Day 3, Sunday 2 April - Yasothon
Unfortunate....... Even though we can have a room on the ground floor tonight instead of having to climb the stairs, for reasons I mentioned in yesterday's blog, we do not wish to stay here a second night. It's quite a pity because the rooms are quite nice and so reasonably priced at 500 baht.
Today is all about exploring this new province as I work through a list with information kindly provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Wat Maha That....... Wat Maha That is one of the most important Temples of the province, located in the city. The most important religious structures here include an ancient square stupa (chedi) named Phra That Yasothon (also known as Phra That Anon) with a spire mimicking that of Phra That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom province. Laotian-style architecture, popular in the late Ayutthaya period and early Rattanakosin period, can be seen here. The ancient chedi is said to house the relics of Phra Anon, a state minister from Si Sattana Khanahut (Vientiane) who brought settlers to the area centuries ago.
Ban Singha Old Town....... Ban Khum Singha Tha is an old area appearing in the city's historic records. There are still old buildings with exquisite shapes and form, which are well-conserved for cultural tourism. The Old Town also houses the City Pillar Shrine. Yasothon Province can be dated back to Dvaravati Period. It was recorded in the annals that Phrachao Ratcha Wongsa (Phra Wor), the former minister of Vientiane, Thao Na, Thao Kam Phong, Thao Thit Phrom, Thao Mum, together with their people, immigrated to stay with Chao Nakhon Champasak. When they arrived at Dong Phi Singh, they found it was a suitable location for a new settlement.
Singh Tha Yasothon Museum....... Singh Tha Yasothon Museum is in a colonial style building in the historic neighbourhood of the old city. I'm sure it contains some interesting local information associated with trade and custom but unfortunately at the time of our visit, it's closed.
Wat Si Thammaram....... Wat Sri Thammaram had various previous names; Wat Tha Chi, Wat Nok, Wat Tha Kheak and was first built around 1852 during the reign of King Rama IV. The temple was built on a former prison/execution site and was built by a former governor as a memorial to his son who lost his life here.
Sing Tha Temple....... Sing Tha Temple was built in 1781 on the site of an older temple at a time of strong French colonial influence. A statue of the Buddha in Subduing Mara posture was found here, repaired and enshrined in the temple. It is in traditional Isan architectural style. Moving on we locate Yasothon clock tower before returning to the Phaya Khan Khok Museum. This time in daylight.
Wiman Phaya Taen (Phaya Naga Museum)....... The Phaya Naga Museum next to the Phaya Khan Khok Museum is in the shape of a Naga or serpent. It relates the tale of the conflict with Phaya Thaen who sought to deny the right of creatures to live in harmony. There is also biological data here relating to snakes found in Thailand.
Phaya Khan Khok Museum....... The Phaya Khan Khok Museum is situated by the Lam Thuan Reservoir. It is a 5-storey giant-toad shaped building. Inside the building is an exhibition, tells the story of the fight between Phaya Khan Khok (giant toad) and Phaya Thaen (God of Isan) that later became an origin of the Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai). There is also biological data on species of toads and Hit Sip Song (twelve Isan merit-making traditions). Visitors can enjoy the view of the city, as well as the Thuan River from the mouth of the Giant Toad.
Opportunistic....... After an interesting insight into local custom and tradition however mythical, we need to deal with reality an find new accommodation. Skirting the Chiam Lake brings no results and we find ourselves more or less back where we started and stumble on Noble Place. This is an occasion which shows up the limitations of searching online. The main advertisement is via the signboard in the street. When all is said and done, this two story apartment building is modern and just what we need right now. With accommodation secured we can continue exploring further out of town.
Phrathat Kong Khao Noi.......Phra That Kong Khao Noi at Tat Thong is an ancient stupa or Chedi, a structure that enshrines holy Buddhist relics. Built during the 18th century in the late Ayutthaya period, the small, square brick pagoda has a distinctive spire. The middle part of the structure is ornamented with decorative doors on all four sides. A brick wall surrounds the pagoda. A sacred Buddha image is also located behind the pagoda. Legend has it that it was built by a young farmer who was repentant after murdering his mother after a disagreement over his lunchbox.
