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Day 4 - Wednesday 1 May
Orientation…….. Apart from the opportunistic stopover in U Thong, Ban Rai and the province of Uthai Thani was for some time our initial destination and I was happy to explore a new province. Ban Rai district is odd in that is represents about a third of the entire area of the province despite the fact that there are 8 districts in Uthai Thani. Ban Rai in fact occupies the entire south and west of the province. Most visitors would reach Uthai Thani province from Bangkok using the national highway 1 but Ban Rai is much further west requiring us to approach it from the south rather than from the east. From Ban Rai the districts to the north are easily accessible. Coverage of the eastern districts would then naturally follow. Clearly we have a plan to cover the whole province as best we can. As we prepare to leave Ban Rai there is an air of disappointment since the district is not at its best this time of year with a number of attractions closed or not worth visiting through lack of rain. While two days would normally be needed to explore this district, far too much time has been spent avoiding the elements rather than taking advantage of the sights.
Laos Krang’s Cotton Weaving Handicraft Community…….. Before leaving Ban Rai, Katoon wishes to visit another cotton weaving centre just to the east of Ban Rai. Here the community originated from the inheritance of ancient cultures and traditions of the Lao Krang ethnic group that immigrated from Laos 300 years ago. Lao Krang people are proficient in weaving cloth such as silk and cotton Sinh (Laos skirt). The basis of the tradition is the ‘Krang’, an ancient process of dyeing and the skillful assembly of cloth pieces to form intricate patterns that are distinctive to the group. Group weavers produce Sinh skirts and other products for sale in the community centre. The weavers receive most of the income, the centre adding just 10% for merchanting.
In a development while we are at the centre, I dig deep in my pocket and buy a Sinh skirt for Katoon. She would never ask me to pay for one but on important occasions she has borrowed one. Not any more!
Orientation…….. Apart from the opportunistic stopover in U Thong, Ban Rai and the province of Uthai Thani was for some time our initial destination and I was happy to explore a new province. Ban Rai district is odd in that is represents about a third of the entire area of the province despite the fact that there are 8 districts in Uthai Thani. Ban Rai in fact occupies the entire south and west of the province. Most visitors would reach Uthai Thani province from Bangkok using the national highway 1 but Ban Rai is much further west requiring us to approach it from the south rather than from the east. From Ban Rai the districts to the north are easily accessible. Coverage of the eastern districts would then naturally follow. Clearly we have a plan to cover the whole province as best we can. As we prepare to leave Ban Rai there is an air of disappointment since the district is not at its best this time of year with a number of attractions closed or not worth visiting through lack of rain. While two days would normally be needed to explore this district, far too much time has been spent avoiding the elements rather than taking advantage of the sights.
Laos Krang’s Cotton Weaving Handicraft Community…….. Before leaving Ban Rai, Katoon wishes to visit another cotton weaving centre just to the east of Ban Rai. Here the community originated from the inheritance of ancient cultures and traditions of the Lao Krang ethnic group that immigrated from Laos 300 years ago. Lao Krang people are proficient in weaving cloth such as silk and cotton Sinh (Laos skirt). The basis of the tradition is the ‘Krang’, an ancient process of dyeing and the skillful assembly of cloth pieces to form intricate patterns that are distinctive to the group. Group weavers produce Sinh skirts and other products for sale in the community centre. The weavers receive most of the income, the centre adding just 10% for merchanting.
In a development while we are at the centre, I dig deep in my pocket and buy a Sinh skirt for Katoon. She would never ask me to pay for one but on important occasions she has borrowed one. Not any more!
Laos Krang’s Cotton Weaving Handicraft Community, Ban Rai, Uthai Thani Province
Still searching……..
As we head north along rural road 3282, I’m on the lookout for more sites to visit but soon realise that those that I do identify en route are similarly affected by the lack of rain. It’s beginning to look like this trip will confine us to only the major sites in this province. As we cross the district border into Huai Khot the first of those appears to the left.
Cyber or Saibor Waterfall…….. The Cyber Waterfall is located some 6 kilometres from the main road. Is this waterfall too affected by the lack of rain? At the entrance to the park there is disappointment. Yes it is closed and I first of all suspect it’s because today May 1 is Labour Day in Thailand. However Katoon explains that this normally does not affect government workers. So why is it closed? Soon a female park official explains that it is due to safely concerns for the public. This is not the first time I’ve come across closure of a park for safety reasons but safety from what. The clue is in the signs on the way to the park entrance, the damaged road safety barriers and to the abundance of animal droppings on the road. Yes there is a wild elephant herd in the area!
