Khon Kaen (Ubol Ratana Dam) - Buriram (Prasat 2 Era) - Nakhon Ratchasima (Wang Nam Khieo - Khao Yai)

On the morning of October 15th, 2016, I set off for Khon Kaen from Phitsanulok, passing through Khao Kho and Nam Nao. I stopped for lunch at Chum Phae Chum Phae Restaurant and arrived in Khon Kaen in the late afternoon. I checked into the Terminal Hotel (booked by Mor Lak and Mor Jai), which is conveniently located near the train station and offers excellent service. I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening exploring the city center, visiting the Phra That Nong Waeng temple and strolling through the Talat Ton Tan market.

Chum Phae Chum Plern Lunch

Arriving in Khon Kaen in the afternoon and staying at the Terminal Hotel, located near the railway.

Paying respects at the sacred stupa at Wat Nong Waeng, on the shores of Bueng Kaen Nakhon.

October 16th, today's destination: Ubol Ratana Dam. Before heading there, we stopped by Suan Weluwan Meditation Center for a merit-making ceremony. This temple is under the patronage of the highly respected Luang Pho Phra Dhammasinghaburajar (Charan Thitadhammo), former abbot of Wat Amphawan Temple in Singburi Province, since its inception.

Next, we visit the serene Wat Pa Tham Uthayan in Mueang Khon Kaen district.

And another temple, Wat Phra Bat Phu Phan Kham, is located in Ubolratana district, near the Ubolratana Dam.

And then it's time to get on the raft and eat again. Service from the Green Raft, on the banks of the Ubolratana Dam.

After arranging the food menu... board the raft.

Right hand, tonight's accommodation, Cartoon House.

Life by the dam

In the cool of the evening, we made our way to the Little Box Hotel, where we enjoyed ice cream and iced coffee while taking in the beautiful view.

At the end... the ridge of the Ubol Ratana Dam

October 17th: From the lakeside accommodation, continue to the final destination, Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, Buriram. Enter the city and head south to Phlo district, passing Nong Song Hong and Phutthaisong. Stop to admire the beautiful flowers at… Pela Plern in Ku Mueang district.

Visiting Buriram, stop by i-mobile Stadium (the new era castle).

Continuing...Phnom Rung Stone Castle (an ancient castle) through Prakon Chai, it was late afternoon and I was quite tired from walking. It took a while to reach the castle (for those who don't want to walk far, there is a parking lot at the back, I found out later).

Once upon a time...

Tonight, I will be staying at The Park Nangrong Resort in Nang Rong.

This morning, I checked out of the affordable and beautiful accommodation that also offered breakfast (rice porridge).

Departing from Nang Rong, I headed towards Wang Nam Khieo in Korat, passing through Pak Thong Chai. I stopped by Flora Park, only to find it closed for renovations. It will reopen this coming winter.

Continue through Khao Yai National Park, passing Lam Phra Phloeng Reservoir.

Passing through Toscana Valley, a cool vacation home for the wealthy (emphasis on wealthy).

Entering Khao Yai through the last Palio on a day with few people, quiet and lonely.

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The journey will begin with a long drive through Mวกเหล็ก, passing behind the Pa Sak Cholasit Dam, and continuing through Khok Samrong, Tak Fa, and Nakhon Sawan. The final destination, Pran Kratai, will be reached after nightfall. The total distance covered will be approximately 1500 kilometers, traversing the major provinces of Khon Kaen, Buriram, and Nakhon Ratchasima.