A signboard at Phrathat Kong Khao Noi gives information about Phrathat Tad Thong as a place used by monks on pilgrimage to Phra That Phanom.
Dong Muang Toei....... Our next visit is to Dong Muang Toei which is an ancient monument and archaeological site near Song Pueai in Kham Khuean Kaeo district. Excavations have revealed that human activity here can be traced back for 2,500 years. It was an important town in the Dvaravati period concentrating on pottery production and smelting. After being a Hindu community, it converted to Buddhism in more recent times. Due to the considerable number of finds at this site there should be a small museum built here but while not enough funding is available these artifacts are stored in custody of the adjacent temple.
The site was registered as an ancient monument in the Royal Gazette, 10 May 2004.
Phra That Ku Chan....... Ku Chan is an ancient pagoda similar to Phra That Phanom (in Nakhon Phanom province). It is believed to be contemporaneous with the latter, built during the 16th century by a Laotian king. Ku Chan is located at Ban Ngio village, Tambon Ku Chan, approximately 12 kilometres from Kham Khuen Kaeo.
Ku Ban Ngiu....... Ku Ban Ngiu is a monument in poor condition, appearing to be a Khmer sanctuary. No information has been found for this site so one for archaeologists in the future it seems.
Inviting....... Throughout today we've noticed a bit more activity in Yasothon City including a street market. However, after returning to Noble Place, we head out on foot thinking this is not that far away but end up instead at a local restaurant which looks quite inviting the proves relatively cheap. After today's adventures it won't be necessary to stay in the city for a third night.
Next Page.
Unfortunate....... Even though we can have a room on the ground floor tonight instead of having to climb the stairs, for reasons I mentioned in yesterday's blog, we do not wish to stay here a second night. It's quite a pity because the rooms are quite nice and so reasonably priced at 500 baht.
Today is all about exploring this new province as I work through a list with information kindly provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Wat Maha That....... Wat Maha That is one of the most important Temples of the province, located in the city. The most important religious structures here include an ancient square stupa (chedi) named Phra That Yasothon (also known as Phra That Anon) with a spire mimicking that of Phra That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom province. Laotian-style architecture, popular in the late Ayutthaya period and early Rattanakosin period, can be seen here. The ancient chedi is said to house the relics of Phra Anon, a state minister from Si Sattana Khanahut (Vientiane) who brought settlers to the area centuries ago.
Ban Singha Old Town....... Ban Khum Singha Tha is an old area appearing in the city's historic records. There are still old buildings with exquisite shapes and form, which are well-conserved for cultural tourism. The Old Town also houses the City Pillar Shrine. Yasothon Province can be dated back to Dvaravati Period. It was recorded in the annals that Phrachao Ratcha Wongsa (Phra Wor), the former minister of Vientiane, Thao Na, Thao Kam Phong, Thao Thit Phrom, Thao Mum, together with their people, immigrated to stay with Chao Nakhon Champasak. When they arrived at Dong Phi Singh, they found it was a suitable location for a new settlement.
Singh Tha Yasothon Museum....... Singh Tha Yasothon Museum is in a colonial style building in the historic neighbourhood of the old city. I'm sure it contains some interesting local information associated with trade and custom but unfortunately at the time of our visit, it's closed.
Wat Si Thammaram....... Wat Sri Thammaram had various previous names; Wat Tha Chi, Wat Nok, Wat Tha Kheak and was first built around 1852 during the reign of King Rama IV. The temple was built on a former prison/execution site and was built by a former governor as a memorial to his son who lost his life here.
Sing Tha Temple....... Sing Tha Temple was built in 1781 on the site of an older temple at a time of strong French colonial influence. A statue of the Buddha in Subduing Mara posture was found here, repaired and enshrined in the temple. It is in traditional Isan architectural style. Moving on we locate Yasothon clock tower before returning to the Phaya Khan Khok Museum. This time in daylight.
Wiman Phaya Taen (Phaya Naga Museum)....... The Phaya Naga Museum next to the Phaya Khan Khok Museum is in the shape of a Naga or serpent. It relates the tale of the conflict with Phaya Thaen who sought to deny the right of creatures to live in harmony. There is also biological data here relating to snakes found in Thailand.
