It's day 4 of this Tour to Lamphun, and we are considering our options to return to Bangkok. While it is possible to return in one day, we prefer to make it a more leisurely experience, likely taking in more attractions on the way, but first there's toast to look forward to. With the only other option being rice soup I think I will soon be making a pit stop.
As we head to Lampang, I lament the fact that I didn't wait for a train crossing the iconic White Bridge we visited yesterday, but I'm still hopeful of seeing a train in Lampang. However, time is really tight for me to make it there. I quickly adjust the plan and head for Hang Chat instead which is nearer. Here I do get to see a train. After a ten-minute wait the Express train 51 passes through heading for Bangkok, but this service does not stop at Hang Chat. I capture what I want and continue my journey.
Now I don't need to lose time in Lampang, and head around the bypass picking up HWY 1 heading south. From here the journey is straightforward, but my partner has something different in mind and makes a deviation, joining HWY 106 along a route we've never taken before. The journey through the mountains here is spectacular in places but where the valley broadens out we locate Mae Mok Reservoir which is uninspiring at this time of year. We are heading for Thung Saliam in Sukhothai where a couple of temples of interest are located.
Wat Thung Saliam is a revered Buddhist temple known for housing the sacred statue of Luang Por Sila, a Buddha image made of white sandstone in the Khmer art style from the Angkorian period. The statue, originally discovered in Chao Ram Cave, has a fascinating history and is considered a symbol of sanctity and peace. On the 29 October 1977 the image was smuggled out of Thailand and later seen in the UK by a group of expatriate Thai conservationists before being further forwarded to the United States. A committee was then set up by the Finance Department in Thailand to investigate the matter and retrieve the image. On 20 December 1996 the image was returned for a ransom of 5,200,000 baht. Today it sits proudly on a pulpit at this temple.
For me, I'm glad to see this precious image back where it belongs. It does seem strange though to see such a small image in place of what would usually be a seated Buddha image in various styles of far larger size. Not far away is another temple which leaves one speechless.
Wat Phiphat Mongkhon Temple is home to Phra Phuttha Sukho Phothong or the common name, Luang Pho Thongkham. It is a sacred Buddha image in the attitude of subduing Mara cast with 9 kilograms of gold created in the beautiful Sukhothai art style. The problem is, where is it? There are so many halls at this temple that you could spend the whole afternoon exploring them all. Each of the halls is individually and exquisitely designed in Sukhothai art style and occupy a vast area that leaves no doubt as to its bold intensions, a statement of immense wealth and grandeur. There is only one other temple complex I know in Thailand that can compare; Wat Ban Den in Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai. It seems to reinforce the fact that Thailand's north is the place for beautiful temples. We must continue our journey as it's now 4.00 pm. Still in Sukhothai Province, we reach HWY 12 where there is another temple.
Wat Nong Thong is and old temple from the Sukhothai/Ayutthaya period, which was abandoned. It was only on the mid-20th century that the area was reinhabited. The temple has since been resurrected as a themed tiger temple. In fact, work is progressing to create a tiger grotto and beautifully decorated walled compound where the principal Buddha image resides. It's sure to become a popular attraction. Now we must finally head for our accommodation in the city of Phitsanulok.
We arrive at Poonsook Hotel on HWY 12 and my first impression is that it's quite dated and I'm surprised my partner chose it. However, it is cheap at 550 baht and there's a buffet breakfast included, As regards the room well, I see it's been renovated including rewiring and with bathroom upgrades while the original furnishings are retained. The beds through are new. To the collection of brown furniture they've added a large folding table which hardly works aesthetically but is sure effective for me to use my laptop. Just a short walk away is a restaurant and I just feel that the hotel was chosen to be near it. While it doesn't offer my style of food, I guess Katoon deserves a reward for her effortless driving.

Source: Visit