Readme before you journey
The reasons for embarking on a journey to somewhere, perhaps, are not always extraordinary. Sometimes, it's simply about doing whatever it takes to remove oneself from a place of discomfort.
Greetings, esteemed readers. It has been nearly seven months since my last adventure. During this time, I have been busy tending to my garden, adding new plants and making improvements. While I haven't been exploring the world, I have found joy in the simple pleasures of gardening and home improvement.
Following our previous trip to Khao Neun 500 and the Emerald Triangle, many readers have inquired whether there are other natural recreational areas in Nam Yuen District, given that nearly 80% of the area is covered by mountains.
Click the link below to explore Khao Neun 500 🏁
https://th.readme.me/p/10959 Wildland Emerald Triangle "1 Day Jungle Adventure in the Emerald Triangle during the Rainy Season"
This trip will take all readers to the Phnom Dong Rak Mountains, a place that is like the lungs of the people of Nam Yuen District. Phnom Dong Rak, or "Phnom Dong Raek" (ជួរភ្នំដងរែក), comes from the Khmer language and means "mountain of wooden beams."
Every year, around the beginning of March, the people of Nam Yuen district hold an important ceremony that has been carried out continuously for more than 10 years. This ceremony is the Narai Banthom Sindh Offering Ceremony. What is amazing is that the bas-relief of Narai Banthom Sindh is located underwater.
Narayana Reclining on the Ocean of Milk
This refers to the Narayana Reclining on the Ocean of Milk sculpture, also known as the Narayana Bas-Relief.
The submerged bas-relief of Vishnu reclining on the cosmic serpent, Narayana Banthomsinthu, is a unique find in Thailand. Measuring 120 centimeters in length and 50 centimeters in height, the sculpture depicts Vishnu lying on his right side atop a seven-headed naga. At his feet, Lakshmi is carved, while at his navel (navel), a raised cord leads to an uncarved oval shape, presumably representing Brahma seated on a lotus flower. The carving is estimated to date back to the 16th-17th centuries CE.
According to local legend, in 1978, four villagers from Baan Khae Don - Mr. Samrong, Mr. Decha, Mr. Noosin, and Mr. Tueng - were foraging for food and fishing in the Wang Mon area. While fishing, they stumbled upon a stone carving of Vishnu reclining on the cosmic serpent Shesha, located on a stone slab underwater on the right side of the large dome. (This site is now within the Yot Dom Wildlife Sanctuary.)
The story continues that after the four men returned from their fishing and foraging trip that day, Mr. Tueng, one of the four, had a dream of a tall, dark-skinned man with a red cloth draped over his shoulder, who told him to buy a lottery ticket. On the day of the lottery draw, Mr. Tueng won 15 baht. This event made the villagers of Baan Khae Don and surrounding areas aware of the existence of the Vishnu reclining on the cosmic serpent Shesha carving.
The discovery of the Narai Banthom Sinthu carving revealed the location of the royal palace. In 1991, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn made a pilgrimage to view the bas-relief carving of Narai Banthom Sinthu. She walked for approximately 14 kilometers, taking about 5 hours. Her visit brought immense joy to the people of Nam Yuen district for 27 years.
After a brief introduction to the history of the Narai Banthom Sinthu carving, the author will now recount the journey. We departed from our accommodation (Thung Si Udom district) at 7:00 AM and drove for almost 2 hours to reach the first destination: Wat Phu Nam Chan.
Located in Ban Khae Don, Dom Pradit Subdistrict, Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province (coordinates: 14°24'34.8"N 105°06'35.4"E).
Upon arriving at Wat Phu Nam Jan, we were greeted by the sight of government officials preparing for the opening ceremony of an event. While waiting, the author and his companions took the opportunity to organize their supplies and necessities into their backpacks. In addition to the essentials for survival in the forest, we also brought a khan mak beng (a tray decorated with flowers) and a small selection of fruits as offerings for the carved image of Narai reclining on the ocean, which we planned to visit the following day.
Alright, the engine is hot, fasten your seatbelts! Because this is the author's first long journey, haha.
The image behind our faculty is Luang Pho Ko Tham, enshrined at Wat Phu Nam Jan.
After walking for a while, we encountered a lush green forest during the rainy season. Now, it is tinged with orange due to a wildfire.
