Have you ever looked at your own nose? We can't see our noses clearly (I bet you're looking at it right now : )). Our noses are right there, but we can only see them vaguely. It's like Uthai Thani, which is right at the tip of our noses, but many people overlook it.

"Two days and one night, let's get to know the tip of our nose."

...Let not distance / proximity measure the value of a journey's meaning...

It has been a while since I last rode my motorbike out of town, probably about a year. I muttered to myself.

Why Uthai Thani? Yes, I studied there when I was in the 10th grade, and I haven't been back since I graduated and started working, which is about 15 years now.

The anticipation of returning to the past is enough to set hearts racing, but the realization that the past has become the future only intensifies the excitement.

How much will it change, or maybe it never changed at all... I muttered to myself (again). I packed my bags and tried to sleep. Tomorrow, I have to ride my two-wheeled time machine to Uthai Thani. I don't know if the time machine will take me back to the past or the future!!! While I was thinking, I fell asleep without realizing it. Waiting for the sun to clock in and I will set off on my journey...

................................................................

The next day dawned.

A bright and refreshing morning...

And so it was, Sunday, the 1st, but the 5th month, and the weather was very good (and very hot too) because it was morning and a holiday, the day that all regular employees value.

8:00 AM Departure

We took Route 345 towards Suphan Buri to stop at Bang Pla Ma for 30 minutes to conduct business. After completing our business, we continued to Chai Nat and arrived around noon. The weather was quite hot and brutal, so we stopped to rest at the first photo pavilion. The tightly packed luggage made it difficult to conveniently take out our camera.

And another picture from a mobile phone. This is my condition after being exposed to the wind and sun.

Before entering Uthai Thani, let me briefly introduce its history (which I copied from Wikipedia and read once for my own knowledge).

Archaeological evidence from the Fine Arts Department confirms that Uthai Thani has been inhabited since the prehistoric period, approximately 3,000 years ago. Evidence has been found in various locations, including skeletons, chipped stone tools, and prehistoric rock paintings (Khao Pla Ra).

An ancient legend tells of the founding of the city of Uthai during the prosperous Sukhothai period. According to the legend, Chao Maha Phrom led a group of Thai people to settle in the area, which was already inhabited by Mon and Karen communities. The settlement was named "Uthai" due to the dense concentration of Thai people residing there. The area was known for its abundance of crops and food, surpassing other regions. However, a change in the river's course led to water scarcity, causing the abandonment of Uthai. Later, during the Ayutthaya period, Phatabeid revitalized the city by constructing a nearby water reservoir. Phatabeid became the first ruler of Uthai in the Ayutthaya era.

The town of Uthai was later called "Uthai Town". It is believed that the name was changed due to the accent of the original local people. It was an outer frontier town with Phra Phonsongkram as the Mae Klong checkpoint commander and Phra Inthadech as the Nong Luang checkpoint commander (currently Mae Klong is Umphang District, Tak Province, and Nong Luang is Nong Luang Subdistrict, Umphang District). They were responsible for monitoring the Burmese who would march along the border route of Mae La Mao checkpoint.

During the reign of King Ekathotsarot (1605-1620), a royal decree was issued establishing the authority to use official seals. This decree, recorded in the ancient law known as the "Phra Thammanun", stipulated that "Uthai Thani was a city under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Interior".

At one o'clock in the afternoon, we finally arrived. The sun was blazing, and our bodies were exhausted. From the traffic light intersection, we turned right and continued straight until we reached the provincial stadium. Then, we turned left to ascend to Wat Sangkat Rattanakhiri, also known as Khao Sakae Krang (no photos were taken).

Upon reaching the summit, turn your gaze to the right, where you will find a fresh coconut ice cream shop. Don't hesitate to indulge in a refreshing treat to beat the heat! You have half an hour to rest and relax before descending to the bustling market in the town below.

History of Wat Sangkat Rattanakhiri

During the reign of King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok (Rama I) from 1792 to 1809, a royal decree was issued to distribute small, damaged Buddha statues to various towns throughout the kingdom. The town of Uthai Thani received three such statues. The first statue, a large bronze Buddha in the Mara-Vijaya posture, was enshrined at Wat Khwit. This statue, with a lap width of 3 cubits, was created during the reign of King Li Thai in the Sukhothai style. The head and body of the statue are believed to be from different sources and were likely joined together before being brought to Uthai Thani.

Following the merger of Wat Khwit with Wat Tung Kaew, this Buddha statue was relocated to Wat Sangkhas Rattanakhiri. The Buddha's head was filled with relics of the Lord Buddha, and the statue was named Phra Phuttha Mongkhon Sakdisit, which translates to "Buddha of Auspicious Power." The statue is 214 years old.

(Information http://place.thai-tour.com/uthaithani/mueanguthaithani/2069)

A panoramic view of Uthai Thani city from Wat Sangkat Rattanakhiri.

The other side of the temple

Interesting fact: This temple is located on Khao Sakae Krang and has a staircase with over 449 steps.

