Readme before you journey
Hello Read Me readers, we meet again as usual.
After exploring the forests, mountains, and cycling,
I had the idea that hey... I have a Vespa 125 cc that I drive to work every day.
So I wanted to try driving it on a trip from Bangkok to another province.
Because I've had this bike for almost a year now, but I've never taken it on a trip.
So I looked at provinces near Bangkok because I didn't want to go too far.
Since I was driving myself with just my girlfriend, I thought I'd choose to go here.
Because I was planning to visit my mother who lives here, which is "Lopburi".
But since I've been to Lopburi many times, there are very few tourist attractions left.
I've been to every place, but then I remembered that there's one more place I haven't been to and it's very interesting.
That is
"Khao Wong Phrachan"
Khao Wong Phra Chan: A Majestic Mountain in Lopburi
Khao Wong Phra Chan, located within the grounds of Wat Khao Wong Phra Chan in Huai Pong Subdistrict, Khok Samrong District, Lopburi Province, stands as the highest peak in the province, towering approximately 650 meters above sea level. Situated roughly 28 kilometers from Lopburi city center, this majestic mountain beckons visitors with its challenging yet rewarding ascent.
Reaching the summit of Khao Wong Phra Chan requires traversing a series of steps, with an initial climb of 3,790 steps (spanning 1,680 meters) followed by an optional additional 180 steps. In total, the arduous climb encompasses no less than 4,000 steps, testing the endurance and determination of those who embark on this pilgrimage.
My travel plan for this trip is to leave on Saturday morning and return on Sunday evening. I will stay overnight in Lopburi city for one night to avoid fatigue. Another reason is that I want to visit the sunflower field at Khao Chin Lae.
I left Bangkok around 8:30 AM. I set the Google Map pin to Phra Kan Shrine because it's easy. 555+ I will drive on the Asian Highway and then cut into Tha Wung because I have driven on this route before and it's fast and easy.
Mileage before departure, ready to go!
Due to the lack of desire to take photos while driving, and the cluttered luggage, I drove at a steady pace of 80-90 km/h until I started to feel a bit sore.
We decided to stop at the "Phuttha Uthayan Maha Ratcha" in Maha Ratcha District, Ayutthaya Province, as our stomachs were starting to growl. We planned to grab some food and take a few photos.
An army marches on its stomach!
After a satisfying meal, I felt energized and continued my journey to Lopburi City. It was around 11:00 AM, and I had spent a bit too much time taking photos. I drove from Maha Rat District to the intersection of Tha Wung District and then to my parents' house. It was around 12:30 PM, and luckily, the weather was pleasant without much sun. I gave my parents the gifts I had bought for them and spent some time chatting with them.
I didn't stay overnight at my parents' house, which is located near Tha Wung District, as it was quite far from our next destination. On the way back, I planned to drive through Saraburi instead and stay near Big C Lopburi.
After leaving my parents' house, I drove to my accommodation and checked in (I stayed at KP Place for 500 baht per night). After settling in, I initially planned to head to Khao Wong Phra Chan, but it seemed like I wouldn't make it in time. So, I decided to look for a sunflower field instead, even though sunflowers in Lopburi weren't in bloom yet. (I visited on December 3rd). After searching, I found a field with some sunflowers in bloom, although it wasn't very large. It was still better than nothing. I left my accommodation and headed straight to the sunflower field near Wat Khao Chin Lae, as it was almost 4:00 PM.
It took me about 20 minutes to drive to the sunflower field, where the light was beautiful.
However, the sunflowers were not in full bloom, unlike in the morning when they face the sun, as their name suggests.
The entrance fee to the sunflower field here is only 10 baht.
I took a quick photo with my trusty companion.
After finishing, I immediately walked down to find a spot to take photos with the sunflowers.
This photo looks particularly good, haha.
After enjoying the sunflower field until dusk, we decided to return to our accommodation to rest.
Our plan for tomorrow is to wake up early and head to Khao Wong Phra Chan before the sun gets too hot.
l
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Sunday morning, after a good night's sleep, we knew today would be another tiring day. Just thinking about the 3,790 steps was enough to make us feel winded. But we weren't going to give up, we've climbed higher mountains before. Let's do this!
Why does the map here make us go such a long way around? 555
From my accommodation, I drove along the road leading to Khok Samrong District, following the map's directions.
Upon reaching the entrance, I realized that there was no need to follow the map's detour and turned right instead.
As I turned into the entrance, I saw the temple's large Buddha statue in the distance on the hill.
Initially, I was confused because the Buddha statue in the pictures I had seen was white.
Therefore, I stopped to double-check the information to ensure I was not mistaken.
However, upon closer inspection, I realized that this was indeed the correct location. But why was the Buddha statue yellow?
Later, I inquired with an elderly woman selling flower garlands, who informed me that the statue was originally white.
Due to a lack of funds, the statue had not yet been painted. Only during the annual festival was there enough money to paint it.
