Day 7 - Thursday 22 October 2015

One week and counting........I've now been nearly a week on tour, all of which has been in Suphanburi Province and in truth I’ve hardly finished here. Perhaps by the end of the day things will be clearer but one thing is obvious: the original ten days limit I put on this tour will be exceeded. Today should be straightforward as I head back down Highway 333. I’m heading east to cover the northeastern districts of Suphanburi Province.
Nong Ratchawat Archaeological Site……..Nong Ratchawat Archaeological Site is located in Nong Ta Sai District, Suphanburi Province. It is the only site in this district that I will feature as I make my way east. The site was not on my visit list but was added recently as a result of local information. Basically this is an archaeological dig based on a discovery twelve years ago while a farmer was working his land. The dig resulted in uncovering a burial site with grave goods, pottery and various other objects which were examined by experts. The finds indicate that hunter gatherers from the stone-age were in this area. The archaeological dig is work in progress and some of the finds are on display in a small building at the entrance to the site. Other items are taken back to Suphanburi or Bangkok for further examination. The site is best reached along rural road 3365 about half way between Highway 333 and Sam Chuk Town.

Wat Lat Sing……..Wat Lat Sing houses a 500-year-old Buddha image Luang Pho Dum and a garden enclosing bronze statues in commemoration of King Naresuan, his brother King Eka Tossarod, and his sister Phra Suphan Kanlaya. These royal persons ruled Ayutthaya during the golden age, 17th century. The temple can be found on rural road 3496 running south from the 3365, 5 km west of Sam Chuk.

100 Years Rim Nam Market........By the time I reach Sam Chuk its 1pm and time for lunch. The 100 Years Rim Nam Market is located on the east bank of the Tha Chin River. As the name indicates this is an old market with traditional wooden houses still common in some parts of Thailand. The narrow streets and alleys house shops of all kinds and restaurants. This market is open every day and is particularly attractive to visitors. After lunch near the market I take a look around. This results in my first attempt at buying presents for Christmas. This all takes time. I really had no intention of using Sam Chuk as a stopover. My third site on the list is not far away, south along the main Highway 340.

Wat Sam Chuk........ Wat Sam Chuk is noted for its Buddha footprint housed in a small building. On entry we were greeted by a monk eager to show us around. I often get the impression that those who take an interest in the history of a temple are most appreciated by the monks. Buddha footprints are common in temples but all are unique with some rather interesting designs. That really should be the end of it in Sam Chuk District but the monk explains that there is a museum at the temple. This is not new to me. Whatever one thinks of Buddhist temples there is one function that many possess that flies under the radar. They are curators of antique and vintage items. Quite how the items they hold were built up over time I’m not sure. Quite a lot would be donated by local collectors. When I am invited to look around this museum it’s as if time stood still. I’m at a total loss to even begin to describe what’s here. You name it, they have it. No doubt some of the more historically valuable items are now in national museums but the temples seem to have the rest and this one is in a league of its own. After bidding farewell to the monk, it’s time to hit the road again. I will follow the 340 north.

Doem Bang Nang Buat........Doem Bang Nang Buat Distict lies in the north of Suphanburi Province and shares a border with the next province, Chainat. As there are a number of sites listed for this area, I’m going to use it for a stopover but I haven’t done any searches as regards accommodation. When I reach the town, I stuggle to find accommodation of any description. There will be resorts near the Chawak Dam but that trip is booked for tomorrow. There are plenty of sites around the town I need to visit first. As I still fail to find accommodation the heavens open up as it did last night. I really could do without that. I just have to keep asking. When I finally find accommodation I would describe it as a 'scruffy' but circumstances dictate that I should as least take a peek inside the rooms. Surprisingly the inside is far far better than the outside and as I won’t be sleeping in the yard I take the room. It’s only for one night. At least it’s near the town and I waste no time getting an earlier dinner. Back at the room everything now seems to be ok after teething problems concerning the air conditioning and internet connection. Next Page.