Cyber or Saibor Waterfall…….. The Cyber Waterfall is located some 6 kilometres from the main road. Is this waterfall too affected by the lack of rain? At the entrance to the park there is disappointment. Yes it is closed and I first of all suspect it’s because today May 1 is Labour Day in Thailand. However Katoon explains that this normally does not affect government workers. So why is it closed? Soon a female park official explains that it is due to safely concerns for the public. This is not the first time I’ve come across closure of a park for safety reasons but safety from what. The clue is in the signs on the way to the park entrance, the damaged road safety barriers and to the abundance of animal droppings on the road. Yes there is a wild elephant herd in the area!
Cyber Waterfall, Huai Khot District, Uthai Thani Province
In a normal situation I would be required to pay a 200 baht entrance fee but the park official says we can walk a few hundred metres to the first check-point where there is running water but the waterfall is another kilometre away. I suggest that in the dry season the elephants come down further from the hills in search of water. For me this short excursion means that the visit here is not a complete waste of time. But it certainly crosses my mind that I am not as nimble on my feet as I used to be and I don’t have a bike. I declare that this is a ‘not to be rude to elephants day’.
The Cybor Waterfall is part of the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Samorthong Warm Springs…….. Now past midday we head for another key attraction in Huai Khot district. As we approach the Samorthong reservoir it’s clear how bad the current drought is. Approximately half the basin has no water. It’s sad to see but we need to eat and the restaurant on the rim still has to function. We are directed to shelters overlooking the normally full reservoir but the heat is so intense that the fan placed near the table simply delivers a blast of hot air. The meal is pleasant enough but it’s a great relief to get back in the car and air-conditioning.
At least we can drive around the northern rim of reservoir where there is a park and an area beside the lake for people to enjoy the warm spring water. Immersing my feet or any other part of my body in spring water that may be contaminated is not for me these days as it has been identified as a possible cause of cellulitis I’ve suffered from in the past. Further around the rim is the Samothong Dam. The watergate is visible but of little use at the present time. Farmers just have to be patient for their water.
The Cybor Waterfall is part of the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Samorthong Warm Springs…….. Now past midday we head for another key attraction in Huai Khot district. As we approach the Samorthong reservoir it’s clear how bad the current drought is. Approximately half the basin has no water. It’s sad to see but we need to eat and the restaurant on the rim still has to function. We are directed to shelters overlooking the normally full reservoir but the heat is so intense that the fan placed near the table simply delivers a blast of hot air. The meal is pleasant enough but it’s a great relief to get back in the car and air-conditioning.
At least we can drive around the northern rim of reservoir where there is a park and an area beside the lake for people to enjoy the warm spring water. Immersing my feet or any other part of my body in spring water that may be contaminated is not for me these days as it has been identified as a possible cause of cellulitis I’ve suffered from in the past. Further around the rim is the Samothong Dam. The watergate is visible but of little use at the present time. Farmers just have to be patient for their water.
Samorthong Reservoir, Huai Khot District, Uthai Thani Province
Samorthong Warm Spring, Huai Khot District, Uthai Thani Province
Lan Sak……..
Heading further north, we reach Lan Sak district and declare enough is enough. We just have to call it a day due to the temperature now believed to be 38 Celcius. In the town of Lan Sak there are few options for accommodation, just the one I can identify with on Google Map. Katoon proceeds into the town making enquiries but we fall back on the one I identified a couple of kilometres out of town. It just has to be suitable for our needs and thankfully it is.
Banseansook…….. Banseansook meaning ‘happiness’ is modern and although the site is a little cramped, the rooms tick all our boxes and I’m soon asleep in the cooler conditions. Even Katoon, a resolute explorer passes up the opportunity to add a further site visit as the fierce heat of the day starts to subside. Instead she head into town looking for a suitable venue to take dinner. However I’m simply not that hungry although a beer would not be unwelcome. For a pleasant change we end up with street food to take back to the room. Armed with nuggets and chips with that beer, I’m totally OK with that. With not so much activity today my blog is soon up to date. However as I start to plan the coming days, I’m in the same situation as the local people. I’m just praying for rain. Next Page.
Banseansook…….. Banseansook meaning ‘happiness’ is modern and although the site is a little cramped, the rooms tick all our boxes and I’m soon asleep in the cooler conditions. Even Katoon, a resolute explorer passes up the opportunity to add a further site visit as the fierce heat of the day starts to subside. Instead she head into town looking for a suitable venue to take dinner. However I’m simply not that hungry although a beer would not be unwelcome. For a pleasant change we end up with street food to take back to the room. Armed with nuggets and chips with that beer, I’m totally OK with that. With not so much activity today my blog is soon up to date. However as I start to plan the coming days, I’m in the same situation as the local people. I’m just praying for rain. Next Page.
Banseansook, Lan Sak District, Uthai Thani Province