The woman mentioned that it was a costly process and would take several more years to complete. After the yellow paint, a layer of gold paint would be applied.
I was relieved to learn that I had not come to the wrong place. After all, driving all this way only to find out I was mistaken would have surely resulted in my demise at the hands of my girlfriend. >"<
As I continued driving, I encountered a local resident blocking the road. I stopped my car to let him pass.
He gave me a curious look, perhaps because of my red car.
After driving for another 5 minutes, I arrived at the temple gate and found a parking spot.
I bought some water and prepared to climb the 3,790 steps to the top of the mountain.
The entrance to the temple.
Pay respects to the Buddha before climbing for good luck.
After worshiping the Buddha, walk a little further and you will see this sign. But actually, this is not the starting point for the walk.
This path has handrails from before the start of the climb, as there are children and elderly people who also come to climb.
A five-minute walk from the previous point will lead you to the actual starting point of the hike.
Take a moment to capture the excitement before embarking on your journey.
Oh, wow! When I turned around, my mischievous boyfriend had already walked away.
Every 500 meters, there will be a sign indicating the number of steps remaining.
Along the way, there are pavilions where you can rest.
And most importantly, there are vendors selling water, snacks, and milk (why did I even bother carrying all this stuff up here?).
500 steps, huh?
Look back at the view behind.
1,000 steps already.
1,500 steps completed.
The view is getting better as we go higher.
2,000 steps already!
2,500 steps already!
Let's take a break, my legs are starting to feel tight. 555+
Keep going.... 3,000 steps already! Just a little more!
After passing the 3,000th step, there were only a few more steps left to reach the top. However, my legs were so tired that I could barely lift them. I had to walk slowly, one step at a time, because the climb was quite steep (or maybe I'm just getting old, haha). Finally, I made it to the top, sweating profusely.
The summit of Khao Wong Phrachan is marked by a footprint of the Buddha, which is a popular site for worship and pilgrimage.
An annual ceremony is held during the Chinese New Year, attracting a large number of visitors.
From the top, you can see a panoramic view of the city and rice fields below, stretching as far as the eye can see. It is a truly breathtaking view that makes the climb well worth it.
In addition, there is a walkway to the top of the cliff, where visitors can lift a sacred elephant statue to seek good fortune.
"However, I didn't go inside because I wasn't there to try my luck. I just wanted to pay respects at the footprint of the Buddha.
Coincidentally, the sky was incredibly beautiful that day, especially at the helicopter landing pad. So I stood there and took some photos for a while."
My partner and I spent almost 2 hours on the mountaintop.
It was time to head back down as we had to drive back to Bangkok today.
On our way down, we met this foreigner who I admire greatly.
He had one leg, and the other was a prosthetic. And most importantly,
he had already climbed up and down the mountain about 3 times!!!
I was stunned. I thought he must be training for some kind of competition.
He was so fit, even though I'm still young and in good shape, I was still panting heavily.
On the way down, I was feeling a bit lazy, so I decided to try out a "speed bag".
It turned out that my "speed bag" became a "slow bag" after I used it.
Because the other people who came down with me were already far ahead.
But when I got used to it, this "speed bag" was quite fun.
(But it's quite dangerous, so I recommend playing it in areas that aren't too steep.)
Upon reaching the bottom, I organized my belongings to head back to Bangkok.
It was around 2 pm at that time, and the sun was scorching hot.
I forgot to time my ascent and descent, so I apologize for that.
After coming down, I wiped my face and eyes, packed my things, and prepared to leave.
However, we were not returning to Bangkok just yet. I had heard that on the way back to Saraburi, there were sunflower and sesbania fields in full bloom, and that was our next destination.
.
"Grandpa's Farm"
.
Without hesitation, I pinned the location on Google Maps and set off immediately, determined not to miss the sunset.
After driving for about an hour, we arrived at our destination, "Grandpa's Farm."
This farm is much larger than the one we visited yesterday, and the entrance fee is the same, 10 baht.
But here we get both sunflowers and sun hemp, which is a great deal!
Reveling in the sunflower and sunhemp fields until the sky turned dark.
It was time to end our trip, but the journey from Grandpa's farm to Bangkok was quite long.
I departed from my grandfather's farm around 6 pm and arrived back in Bangkok around 9 pm.
Here are the travel figures for this entire trip:
The total distance traveled was 462 kilometers.
I refueled three times, 80 liters the first time, 100 liters the second time, and 80 liters the third time.
I returned to Bangkok with half a tank of gas left.
The total cost of fuel was 260 baht.
The Journey Concludes: A New Vespa Experience
This marks the end of a remarkable journey, a new experience shared with my Vespa companion.
Until our next adventure, which is definitely on the horizon!
Come and join us if you like us.
https://www.facebook.com/yaktieowtamma/
Photographic Equipment
Camera: Fujifilm XT10
Lenses:
- Samyang 12mm
- Fujinon 23mm f/2
- Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 macro
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Friday, October 4, 2024 3:03 PM