This temple hosts the grandest Kathina ceremony in the country.

...................................................................

After we had recovered from our fatigue, we immediately drove down to the city. Our time was limited as we did not want to arrive at the hot springs late. Moreover, our bodies, which had been through a lot, had not yet been rewarded for our efforts.

While searching for an ATM, my eyes caught sight of a coffee shop. What made me happier than getting a cup of coffee was the air conditioning. : )

And as we were exhausted, we were encouraged by the messages of strangers (try to observe carefully).

The intense afternoon sun beats down as vendors set up their stalls.

After that, we walked around taking pictures. I thought about the time when I was in the second grade and studied here. I thought that I might meet a friend and have a long conversation, but I couldn't remember the face or name of any of my friends. As I sat typing and thinking about things, I remembered one name: Chok. Chok was a friend who I used to ride my bike to school with every day (at Buddha Mongkol Wittaya School). There was one time after school when he suddenly asked me to join him in a lion dance procession. I thought he was joking, but he really took me there, even though I had never done it before. He said we would get paid, so I went. Oh my god, when we arrived in Cambodia, both my aunt and grandmother were worried because I was gone for 3 days. I had to find time to call my aunt and grandmother to let them know. But it was fun. From being shy and embarrassed, I became excited. I had to play the cymbals and the gong because I was already there. Plus, I got to sleep on the troupe's truck (which was covered with cardboard boxes). It was fun, tiring, and scary, but it was my first experience with hardship. Chok!! Thank you very much. T T

As our energy waned, we summoned a final burst of strength to battle the relentless afternoon sun and capture the moment in a photograph.

The Ubosottharam Temple, originally named "Wat Bot Manomai", is located on the bank of the Sa Kae Krang River, opposite the Uthai Thani Municipal Fresh Market. It is believed to have been built during the Rattanakosin period, around 2324 BE. Some locals simply call it "Wat Bot". The Ubosottharam Temple received the royal decree of the Visungkhamasima on January 20, 2325 BE.

(Data http://www.onep.go.th/cultural_environment/viewpage.php?mode=274 )

Before leaving, I asked for one more shot. Click, click, click! (The sound of the shutter)

After the shutter sound, it's time to listen to the engine again after hearing it all day today (the rumbling stomach is not far behind, it's about to tell us to hurry to our destination and find something to stuff in it). The next destination is the Ban Samor Thong Hot Spring (Tambon Thonglang, Amphoe Huai Khot, Uthai Thani Province). We drove according to the GPS, which was stuck in our mouths. We drove and asked around. Some we didn't even ask until we got here. We just realized that we had driven more than 10 kilometers past the entrance. Thank you to the coffee shop owner for telling us the way. : )

5:20 PM / We finally arrived. I remember the feeling when I drove in, it was like winning the Dakar Rally. I was so happy, hungry, and tired (which was my first long-distance drive, and I was so reckless that I drove during the midday and afternoon sun).

The natural beauty and sunlight welcomed us with a beautiful evening glow, momentarily easing our fatigue. Despite our weariness, hunger pangs persisted. We successfully secured accommodation for 800 baht (consistent with the online price), resulting in a cost of 400 baht per person for a comfortable night's stay. The air conditioning provided a refreshing respite, and the television offered entertainment, albeit with limited channel availability during heavy rainfall.

Note:

After throwing my belongings around and washing my face and hair, I rented a bicycle for 20 baht to ride around and take pictures. But above all, what I couldn't forget, because it was constantly reminding me, was the need to find something heavy to put in my stomach urgently. "Auntie, a plate of crispy pork with chili paste," I shouted. The sound of the stir-frying was loud and clear. Within 5 minutes, I was eating, and within 5 minutes, it was gone as if nothing had happened. I took a big gulp of soda to soothe my throat before taking one last gulp around the hot springs at Ban Samo Thong. Now I was free to ride my bike and take pictures. Meanwhile, I thought of someone who was now traveling in Japan. The atmosphere and the wind made me feel lonely and hungry.

Hire a private guide

Still going strong, pedaling and filming without stopping.

Note: As the original text is empty, there is nothing to translate.

Entrance to Ban Samo Thong Hot Spring

I was shocked to see the map. Why didn't we enter through the Chang checkpoint? Instead, we took a long detour to Wat Sing district.

A life of tranquility surpasses a life of stimulation.

Wow! They have cameras here. I envy the students who wake up to nature, fresh air, and lush forests without pollution.

Enslaved by nature,
Enslaved by progress,
Who is less tired?
What existed before,
Or
What is struggling?

Driving is tiring, and cycling is exhausting. It's time to visit my aunt for some acupressure. A one-hour session costs 200 baht, but I still go to her to save money. My aunt is kind and has rearranged her acupressure techniques to relieve pain within half an hour for 100 baht. While she massages me, we chat. She says that if people come for massages, she can keep massaging. If it's quiet or there are no customers, she goes home early. Then she asks me, "What's wrong with you? You're so young, and you already have back pain?" "I don't drive long distances very often, auntie," I reply. "Ouch! Oh, my arm! Your arm, auntie!"