The author has just experienced the saying "fire consumes the forest" firsthand. In the picture, we can see a large area of forest consumed by fire. Not only does this leave no shade, but it also makes the area hotter than usual.
Pool 1 "Weng Wang" Seven small in the big forest
Our first rest stop was approximately 2 kilometers from our previous location. However, it felt like we had been walking for half a day (haha). The reason why there are few convenience stores in the deep forest is because this is the only spot where vendors sell cold drinks and delicious snacks to tourists. The goods on offer range from bottled water and soft drinks to bread, sundry items, etc. (Mostly dry food).
In addition to shops, Wang Wein also offers scenic spots for relaxation and enjoying the cool breeze. Many tourists choose this location as a resting place to enjoy meals or even take a nap to recharge.
Despite our overwhelming weariness, our indomitable spirit of adventure propels us forward. We shall persevere, undeterred by fatigue, and continue our journey for another 4-5 kilometers. (Our legs may be dragging, but our spirits remain high!)
From here on, our journey will become increasingly exciting, from the wooden bridge (it would be better to call it a wooden plank, haha) to the wooden stairs that are designed to test the strength of your undercarriage.
It may sound like a brutal path, but for the students here, it's just another day. Some students even stroll casually, as if they were walking through a shopping mall. As they passed our group, they teased us, saying, "Are you guys okay?" (When I was their age, this path was nothing to me!)
According to those who have traveled here over 10 years ago, the path we see today is much better than before. In the past, people had to bring knives and machetes to clear the forest. "There was no Ban Dong Ban Dai Sapong Saphan, my dear," they would say. It was like something out of an Indiana Jones movie, haha!
The Second Palace: Wang Due
Approximately 4 kilometers from Wang Wen (if the author remembers correctly), there is another recommended rest stop. If you choose this location, you can either have a meal or relax by dipping your feet in the water.
The view at Wang Duean is just as beautiful as Vang Vieng, with crystal-clear water that allows you to see fish, including tiger fish and white fish. 🐟
Furthermore, Wang Duean is also like a "gold mine." The "gold" that the author refers to is water, clean drinking water.
According to local beliefs, the water flowing from this location and other nearby springs is a gift from the Hindu deity Vishnu. This belief explains the constant stream of people queuing to drink and collect the water.
In the picture, although we have walked halfway, the author still feels that "it's like walking in the backyard" (as the students said). This is probably because the roads are relatively easy to walk on, but there may be some points where you need to use your arms and legs to help a little. ^ ^
The dominant vegetation along the trail consists primarily of bamboo species. Other common trees include red rubber, white rubber, Siamese rosewood, large padauk, and krabok. The understory is characterized by shrubs and semi-woody shrubs, such as chinkapin. The climate of the Phnom Dong Rak mountain range is classified as subtropical.
The weather on the day of our trip was perfect, not too hot, just enough to break a sweat.
✎ In addition to preparing your hiking gear, it is equally important to wear clothing that is appropriate for the location. This is because in some areas, you may accidentally encounter chigger nests, which can transmit scrub typhus.
Red velvet mites, similar to bed bugs and chiggers, can bite if clothing is thin or loose. To avoid bites, it's best to steer clear of dense bushes and bamboo thickets. If you must enter such areas, check carefully before sitting down. ^ ^
In addition to everyone's patience, we also saw images of mutual assistance along the way. ^ ^
The water that never runs out is kindness. ^ ^
This is the essence of our journey.
Thank you for all the smiles and kindness you gave us that day. ^ ^
Have you ever felt the same way? Whenever I walk past a pond, I feel instantly refreshed. In the picture, the author is not soaking in the water (although, in my heart, I really want to float and swim around) haha.
And finally, we are almost at our destination. Hooray!
Just as I was feeling exhausted and out of breath, a heavenly voice rang out, "Hey! You've reached the banana forest, you're almost there!" Just beyond this banana forest, you'll have arrived. Hearing that, I immediately felt a surge of motivation. Haha!
If you come across any beautiful places, stunning flowers, or adorable insects, the author suggests that you refrain from posting them right away. 🤳 This is not a prohibition, but rather a suggestion due to the **lack of mobile phone signal📴📶**.
As I continued walking, I came across a young man who was drawing water. Curious, I asked him, "Excuse me, is this water safe to drink?" I couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive as I noticed the enormous sword hanging from his belt. Haha.