Phaya Khan Khok Museum....... The Phaya Khan Khok Museum is situated by the Lam Thuan Reservoir. It is a 5-storey giant-toad shaped building. Inside the building is an exhibition, tells the story of the fight between Phaya Khan Khok (giant toad) and Phaya Thaen (God of Isan) that later became an origin of the Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai). There is also biological data on species of toads and Hit Sip Song (twelve Isan merit-making traditions). Visitors can enjoy the view of the city, as well as the Thuan River from the mouth of the Giant Toad.
Opportunistic....... After an interesting insight into local custom and tradition however mythical, we need to deal with reality an find new accommodation. Skirting the Chiam Lake brings no results and we find ourselves more or less back where we started and stumble on Noble Place. This is an occasion which shows up the limitations of searching online. The main advertisement is via the signboard in the street. When all is said and done, this two story apartment building is modern and just what we need right now. With accommodation secured we can continue exploring further out of town.
Phrathat Kong Khao Noi.......Phra That Kong Khao Noi at Tat Thong is an ancient stupa or Chedi, a structure that enshrines holy Buddhist relics. Built during the 18th century in the late Ayutthaya period, the small, square brick pagoda has a distinctive spire. The middle part of the structure is ornamented with decorative doors on all four sides. A brick wall surrounds the pagoda. A sacred Buddha image is also located behind the pagoda. Legend has it that it was built by a young farmer who was repentant after murdering his mother after a disagreement over his lunchbox.
A signboard at Phrathat Kong Khao Noi gives information about Phrathat Tad Thong as a place used by monks on pilgrimage to Phra That Phanom.
Dong Muang Toei....... Our next visit is to Dong Muang Toei which is an ancient monument and archaeological site near Song Pueai in Kham Khuean Kaeo district. Excavations have revealed that human activity here can be traced back for 2,500 years. It was an important town in the Dvaravati period concentrating on pottery production and smelting. After being a Hindu community, it converted to Buddhism in more recent times. Due to the considerable number of finds at this site there should be a small museum built here but while not enough funding is available these artifacts are stored in custody of the adjacent temple.
The site was registered as an ancient monument in the Royal Gazette, 10 May 2004.
Phra That Ku Chan....... Ku Chan is an ancient pagoda similar to Phra That Phanom (in Nakhon Phanom province). It is believed to be contemporaneous with the latter, built during the 16th century by a Laotian king. Ku Chan is located at Ban Ngio village, Tambon Ku Chan, approximately 12 kilometres from Kham Khuen Kaeo.
Ku Ban Ngiu....... Ku Ban Ngiu is a monument in poor condition, appearing to be a Khmer sanctuary. No information has been found for this site so one for archaeologists in the future it seems.
Inviting....... Throughout today we've noticed a bit more activity in Yasothon City including a street market. However, after returning to Noble Place, we head out on foot thinking this is not that far away but end up instead at a local restaurant which looks quite inviting the proves relatively cheap. After today's adventures it won't be necessary to stay in the city for a third night.
Next Page.
Yasothon
Wat Maha That, Mueang Yasothon
Ban Singha Old Town, Mueang Yasothon
Singh Tha Yasothon Museum,
Mueang Yasothon
City Pillar Shrine (San Lak Mueang),
Mueang Yasothon
Wat Si Thammaram, Mueang Yasothon
Sing Tha Pagoda, Mueang Yasothon
Yasothon City Attractions, Mueang Yasothon
Wiman Phaya Taen (Phaya Naga Museum), Mueang Yasothon
Lam Thuan Lake, Mueang Yasothon
Phaya Khan Khok Museum,
Mueang Yasothon
Phrathat Kong Khao Noi, Tat Thong,
Mueang Yasothon District
Dong Muang Toei Archaeological Site,
Song Pueai, Kham Khuean Kaeo District
Dong Muang Toei Museum,
Song Pueai, Kham Khuean Kaeo District
Phra That Ku Chan, Ku Chan,
Kham Khuean Kaeo District
Ku Ban Ngiu, Ku Chan,
Kham Khuean Kaeo District
Chin&Chom Fish Farm E-San Restaurant, 193/195 Wareeratchadet Rd,
Nai Mueang, Yasothon