"Loosen the lines a bit."

Aaaaahhhh! : (

I walked back to my room feeling refreshed. I thought to myself, "Why didn't I get a one-hour massage? I would be sleeping soundly by now." Before leaving, I asked permission to take a picture of the lady, but I forgot to ask her name.

After dinner, I prepared for the final task of the day and went to bed. I flipped through the TV channels, watching whatever was on, but not for long. Soon, I found myself fighting a losing battle with my eyelids. After a long struggle, I finally succumbed to sleep, leaving the moon to watch over me and the warm wind to patrol the room. The rustling of leaves and grass became my lullaby, my heart beating a slow rhythm like a drum. The only audience was my slumber, waiting for the next morning to be awakened by the rooster and the birds.

8:00 AM. Quack quack, chirp chirp, chirp chirp.

The best time to leave a trip is when you still don't want to. This will keep the good feelings alive and make you long for it when you close your eyes and think about it. (From a book^^)

Sipping coffee, I savored the final moments of this place. The morning air remained cool, filled with the sounds of birds and the rustling of leaves. Everywhere I looked, my eyes were met with tranquility, as the surrounding mountains embraced the area. Unlike the nights, there was no music, no loud noises disturbing the peace, no guitars, no shouting. Everyone understood that we were here to relax, to find serenity. And that's what made me long to return here with my family.

My travels are often spontaneous, driven by a simple desire to explore new places. I research destinations, print rough maps, and set off on adventures. I enjoy stopping to ask for directions and chatting with strangers and locals. I'm not sure if I'd call myself a tourist or a traveler, but for me, it's about changing my scenery, escaping myself to hear nature more clearly, and truly relaxing after working hard. I just want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Traveling and experiencing nature allows us to quietly let go of everything (without even realizing it). At that moment, the chaos hides in the back of our minds. We simply focus on and are excited by what's in front of us. We are present in the moment, which is wonderful. Whether it's one day or two, that's when our brains are recovering, and we feel good. As we work, we reminisce about past and future trips (the sounds of nature are in our heads, and they bring us peace).

8:35 AM

We are preparing to travel to Ban Krok Luek School in Nam Rob Subdistrict, Lan Sak District, Uthai Thani Province, to deliver clothes to a student.

Uncertain if this is a teak tree, as we are currently in the Lan Sak district. Traffic is sparse, and the roadside is lush and tranquil. It is almost ten o'clock now, and the air is starting to get hot. Without trees, it will be tough for bikers.

We drove to Wat Krok Kluea to feed the dogs (two cans of fish and 20 baht worth of rice purchased from a shop at Ban Samo Thong Hot Spring). Meanwhile, my companion, Mr. On, presented a prayer book to the abbot.

We then drove back 100 meters to Ban Krok Luek School to ask for directions to Techit's house. The school's repairman, realizing we were lost, volunteered to lead the way. We arrived at Techit's house, which was not far from Ban Krok Luek School.

Humans toil relentlessly,
Driven by the pursuit of a better life.
Some labor for themselves, others for the greater good,
Still others strive for both.
Some hoard stress, while others revel in joy,
And some find solace in their sorrows.

Yet, within each of us,
A flicker of hope remains.

11:30 AM / A small house in a cassava field

I encountered a post on Facebook about a young person in need who lives near a tourist destination I'm planning to visit. According to the post, the individual faces hardship due to their parents' disabilities. They reside on a hill, relying on water from a nearby cassava field for drinking and other uses. Their older sibling works in the city, while their father cycles to a three-way intersection (location unknown) to pick them up. The distance is estimated to be over 10 kilometers. The young person attends school and also works odd jobs.

My brother and I decided to visit the individual and provide them with clothing. The only information we had was the name of their school, "Ban Krok Luek School." Despite limited details, we managed to locate their home using GPS coordinates.

We are now at the younger sibling's house, but no one is home. The original repairman searched around the house and walked to the canal but couldn't find anyone. The repairman called to coordinate and ask people for us. We said it was okay, we would leave the things on the younger sibling's bed. We also tucked 200 baht into the clothes bag, along with a book I had prepared (with a message I wrote for the younger sibling inside). While I thought I was tired and struggling from many things, today my tiredness and hardship may not be a fraction of this younger sibling's. I have a room with a bed that is almost soft, a soft pillow to rest my head on (with a bolster pillow), money to buy clean water to drink, almost everything that a poor human being can afford to have in order to exist in this extremely hypothetical society.

"We live in a world filled with problems, devoid of heroes to emerge with grand music. We are but small humans who must help one another."

(If possible..)

May 1, 1959

As I was driving out, I happened to meet my younger sibling's mother, who was carrying firewood.

I smiled, but he probably didn't see it because I was wearing a helmet.

:)