Route 2 - Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park - Explore the Ancient Pagoda Ruins

I previously took you on a tour of Phu Hang Naak, which we can call Route 1. The Million-Year Stone Historical Park has several hiking trails, and I will try to share more with you in the future.

I read an article by Waranai Pongsachalakorn on the OK Nation website, which inspired me to visit the places he wrote about.

This hiking route, as indicated on the map provided by the guide, is approximately three kilometers long. While the distance may seem manageable, the actual hike can be quite tiring. Although I did not time the trek, it likely took around an hour. The trail passes through a natural rock garden that I had visited on a previous occasion, before ascending to the mountain's summit. During my visit, local residents had collaborated to create a path of square concrete slabs, making the hike significantly more comfortable. In contrast to the uneven terrain I had encountered previously, which could cause leg pain after prolonged walking, the smooth surface of the slabs provided a comfortable and natural stride. The timing of the construction was perfect, as the color and design of the concrete harmonized beautifully with the surrounding environment.

The trail is pleasantly shaded, with trees providing ample protection from the sun. Our guide pointed out hidden water bottles stashed in nooks and crannies along the way, ensuring that hikers wouldn't run out of water or have to carry it all the way up. No chance of dehydration here! 55

The photographer revisits the location of a previous photo shoot, this time capturing the stunning light and clarity of the scene. This geological phenomenon showcases mineral-rich water flowing over rocks for centuries, resulting in solidified deposits with unique shapes, similar to the familiar stalactites and stalagmites found in caves.

Do you remember this? This is the heart-shaped rock, right? Now, let's zoom in for a closer look.

This is a herd of wild elephants, consisting of a father, mother, and their offspring, as well as other elephants that live together as a herd in the forest. Try to imagine what I'm describing. Can you hear the sound of their trumpeting? 555

The Enduring Allure of Ancient Rock Formations

This photograph, which I am presenting again, may seem repetitive, but it holds a special significance for me. During my previous visit, I was unaware of the historical context of these rock formations. However, after reading Professor Vornarai's insightful work, I am filled with a profound sense of awe and appreciation.

Professor Vornarai's research has shed new light on these ancient structures, revealing their fascinating history and cultural significance. His work has ignited a passion within me to delve deeper into their secrets.

In my previous presentation, I briefly touched upon these formations, but I lacked the detailed knowledge that Professor Vornarai has so generously shared. With his permission, I would like to present some of his findings to provide a more comprehensive understanding of these remarkable landmarks.

The geological formations of Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, from Khao Kamphaeng in the north to Khao Tham Sua, are composed of "dolomite limestone" layers dating back approximately 450-500 million years. These layers were deposited as sediments on the continental shelf during the Ordovician Period. Approximately 50-65 million years after the Cretaceous Period, the Indian Plate collided with the Eurasian Plate, pushing the Sunda Shelf upwards. This resulted in the folding and uplift of the Earth's crust, forming the Tenasserim Hills and the mountain range where Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park is located.

I am filled with joy after reading this. I have only heard and read about the movement of two tectonic plates colliding to form a single continent in history lessons. Now, I am able to see the actual rocks and ancient landforms that existed hundreds of millions of years ago. I feel excited and proud that this is located in our home, Thailand!

Do you feel the same sense of wonder and excitement as I do? 555

During my previous visit, I failed to capture the details and knowledge about the ancient cycad trees found throughout Phu Hang Raka. The cycad is a remarkable tree, considered a living fossil due to its extremely slow growth rate. It produces only one layer of leaves per year. The short cycad tree seen in the picture, based on the number of layers on its trunk, is estimated to be over a hundred years old.

The plang tree has two sexes: male and female. This tree is a female plang, with flowers located at the top center of the tree. What does the male look like, and what are the organs that indicate its sex? Where are they located? You're curious, right? ...555 Relax, you'll definitely see it....

Not yet. Please wait a moment. The gender of this tree is still unclear, whether it is male or female. However, I would like to point out that this tree is definitely hundreds of years old.

This is a female palm tree and its fruit, or the fruit of the palm tree, zoomed in for a clearer view. "I'm the son of… such a tease"…55 (You're gossiping about me, I know).

The guide pointed out the male reproductive organs of the "plong" tree. Male "plong" trees have hair around their necks, while female trees do not. Therefore, there are no visible female reproductive organs.

The beauty of the young leaves of the male palm tree. I can see a small part of the organ protruding… 555.

A panoramic view of young and old leaves, indicating the passage of another year. I won't reveal the gender of this tree, so feel free to guess. No prizes though...55

The ripe fruit that has fallen from the tree.

The discussion about the ordination ceremony went on for a long time, almost becoming a problem. The praise for the ancient ordination ceremony, not the praise for the ancient pagoda as the title suggests. Walking up the mountain, calm your mind a little more. The path is beautiful, oh...

We have arrived at the ruins of an ancient stupa. You can see that it is made of old red-orange bricks arranged in a pile. This is the stupa itself. However, if you look closely, you will see that the stupa is situated on top of natural stones that have been arranged in an orderly manner. Hmm... what could this mean? We will have to wait for information from Mr. Suphachai to shed some light on this mystery.

I would like to present the hypothesis of Dr. Woranai, who suggests thinking outside the box. I find his interconnected thinking thought-provoking. His hypothesis is as follows:

In ancient times, thousands of years ago, this area was a landmass with the east and south sides bordering the sea. It was covered in mangrove forests with muddy and swampy terrain, and winding canals. The ancient community at this site created a landmark for travelers from afar who came to trade, ensuring they would not get lost. They built a "stone tower" or "stone tower of Ten" to signal with fire. During the day, smoke would rise high into the sky, while at night, flames would be lit to be visible from a distance.

The majestic structure, built with meticulously arranged stones, served as a formidable fortress during its era of unparalleled prosperity. This golden land, known as Suvarnabhumi, left behind a legacy of invaluable artifacts that continue to captivate us today. However, as the tides of time shifted, the once-flourishing kingdom succumbed to the relentless decline of sea levels, leaving behind only remnants of its former glory. Centuries later, during the Dvaravati period (12th-15th centuries CE), people returned to the mountaintop, transforming the upper portion of the stone tower into a stupa, inspired by the concept of Mount Meru. This transformation marked the establishment of a sacred mountain in accordance with the Theravada Buddhist beliefs of the Dvaravati era.

The remaining stone spire of the pagoda

Contemporary archaeologists have meticulously arranged the scattered stones, but it is important to note that this arrangement does not represent the original form of an ancient stupa.

Before we descend from the mountain, let's take a look at other types of plants. This one is a "slad-dai" tree.

The flowers of the wild ginger plant are located close to the ground, which is different from the ginger plant found in Chaiyaphum.

The viewpoint from the base of the pagoda offers a view of U Thong town and, in the distance, Suphan Buri province. However, due to the cloudy weather, visibility is limited. On a clear day, the Bhaharn Jaemsai Tower would be visible.

We opted to descend via the alternative path, which offered a comfortable walk and the support of handrails.

A happy ending. He descended refreshed, as if victorious over an enemy.

See you again on the next route.