Greetings, esteemed readers, once again. We have finally reached the last post, but not the final one from me. Consider this a continuation of the post GOOD MORNING CHONBURI This Morning in Chonburi, as the stories will flow seamlessly together.

After spending a year and a bit driving around with my wife every Saturday and Sunday to take photos, some people might call what we do "traveling." Looking back to a year ago, on my first day here, I had all these plans in my mind. I wanted to go to the sea, the mountains, and all sorts of other places. I even made a long list of places to visit in my notebook. If things had gone according to my plan and what I wrote in my notebook, this story of mine would have been a super romantic love story, sweet from beginning to end. In reality, even the most romantic love stories have their share of drama between the hero and heroine. My life here has been nothing like I imagined. Yes, even in my notebook.

My film is a "drama thriller". We forgot that we came here to work, not to travel. Of course, most of the time we have to focus on work. My wife goes early in the morning and I go late at night. We have to put our dreams on hold and do what's important first. At the same time, my old habits started to kick in, but I was suppressed from being distracted by something called the future. And it worked for me. We do the same thing every day, to the point where I sometimes ask myself if this is the end of my life as an adventurer. Well, if I had to deal with this feeling every day, I would probably go crazy. In fact, it's not that sad. It's just a phase where my homesickness is acting up. There's probably no cure for this disease, except that you have to have friends and a job. Friends and work are the best medicine for this disease. Haha. And the beginning of this unforgettable journey has just begun. ^ ^

This section may tone down the travel review aspect, but I will include the neighboring provinces of Rayong and Chanthaburi. I will provide details about these places under the pictures. ^ ^ As for in-depth details, I will keep them as a surprise, waiting for the readers to experience them for themselves. ^ ^ Actually, I could post them in this thread, but it would be very long. Since I am in the process of moving to a new workplace, I apologize for this.

Khao Khitchakut

A Journey's Beginning: A Year in Chanthaburi

My year-long journey commences in Chanthaburi, the "City of Fruits," nestled amidst picturesque mountains. This enchanting locale holds a special place in my heart, and I vowed to return one day.

This may not be a full-fledged photography trip, as I did not prepare any equipment for recording images. I only had my trusty Fujifilm XE-1 camera. The first location I'm sharing with you is...

Khao Khitchakut National Park, also known as "Khao Khitchakut," is a sacred place that unites hundreds of thousands of Buddhists. It is home to the revered Phra Bat Phluang, or the "Floating Footprint of the Buddha," which measures 1 meter wide and 2 meters long. The footprint is located on the summit of Khao Khitchakut.

We embarked on our journey on a Friday night around 8:00 PM. Prior to our departure, I had conducted research on Google and discovered that the beginning of the month is a popular time for people to visit the temple. Some individuals arrive as early as morning, and it can take them until almost 1:00 PM to reach the summit. Since we were already on our way, we decided to go that evening. I estimated that we would arrive around 5:00 AM, which would be a good time to avoid the heat. We followed Highway 36 straight ahead (without any turns) as we were unfamiliar with the route and relied on GPS for navigation. I set the starting point as my current location, the Khao Nam Rai Intersection in Nikhom Phatthana District, and the destination as Khao Khitchakut Temple in Khao Khitchakut District, Chanthaburi Province.


A Balancing Rock on a Floating Mountain

The text describes a peculiar rock formation resembling an overturned alms bowl, perched atop a seemingly floating mountain. This rock possesses a unique characteristic: a thin thread or rope can be passed through it without obstruction.

The narrator recounts hearing this information from an elderly woman who accompanied them on their visit. They haven't personally verified the claim due to the large number of people present that day.

This will make you see more than the word "belief" is "faith".

Haad Look Lom

After visiting the temple, we headed straight to the beach. This was one of my first trips, and we started at "Haad Look Lom" on Ko Samae San, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. We took a boat from the mainland to Ko Samae San and then a big truck to the beach. I remember there were four of us, and we were so excited. The seawater here was stunning, crystal clear, just like the saying "indigo sea." It was my first time seeing it, haha.

Khao Laem Ya National Park

Approximately 70 kilometers from Hat Luk Lom lies another location that holds a special place in my heart: Khao Laem Ya National Park, Koh Samet, Rayong Province. This popular spot attracts everyone from pre-wedding photographers to hipsters, all seeking to capture memories in this stunning location. I love this place because of the refreshing breeze, and if you're feeling energetic, I recommend walking along the eastern bridge (or is it?) to the top of the hill. There, you'll be greeted by a breathtaking view of a golden savanna-like meadow. Imagine yourself as a carefree young girl, running through the field during the winter. Just the thought of it makes me eager to explore!


"Golden Field of Po Rong"

Hipsters, rejoice! A hidden gem awaits: The Golden Mangrove Forest.

Nestled within the heart of the Rayong community, the Golden Mangrove Forest, also known as "Thung Porong Thong," offers a haven for nature enthusiasts and hipsters alike. Spanning over 6,000 acres, this conservation area boasts a diverse ecosystem of mangrove trees, seagrass meadows, and various marine life.

