Day 9, Wednesday 20 February
Feeling the Heat?…….. Waking this morning, predictably my cough has developed. However, I did manage to sleep albeit with some interruption. As things stand the condition is not bad enough to cancel any plans for moving on today especially with Katoon feeling better now. As long as she can drive, we should be ok.
Although our journey today is not that ambitious, about 4 hours driving without stops, it will put us at the maximum range driving out of Bangkok. When I venture outside to load our luggage into the car, doubts creep in once more. It's very hot outside causing a burning sensation on my face. Perhaps the temperature is normal, it's just that I'm feeling it more. However, once in the car with air conditioning, I feel I can cope.
We set off heading for Krabi but already Katoon has visitor attractions in mind. I’ve mixed views on this but at worst I can stay in the car. The first location involves a turning off Petkasem Road heading for Surat Thani.
Wat Bang Thong.…….. Wat Bang Thong will require a detour that will delay us about 45 minutes. Reaching it, I classify this temple as a new build in the fashion that is restricted only by the imagination of the religious architect and the availability of cash. Remember that everything that glitters has a special meaning for Buddhist believers meeting their spiritual need. Perhaps I'm not surprised to see such an ornate structure here as such an extravagance is not that common in southern Thailand. Despite my reservations, I decide to investigate but when Katoon declares that we've been here before, I really don't recognize it. Then the penny drops when I realise where we are. Yes, now I remember because on a previous trip to Phang Nga we returned this way on the way back. All I can say is what a transformation. When I was here last it was in the earlier stages of construction. Wat Bang Thong in the compound of Wat Mahathat Wachiramonkhol is built the the Putthakaya style, a mixture of Thai and Hindu.
At the entrance to the inner compound, I pause. I accept that this has become a popular attraction for visitors with a good number of foreigners arriving by passenger van from Krabi. Did they have in mind when they were raising funds for the project that foreigners would have to contribute? The 50 baht fee is, of course, probably similar to what Thais pay to make merit. However, I let Katoon contribute on this occasion. It's just so hot and I need a comfort break. There is simply no historical significance that I can tell that cultivates my imagination.
Ao Luek Viewpoint.…….. It's clear from views of Phang Nga Bay so far, there is outstanding scenery here. Ao Luek is a smaller bay on the eastern part of Phang Nga Bay which lies within Krabi province. I believe it's too good an opportunity to miss and should delay us around 30 minutes. Heading for the viewpoint, it's clear this location has not been opened to commercial tourism. According to Google Map though, there may be a short walk. Thankfully, although the road turns into just a track, there is adequate vehicle access. At the viewpoint there is just one solitary restaurant beside the incredible views of Ao Luek. This is a little gem for sure.
Returning to the main highway, I really can't afford any more stops despite ample opportunity. Nevertheless, Katoon feels hungry now and I just have to bite the bullet and accept more delay. Resetting the trip planner, we now don't expect to arrive at our destination much before 5pm. At least I manage some sleep which removes some discomfort. The journey now takes us towards Trang, a city we can bypass. From here we cross the impressive Khao Pu Khao Ya National Park and are soon on the outskirts of Phatthalung from where I hope we will not need to travel much further. The process of finding suggested accommodation now begins but we reject the first for being too cosmetic over practical.
Holiday Hotel.…….. Holiday Hotel within the city is certainly not new but has some character. It seems to meet our needs for the moment. The rooms are spacious but dated with the bathroom small. However, price is the attraction at 550 baht. With both of us off still off our food we stay in the room. I can only hope for a peaceful night.
Next Page.
Feeling the Heat?…….. Waking this morning, predictably my cough has developed. However, I did manage to sleep albeit with some interruption. As things stand the condition is not bad enough to cancel any plans for moving on today especially with Katoon feeling better now. As long as she can drive, we should be ok.
Although our journey today is not that ambitious, about 4 hours driving without stops, it will put us at the maximum range driving out of Bangkok. When I venture outside to load our luggage into the car, doubts creep in once more. It's very hot outside causing a burning sensation on my face. Perhaps the temperature is normal, it's just that I'm feeling it more. However, once in the car with air conditioning, I feel I can cope.
We set off heading for Krabi but already Katoon has visitor attractions in mind. I’ve mixed views on this but at worst I can stay in the car. The first location involves a turning off Petkasem Road heading for Surat Thani.
Wat Bang Thong.…….. Wat Bang Thong will require a detour that will delay us about 45 minutes. Reaching it, I classify this temple as a new build in the fashion that is restricted only by the imagination of the religious architect and the availability of cash. Remember that everything that glitters has a special meaning for Buddhist believers meeting their spiritual need. Perhaps I'm not surprised to see such an ornate structure here as such an extravagance is not that common in southern Thailand. Despite my reservations, I decide to investigate but when Katoon declares that we've been here before, I really don't recognize it. Then the penny drops when I realise where we are. Yes, now I remember because on a previous trip to Phang Nga we returned this way on the way back. All I can say is what a transformation. When I was here last it was in the earlier stages of construction. Wat Bang Thong in the compound of Wat Mahathat Wachiramonkhol is built the the Putthakaya style, a mixture of Thai and Hindu.
At the entrance to the inner compound, I pause. I accept that this has become a popular attraction for visitors with a good number of foreigners arriving by passenger van from Krabi. Did they have in mind when they were raising funds for the project that foreigners would have to contribute? The 50 baht fee is, of course, probably similar to what Thais pay to make merit. However, I let Katoon contribute on this occasion. It's just so hot and I need a comfort break. There is simply no historical significance that I can tell that cultivates my imagination.
Ao Luek Viewpoint.…….. It's clear from views of Phang Nga Bay so far, there is outstanding scenery here. Ao Luek is a smaller bay on the eastern part of Phang Nga Bay which lies within Krabi province. I believe it's too good an opportunity to miss and should delay us around 30 minutes. Heading for the viewpoint, it's clear this location has not been opened to commercial tourism. According to Google Map though, there may be a short walk. Thankfully, although the road turns into just a track, there is adequate vehicle access. At the viewpoint there is just one solitary restaurant beside the incredible views of Ao Luek. This is a little gem for sure.
Returning to the main highway, I really can't afford any more stops despite ample opportunity. Nevertheless, Katoon feels hungry now and I just have to bite the bullet and accept more delay. Resetting the trip planner, we now don't expect to arrive at our destination much before 5pm. At least I manage some sleep which removes some discomfort. The journey now takes us towards Trang, a city we can bypass. From here we cross the impressive Khao Pu Khao Ya National Park and are soon on the outskirts of Phatthalung from where I hope we will not need to travel much further. The process of finding suggested accommodation now begins but we reject the first for being too cosmetic over practical.
Holiday Hotel.…….. Holiday Hotel within the city is certainly not new but has some character. It seems to meet our needs for the moment. The rooms are spacious but dated with the bathroom small. However, price is the attraction at 550 baht. With both of us off still off our food we stay in the room. I can only hope for a peaceful night.
Next Page.
Wat Mahathat Wachiramonkhol
