Day 2, Thursday, 12 October - Rayong
Crashing Thunder....... It's no fault of East Inn 15 that I didn't sleep well last night. Trying to get into a comfortable position after my leg injury was difficult. Then there was almost continual thunder that seemed to last most of the night building up to a crescendo just before dawn which was loud enough to awaken the Gods never mind me. I certainly can't remember a more violent thunderstorm even by Thai standards. Trying to get some sleep after that was almost impossible as I turn my attention to what's on the agenda for today. Trying to keep things as relaxed as possible there's no need for an early start but in any case, just when I thought I've seen the last of the thunder and lightning, off it went again at about 10:00am finally allowing some breathing space at 11.00. Regarding my leg injury it's still painful but it seems to have eased off a bit by mid-morning and Hopefully I can still get out on about. However, there is a small matter to take care of first.
Playing Safe....... My selection of Rayong for this tour, I felt, is more appropriate for a honeymoon. Moreover, while I know is province well from visits in the distant past it hasn't received much attention since I began my tour website. Accordingly, I'm prepared to stay in this province for the best part of the week and happy to stay longer at East Inn 15. I am concerned that as it's a long holiday weekend, that means heavier loads on available accommodation. I needn't risk it and decide to book for two more nights to be sure. Incidentally the reason for the long holiday which now begins on Friday, is the anniversary of the death of Bhumibol Aduldej (King Rama IX).
Wat Pa Pradu....... Located not far from Rayong Clock Tower, Wat Pa Pradu is a must-visit temple in Rayong city. This ancient temple was built in the Ayutthaya period and is famous for its 12-metre-long reclining Buddha which has the particularity of being installed head to the right, when in most cases, it's the other way around. The temple was likely abandoned after the fall of Ayutthaya but the image in an old ordination hall was discovered by a monk on pilgrimage. With the help of villagers. he rebuilt the temple on this site. Pa Pradu means, gateway to the forest indicating that the area was once overgrown.
Ko Kloi Floating Market....... Next, we arrive at Ko Kloi Floating Market on Hwy 36 north of the city. This is normally a busy street food market surrounding a small lake but it's not a floating market as such only in name. Arriving just after midday there's little to see; the market won't open till 3.00pm so the possibility of taking lunch here disappears. We fix that by taking something simple on the way to our next destination.
Wat Khao Bot....... Wat Khao Bot is a small temple in Thapma sub-district of Rayong City District. Little is published about this temple but near a splendid new prayer hall is an old hall now derelict, its fabric in too poor a condition to renovate easily.
Khao Bot Viewpoint....... More intriguing is the Khao Bot Viewpoint Located on Khao Bot, a small hill offering views to the west across Rayong and towards Maptaphut. The viewpoint is rather neglected, but it does have nice skywalk views of the countryside.
At this point fatigue is setting in after my uncomfortable night but Katoon is all for pressing on and I just have to run with this after having the reigns yesterday.
Dok Krai Reservoir....... Unfortunately, due to an imprecise GPS setting we arrive on the wrong side of Dok Krai Reservoir but that offers the chance to admire the beautifully landscape area around Dokkai Camp. It's now a 15-minute drive to make it to the opposite side.
Pluak Daeng Development Project....... The Dok Krai Reservoir Royal Project is a substantial and wonderfully landscaped area on the eastern side of the reservoir that was created under the direction of King Rama IX. Presently there is work being undertaken to prepare for the 7th anniversary of his death. The late King was an advocate of land sustainability, and he created many projects such as this. The project area consists of several of attractions around the reservoir including a memorial bridge. So far, I'm managing to cope with my injured leg however lethargically and must persevere when Katoon selects another attraction. I'm now resigned to having to forego an afternoon's rest back at the hotel.
Wat Lahan Rai....... Amazing Thailand states that Wat Lahan Rai was constructed in 1811 by Luangpho Sangthao, then Deputy Abbot of the temple. Primarily, a monk’s residence was built, and he stayed there during the Buddhist Lent period. Having noticed that there was a monk staying there, people who came from farms nearby regularly took alms to offer to him. As there were an increasing number of monks coming to stay at this temple, an image hall plus monks' residence building was constructed. The temple was previously named 'Wat Rai Wari' and later changed to 'Wat Lahan Rai'. Luangpho Sangthao was the first abbot. A most revered monk master at this temple was Luangpu Thim Itsariko. His large image was built in the open for Buddhists to pay their respects.
Rayong River Estuary....... At 5:00pm we're back in Rayong and I figure it is good if we head for the coast for an early dinner while the sunsets. Then we can be back in the room early too. The Rayong River Estuary accommodates a large fishing fleet and provides a good photo opportunity.
Laem Charoen Beach....... Dividing the estuary from the sea here is a beach known as Laem Charoen Beach, an area of coastline I've never been to before. It's quite busy, a long coastal strip with catering and leisure activities in an area hardly known to foreign travellers. We pick a quiet spot on the beach to take dinner. It's perfect under the circumstances to dine with the setting sun as the backdrop. Of course, it must be seafood on the beach and after that I can return to our accommodation not for the rest I thought I would have, but to write my notes after an unexpectedly busy day.
Next Page.
