Waking at around 7.00 a.m. after a peaceful night, it seems that I have adjusted well to the 7-hour time difference in little more than 24 hours. I write up some notes and then prepare for the 'breakfast included,' not knowing what to expect. In the dining hall there is the usual coffee, tea, and toast, but no buffet. Instead there is a choice of six breakfast dishes, and surprisingly you can choose any two when one would probably be enough. That creates an opportunity to skip lunch, but as regards the plan for today, nothing is decided except the return to Bangkok.
We leave at a leisurely 10 a.m., and the only thing I can think of is to visit the plot of land in Na Hin Lat which requires quite a detour. As we leave Pak Chong, Katoon offers her suggestions, and we soon arrive at Suwan Corn Farm, which we first visited in February, and what a transformation. They must have spent most of the time since my last visit building a substantial new retail outlet concentrating on fresh organic and processed fruits and vegetables. They certainly have carved out a popular niche business, judging by the amount of visitors, and the building hasn't stopped yet. However, as far as we are concerned, shopping isn't a priority right now, and 15 minutes here will suffice for this visit.
We continue on our way, and it's clear the jet lag is still in effect as I keep dosing off in the car. By now we have a new location based on a previous visit by Katoon. We continue down the valley towards Saraburi and take a left onto the 3222. As this road winds around the edge of Khao Yai National Park, we pick up signs to a nature park and campsite, arriving amongst gorgeous scenery.
Regarding Jet Khot Pongkonsao Nature Park, Grok search says this:
'This is a serene, eco-focused nature reserve and educational center in Thailand, emphasizing environmental learning, outdoor activities, and biodiversity conservation. It's not a formal national park but operates as a forest park and ecotourism site, offering a peaceful escape with minimal commercialization. Managed by local authorities rather than the National Park Division, it's ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking a low-key retreat.
In the park you will find good-quality bungalows for rent and a campsite with a shop kitted out for all your camping needs. It's really tempting to get the camping chairs out and stare across the small lake into the forest, but instead I make a note of it and we move on to a forest temple.
Wat Chulabhorn Wanaram takes its name from Princess Chulabhorn. She is the youngest daughter of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit, she is the sister of King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) and Princess Sirindhorn. The temple is known for its bamboo tunnel (umong ton normai in Thai). This temple is a serene, lesser-known religious site nestled in a natural setting, offering a peaceful retreat for spiritual reflection and cultural exploration.
It's now I make the call to head to the building land at Na Hin Lat, although I'm not expecting any changes from the last visit. However, when we arrive, there are workers onsite involved with other development projects, and Katoon is soon in deep conversation regarding progress. While there is little to show right now, there could be some movement soon, allowing building to start in the new year. For my part, I am not holding my breath.
With this visit nothing else can be achieved today as we head back to Bangkok and the inevitable traffic chaos. With darkness arriving as we approach the city, there is just one thing left to do. That's to take dinner at the same venue as I did on arrival in Thailand. It's a more modest affair as this curious 2-day trip comes to an end.
Source: Visit