, capturing it in a photograph to preserve the memory.

Translation:

This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Don't ask if I like it, ask if I love it.

Translation:

This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

Individual 7: Uncle Tueng

Translation:

This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

The Diligent Uncle: A Model of Contentment

The uncle, a man of remarkable diligence, would rise each morning to sweep the courtyard in front of his house, considering it a form of exercise. A skilled orator, he was frequently invited to speak at various events, both religious and secular. Despite his popularity, he consistently refused any monetary compensation, advocating for a spirit of communal contribution. His genuine generosity and dedication to others left a lasting impression.

Our conversation, which spanned hours, revealed a life rich in experiences that could easily fill a book on the principles of contentment and self-sufficiency.

"Just as pulling out weeds requires patience and care, achieving success in life also demands a gradual and meticulous approach."

Uncle, please smile for me.

Since I've been here, I haven't met anyone who shares my interests. I haven't found anyone to go cycling with.

Grandma is chic, isn't she?

The most memorable place is the Thai-Lao border crossing. This location offers a glimpse into the authentic daily life of the city, showcasing the morning routines and the strong bonds of love among its residents.

"Get off the couch for a couple of days and grab your backpack to explore. There's so much more to see."

Please translate:

Ultimately, time has forced us to return to reality. We must now bid farewell to those we have come to know here, having recharged our spirits in this place. It is time to retrace our steps and depart.

She was selling goods, so I only had a brief conversation with her. However, the grandmother next to her immediately came over to chat. "What's your name, grandson?" "Ben," I replied. "Good luck, grandson. May you prosper." The short conversation couldn't help but make me smile at the kindness of the people here.

I intended to visit Uncle Boonsin and Brother Saeng, but it seems I came at the wrong time and missed them. All I found were the paths of memories we created yesterday.

... and I hurried back to my accommodation to check out. However, there was still a lot of time left, so I decided to visit Ubon Ratchathani city center (actually, there are buses from Khemmarat back to Bangkok). Goodbye, Khemmarat.

The 8th person, Brother Aussie and his friends.

“You brought so many cameras! Take a picture of me, please.” He wanted to be a model as soon as we met. “Do whatever you want with this picture, just make me look handsome.” He boasted about his expertise in treating diabetes, even though he drives a motorcycle taxi. He said that if you want to cure diabetes, you should eat every meal and keep your stomach full so that it can fight the disease (he actually talked for an hour, but this is all I remember).

A group of friends were playing chess and teasing each other. One of them said, "Don't fool the kid!" and laughed.

And finally, we ended our trip with a breathtaking sunset in Ubon Ratchathani. We managed to find a beautiful spot to capture the perfect shot.

Translation:

This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Summary of all visited locations

For a single person without a car

• Laokho Resort

• Northern Temple
  

• Wat Pho

- Mekong Riverside Bike Lane

• Thai-Lao Border Checkpoint

For additional options (with car)

• Three Thousand Bends

-Cliff

• Veranda post

-Cracked stone floor

• Pha Taem National Park

• Two-colored River

This solo trip was a whirlwind of emotions, encompassing joy, sadness, fun, and laughter. It also pushed me outside my comfort zone, encouraging me to interact with strangers. This experience taught me the importance of self-reliance, contentment with what I have, and embracing authenticity.

If you plan to visit, make sure to come on a day when the walking street is open. Otherwise, you'll miss out on the main highlight. I made that mistake myself, so don't repeat it!

"Journeys never truly end, they simply lead us to new destinations we've yet to explore."

Follow the story filled with emotions, in the style of "Sapaipae", here.

Backpack Chiang Khan: Just go if you want to: http://pantip.com/topic/32900995

Where can I go backpacking alone? ... "Hua Hin" ... O n e D a y T r i p: http://pantip.com/topic/34007057

[Backpack] 3 days 2 nights Eat, Travel, Get Lost Here....Singapore!! : http://pantip.com/topic/33792448

- Thank you for the trip to Khemmarat.

We only have a backpack and our hearts, that's all. Will you come with us? (We have no money)
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