Crashing Thunder....... It's no fault of East Inn 15 that I didn't sleep well last night. Trying to get into a comfortable position after my leg injury was difficult. Then there was almost continual thunder that seemed to last most of the night building up to a crescendo just before dawn which was loud enough to awaken the Gods never mind me. I certainly can't remember a more violent thunderstorm even by Thai standards. Trying to get some sleep after that was almost impossible as I turn my attention to what's on the agenda for today. Trying to keep things as relaxed as possible there's no need for an early start but in any case, just when I thought I've seen the last of the thunder and lightning, off it went again at about 10:00am finally allowing some breathing space at 11.00. Regarding my leg injury it's still painful but it seems to have eased off a bit by mid-morning and Hopefully I can still get out on about. However, there is a small matter to take care of first.
Playing Safe....... My selection of Rayong for this tour, I felt, is more appropriate for a honeymoon. Moreover, while I know is province well from visits in the distant past it hasn't received much attention since I began my tour website. Accordingly, I'm prepared to stay in this province for the best part of the week and happy to stay longer at East Inn 15. I am concerned that as it's a long holiday weekend, that means heavier loads on available accommodation. I needn't risk it and decide to book for two more nights to be sure. Incidentally the reason for the long holiday which now begins on Friday, is the anniversary of the death of Bhumibol Aduldej (King Rama IX).
Wat Pa Pradu....... Located not far from Rayong Clock Tower, Wat Pa Pradu is a must-visit temple in Rayong city. This ancient temple was built in the Ayutthaya period and is famous for its 12-metre-long reclining Buddha which has the particularity of being installed head to the right, when in most cases, it's the other way around. The temple was likely abandoned after the fall of Ayutthaya but the image in an old ordination hall was discovered by a monk on pilgrimage. With the help of villagers. he rebuilt the temple on this site. Pa Pradu means, gateway to the forest indicating that the area was once overgrown.
Ko Kloi Floating Market....... Next, we arrive at Ko Kloi Floating Market on Hwy 36 north of the city. This is normally a busy street food market surrounding a small lake but it's not a floating market as such only in name. Arriving just after midday there's little to see; the market won't open till 3.00pm so the possibility of taking lunch here disappears. We fix that by taking something simple on the way to our next destination.
Wat Khao Bot....... Wat Khao Bot is a small temple in Thapma sub-district of Rayong City District. Little is published about this temple but near a splendid new prayer hall is an old hall now derelict, its fabric in too poor a condition to renovate easily.
Khao Bot Viewpoint....... More intriguing is the Khao Bot Viewpoint Located on Khao Bot, a small hill offering views to the west across Rayong and towards Maptaphut. The viewpoint is rather neglected, but it does have nice skywalk views of the countryside.
At this point fatigue is setting in after my uncomfortable night but Katoon is all for pressing on and I just have to run with this after having the reigns yesterday.
Dok Krai Reservoir....... Unfortunately, due to an imprecise GPS setting we arrive on the wrong side of Dok Krai Reservoir but that offers the chance to admire the beautifully landscape area around Dokkai Camp. It's now a 15-minute drive to make it to the opposite side.
Pluak Daeng Development Project....... The Dok Krai Reservoir Royal Project is a substantial and wonderfully landscaped area on the eastern side of the reservoir that was created under the direction of King Rama IX. Presently there is work being undertaken to prepare for the 7th anniversary of his death. The late King was an advocate of land sustainability, and he created many projects such as this. The project area consists of several of attractions around the reservoir including a memorial bridge. So far, I'm managing to cope with my injured leg however lethargically and must persevere when Katoon selects another attraction. I'm now resigned to having to forego an afternoon's rest back at the hotel.
Wat Lahan Rai....... Amazing Thailand states that Wat Lahan Rai was constructed in 1811 by Luangpho Sangthao, then Deputy Abbot of the temple. Primarily, a monk’s residence was built, and he stayed there during the Buddhist Lent period. Having noticed that there was a monk staying there, people who came from farms nearby regularly took alms to offer to him. As there were an increasing number of monks coming to stay at this temple, an image hall plus monks' residence building was constructed. The temple was previously named 'Wat Rai Wari' and later changed to 'Wat Lahan Rai'. Luangpho Sangthao was the first abbot. A most revered monk master at this temple was Luangpu Thim Itsariko. His large image was built in the open for Buddhists to pay their respects.
Rayong River Estuary....... At 5:00pm we're back in Rayong and I figure it is good if we head for the coast for an early dinner while the sunsets. Then we can be back in the room early too. The Rayong River Estuary accommodates a large fishing fleet and provides a good photo opportunity.
Laem Charoen Beach....... Dividing the estuary from the sea here is a beach known as Laem Charoen Beach, an area of coastline I've never been to before. It's quite busy, a long coastal strip with catering and leisure activities in an area hardly known to foreign travellers. We pick a quiet spot on the beach to take dinner. It's perfect under the circumstances to dine with the setting sun as the backdrop. Of course, it must be seafood on the beach and after that I can return to our accommodation not for the rest I thought I would have, but to write my notes after an unexpectedly busy day.
Next Page.
Rayong Province
Wat Pa Pradu, Nai Mueang Rayong
Ko Kloi Floating Market, Nai Mueang Rayong
Wat Khao Bot, Thapma,
Mueang Rayong District
Wat Khao Bot Viewpoint, Thapma,
Mueang Rayong District
Dok Krai Reservoir, Dok Krai Camp, Phananikhom, Nikhom Phatthana District
Pluak Daeng Development Project, Mae Nam Khu,
Pluak Daeng District
Farm Life, Mae Nam Khu,
Pluak Daeng District
Wat Lahan Rai, Nong Lalok, Ban Khai District
Rayong River Estuary, Pak Nam,
Mueang Rayong District
Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine, Pak Nam,
Mueang Rayong District
Laem Charoen Beach, Pak Nam,
Mueang Rayong District