"Yes, it's safe to drink," the young man replied with a smile. ^ ^"
The sound of laughter in the distance indicates that we are approaching our destination. ^ ^
As we reach this point, the path is lined with diverse plant life. On our right, the Dom River flows. *At this moment, we can even hear the sound of rumbling stomachs. Haha!*
Continuing a little further, we will encounter a long wall. At first glance, it appears to be a man-made wall, but in reality, it is a naturally formed wall.
The wall was inscribed with messages, recording some events. I stared at it for a long time, trying to understand what the message on the wall meant. I remembered that the gang who came with me had already walked far ahead, so I didn't have time to ask the people who passed by how the message on the wall came about and what it meant.
Palace 3, Magic Palace, Resting Point 🏕️
Wang Mont, as seen in the image, is located on the opposite side of the dome from the location where the Narai Banthom Sinsu ceremony will be held tomorrow.
This is our spacious home for tonight. The spot where our handsome model is standing right now, around five or six in the evening, will be filled with tents and many people. "Below this rock, there is clear water that can be drunk or used for cooking."
If you plan to visit next year, I recommend securing accommodation as soon as you arrive.
Although this area is vast, it is mostly covered with large, scattered rocks. If you are lucky enough to find a wide, flat rock, it will be an amazing experience.
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In addition to pitching tents, hammock hanging is another option. Some people might prefer a more adventurous approach, such as setting up tents or hammocks near the foot of the mountain.
The picture shows the team of uncles and aunts who traveled ahead of us to build roads for us to walk comfortably. On behalf of the author and all travelers, we would like to thank you all very much. ^ ^
I've found a suitable place myself. ^ ^
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With accommodation settled, it's time to cook! Now is the time to dust off those scouting skills!
It seems that our scouting skills have been gathering dust for a while, haha! Thanks to our good neighbors for providing us with excellent fuel to start the fire. ^ ^
Dried food is another good option.
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However, as the saying goes, "If you go to the forest and don't build a fire or boil water, it's like you never went at all." Haha.
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Some people went all out, bringing their entire families with them. Haha!
After a long day of searching for firewood and food, it was finally time for what we had been waiting for since noon: a refreshing dip in the cool water. Let's go! ^ ^
There are young men too. Hehe.
Besides swimming, diving, somersaulting in the water, or even swinging on vines in the water (oops!), where else would you find such activities? There is also another recreational activity, rafting, which seems to be of great interest to many people.
The queue was so long that people had to line up. Even better, it was free!
For those who prefer a secluded getaway, a leisurely paddle on a raft down the Dom River is a great option. The author would like to express their gratitude to the District Officer of Nam Yuen for captaining the boat and allowing them to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Dom River.
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The gentle evening breeze brings a sense of relaxation to our minds.
Bamboo rafts come in various sizes, including small and large.
After a refreshing shower, it's time to prepare for the evening campfire activity. We will gather around the fire to hear the story of the history and significance of the Narai Banthom Sinthu carving, a highlight of the event.
Campfire Tales 🔥
"The campfire storytelling" is a significant activity, another activity that is like a meeting for those who come here to learn about the history and origins of Ban Kead Don and the Narrayanbartm Sindh carving. The villagers call this activity "Tum Hom," which means that we come together in large groups to do some activities.
The stories are passed down to us by the village elders, known as "Father Jom" or "Grandfather Jom".
In some places, "Father Jom" refers to someone with knowledge of Brahmanic medicine, or alternatively, a leader who conducts various ceremonies in the village. "
This is a wonderful activity that brings back memories of my childhood. I remember lying by the fire, listening to my grandparents tell stories of their youth.
A Special Moment
This was a special moment for our group to chat like old friends before heading to our accommodations. (Grilling squid while chatting was another kind of enjoyment.)
This Morning at Lam Dom
The experience of getting braces at home is vastly different from getting them in the midst of a lush forest.
Alright, let's just jump in and get it over with. Haha!
After showering, enjoy a hot cup of coffee. Some may use this time to prepare snacks for the return trip or pack up their tents and belongings.