Why it's perfect for hipsters:

  • Off the beaten path: Escape the crowds and discover a hidden gem that's not yet overrun by tourists.
  • Eco-conscious: Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and learn about the importance of mangrove conservation.
  • Instagram-worthy: Capture stunning photos of the golden sunlight filtering through the mangrove trees.
  • Relaxing atmosphere: Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the forest, listen to the birdsong, and breathe in the fresh air.

Tips for your visit:

  • Early mornings and evenings are the best times to visit: Avoid the midday sun, which can be quite intense.
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat: Protect yourself from the sun's rays.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking.
  • Respect the environment: Leave no trace and avoid disturbing the wildlife.

The Golden Mangrove Forest is a perfect destination for anyone seeking a unique and enriching experience. So, grab your camera, pack your picnic basket, and head to Rayong for an unforgettable adventure!

Bonus picture of the housekeeper ^ ^ I named this trip Le-Tuk

Brookside Valley Resort

Rayong: More Than Just Beaches

While Rayong is renowned for its stunning beaches, it also boasts breathtaking mountainous landscapes. Nestled amidst these verdant hills lies Brookside Valley Resort, a haven of tranquility located in Tambon Samnak Thong, Mueang Rayong District.

If you seek a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle, Brookside Valley Resort is the perfect destination. Whether you're a small family or a large group, the resort offers a plethora of amenities to cater to your every need.

From exciting playgrounds for children to romantic nooks for couples and teenagers, Brookside Valley Resort has something for everyone. In fact, I might not have discovered this hidden gem had I not stumbled upon an article in our company's weekly newsletter while enjoying a snack in the break room. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly insignificant documents like company newsletters can hold unexpected treasures.

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Herb Garden

The Princess Mother's Herbal Garden: A Place of Learning and Tranquility

The Princess Mother's Herbal Garden, under the care of PTT Public Company Limited, serves as a vibrant educational space dedicated to exploring the world of Thai herbs. With over 20,000 plants representing 260 species, the garden offers a unique opportunity to learn about the medicinal properties of these plants, categorized according to their traditional uses in ancient Thai medicine.

Open to the public, the garden provides a haven for relaxation and knowledge acquisition. Visitors can explore two main areas:

  • The 50th Anniversary Commemorative Building: This building houses conference rooms and an exhibition showcasing the rich history and uses of Thai herbs.
  • The Outdoor Garden: This expansive space allows visitors to immerse themselves in the diverse world of medicinal plants, organized according to their therapeutic properties.

The Princess Mother's Herbal Garden is not just a repository of plants; it is a living classroom where visitors can engage with the wonders of Thai herbal medicine.

If you ask me where I go most often, I would say it's here. This is a place where people can cycle, exercise, and even relax. It's also the closest place to my accommodation. I can get here in less than an hour by motorbike with my housekeeper. And for Thai football fans, PTT FC, you shouldn't miss this place.

Laem Chabang

The final stop of my year-long trip was Laem Chabang, which the locals call "The End of Love at Laem Chabang." It was probably the last stop of this trip because we were about to move house and I would be busy with other things. I intended to go and photograph the dinosaur rocks that everyone was talking about, but when I got there, I could only look around, not daring to go through the dense forest, especially since I was wearing jeans. 555+

Having captured enough photos of the surroundings, I invited the housekeeper to return to the car, fearing that Ja-Jo would be naughty and climb into the car (Ja-Jo, as mentioned above ^ ^).

The housekeeper is communicating with the little cat. ^ ^

Missing the sea ^ ^

Memories of the adorable monkeys before leaving. ^ ^ They are actually quite well-behaved, not mischievous, and easy to talk to. Unlike some other places I've been, where monkeys would hang upside down and rappel down to snatch things from us like ninjas! 555 But here, they are easy to reason with. If you don't give them anything, they just make cute faces. 555 Oh, and some of them even know how to bow! ^ ^

As the evening descends, people begin to gather on the rocky outcrops, claiming their spots. My housekeeper, who has a fear of the dark, usually insists on returning to our room as soon as the sun starts to set. However, on this occasion, we are in no hurry. We purchase sweet treats and meatballs from a passing vendor and settle down to eat as the sun dips below the horizon.

In conclusion, I have no better words than "thank you." Thank you to all of you who have given me this opportunity. Thank you for your kindness and friendship. If there is a good opportunity, we will meet again.

Thank you very much.

Equipment used to capture memories:

  • Wife (1): Having one wife is manageable, but two might lead to a bloody head! 😜
  • Car (1): A 2014 Toyota Yaris.
  • Cameras: Nikon D90, D610, and Fujifilm XE-1.
  • Lenses: Sigma 10-20 f4/5.6, Sigma 70-200, Kaxinda 28mm, 50-230 XC, Fujian 35mm, and ND400.

Please add a little more.

For those who haven't read the first part yet, here's the link: https://th.readme.me/p/4508
 If you have any questions about the trip, please feel free to ask me. https://www.facebook.com/Suiy.Kee.King

#khao khitchakut
Comments