We will have approximately 1-2 hours to prepare (unless you wake up late) before we attend the important ceremony that everyone is looking forward to. Before then, let's take a deep breath of fresh morning air. ^ ^
Some people might use this time to capture good memories. ^ ^ 📸
This sentence describes a scene where the speaker sees swans floating in the water and mistakenly believes they are in northern Thailand. The playful tone is conveyed through the use of emojis and the informal expression "แอ่ว" (meaning "to travel" in northern Thai dialect).
Here's the translated version:
If I saw swans floating in the water, I would have thought I was traveling in northern Thailand! ^ ^
And now, the moment we've all been waiting for has arrived. ^ ^
The Brahmin priest has greeted the villagers and travelers, and explained the steps and procedures of the ceremony.
During this time, everyone must remain silent to ensure our auspiciousness.
The Brahmin priest then begins the ceremony. If you listen carefully, the words spoken by the Brahmin priest are in the Isan dialect of Thai, our native language. If I were to translate the words spoken by the Brahmin priest during the ceremony, the content of the chant would be a declaration of worship and respect for Lord Narayana, the deities, the local spirits, the spirits of the brave soldiers who died in the Battle of Chong Bok, and all the spirits that reside on Mount Phnom Dong Rak.
The offerings for the ceremony will include flowers, incense, candles, garlands, betel nut sets, pig's head, alcohol, sweet and savory dishes, fruits, etc.
After the Brahmin religious ceremony, we were able to admire the beauty of the bas-relief sculpture of Narayana reclining on the cosmic ocean.
As a native of Nam Yuen district, I had never visited this site before. This was my first time seeing the actual submerged bas-relief sculpture of Narayana reclining on the cosmic ocean.
Please Translate:
While we were taking pictures, the man in the green shirt kept pumping out the water. Otherwise, the water would have flooded the carvings. This is why the ceremony is held during the dry season. If you look closely, you can see that there are sandbags that form a barrier to the water.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you, uncle, for allowing us to see the engravings so clearly and beautifully. Thank you.
A large crowd of citizens gathered on that day, eagerly awaiting their turn to pay respects to the carved image.
Translation:
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This young man is trying to light incense with his mother.
After capturing the memorable moments, before embarking on our return journey, we offered prayers to the sacred deities, wishing everyone who visits this place happiness and prosperity. We also prayed for the success of our trip. ^ ^
The Brahmanical religious ceremony in the morning was successfully completed and took approximately one centimeter.
Meanwhile, a steady stream of visitors have been arriving to admire the bas-relief of Narai's Reclining Posture. Some have even traveled from their homes since early this morning.
Time to warm up your body and take a deep breath!!
However, if you are still captivated by the charm of this place, you can sit and relax with a hot cup of coffee or have a satisfying meal before leaving.
The writer feels that the machine is getting hot enough, so let's wait for it to cool down. 😍
Greeting the uncles and aunts along the way. ^ ^
Some of the children are very young, but they are already very good at walking. (Thumbs up to them!)
Our bag feels a little lighter than yesterday.
Konkan vegetable, also known as white dog's hammer, is a rare vegetable in this region. The officers have requested that we conserve it for future generations.
Properties: Konkan vegetable has a cooling and sweet property. It helps to reduce heatiness, fever, and makes one feel refreshed and energized. It also alleviates coughs, phlegm, and soothes the throat. For diabetic patients, it can help lower blood sugar levels. It can also be used in cooking. The young shoots have a sweet taste and can be blanched, boiled, and eaten as a vegetable with chili paste, curry soup, sour curry, etc.
In addition, there are also some ferns and mushrooms that were accidentally captured by the camera.
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The professor once mentioned that the color of tree bark can indicate the health of a forest ecosystem. In this image, the mottled bark suggests that the ecosystem here is still thriving.
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After walking for a while, I thought to myself, "Hey! Am I walking the same way as yesterday?" I looked left and right, and the gang was gone! I realized that I was starting to get hungry. Haha.
Fortunately, we set off early in the morning, so the weather was not too hot. In addition, there were large trees providing shade along the way.
Despite the long journey, the financial sacrifices, and the countless hours spent saving from our allowances, reaching our quiet destination or desired location remains a significant and memorable moment in our lives.
Sometimes, the reasons for embarking on a journey to a particular destination may not be particularly significant. Perhaps, the sole purpose is to escape the discomfort of our current situation, regardless of the specific destination.
My throat is so dry and I'm so thirsty. I reach into my bag and... oh no! Will I make it to my destination?
He kept lifting and tilting it all the way like that. "That's all that's left."
Suddenly, my eyes caught sight of a clear pond. My heart yearned to jump in and gulp it down like in the dramas. But when I thought about safety, alas!
Before setting out, I read some books on hiking and did some research on Google. One thing I came across was the rule of drinking water in the forest: Only drink flowing water, not stagnant water, even if it has been boiled.
💧Damn! Is the water in front of me stagnant or flowing? (Thinking about it now, it's funny) 💧
In conclusion, I continued walking to find a place to refill my water where there were a lot of people, so I could ask them which water was safe to drink and which was not.
My strength right now, if compared to a boxer, is like the 4th round.😰 (Only my heart is left) In my heart, I think of a song that teenagers are currently into.
🎵"If we are tired, let's walk into the forest. At least we won't have to meet cruel people like you."🎶
I think sometimes, if you've been heartbroken, staying home and resting isn't such a bad idea ^ ^
Don't worry, our lives won't always be unlucky! When our older brother (the team captain) told us that he had hidden a huge bottle of drinking water not far ahead, I felt an immense surge of energy come over me. I wanted to run there as fast as I could, if only my "cursed legs" would cooperate! Haha.
Finally, we arrived at our hidden water stash. Let's rest here for a bit.
The water has been incredibly delicious these past two days.
Apart from my life, there are only a few things in my bag right now that are truly essential.
Along the way, we encountered three monks who were on a pilgrimage to the forest.
After fully recharging, it's time to continue the journey. As for the handrails in the picture, I didn't touch them on the way up, but on the way down, I almost hugged them! Haha.
It didn't take long for us to reach the Fig Tree Palace. This is one of the places where you can refill your water bottles.
Crystal clear and refreshingly cold water. Many people are willing to carry heavy bottles of water for miles just for this. ^ ^
Looking at the time, I thought I had been walking for half a day. It turned out to be only 4 am. I must be so hungry that I'm completely disoriented.
If it weren't for my pregnant belly starting to protest, I would take a nap. The atmosphere is perfect for a midday snooze.
It would be nice to have a couple of days like this every month. At the very least, it would be a way to recharge our batteries.
Being alone with oneself in silence can sometimes reveal many truths about life.🍂
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✎ We have finally reached the end of our journey. The total distance we covered, including both the outward and return legs, was approximately 28 kilometers. We passed through three main rest stops: Vang Vieng, Vang Due, and Vang Man.
Translation:
There are many other waterfalls and pools in the area, such as Wang Huai Hai (before Wang Duea), Wang Por Or, and Wang Cha Hong, which require a hike of over 10 kilometers to reach. These were not included in this article because they require a full day of trekking and must be accompanied by park officials due to the increased danger of the trails.
For those who have reached the starting point, please don't rush back. Take a break and enjoy some refreshing sweet drinks. And a big thank you to the mothers who made delicious sweet drinks for us! 😘
In addition, there are also cute activities such as tying the arm to receive blessings from the elders before returning home. ^ ^
May the blessings of the Triple Gem, the grace of Luang Pho Kothama, and all the sacred spirits of the Phnom Dong Rak mountain range bestow upon you, dear readers, happiness, prosperity, good health, safety, and the fulfillment of your wishes. May you encounter only good things.
♥♥ .•*´¨`*•.¸¸.•*´¨`*•.¸¸.•*´¨`*•.¸¸.•*´¨`*•.¸¸.•♥
Our summer forest adventure comes to an end here. Above all, the author would like to express his deepest gratitude to all the readers who have patiently followed along to this point. Thank you very much. ｡◕‿◕｡
｡ ✿*ﾟSee you again on our next trip! * *.:｡✿
📤 **For any travel inquiries:** Feel free to message me anytime.
https://www.facebook.com/Suiy.Kee.King
Fan Page Facebook @Here is Nam Yuen: https://www.facebook.com/teeneenamyuen
📡 Starting Point Coordinates:** 14.407323, 105.110904 14°24'26.4"N 105°06'39.3"E
💰 **Travel Expenses:** The average cost per person is less than 500 baht (the venue is free 💸).
🚘 **Recommended Vehicles:** 🏍️ Big bikes, 4WDs, motorcycles (no sedans please).
DanOnTour
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 3:16 PM
