Tับเบิก-เชียงคาน: A Journey Through Time

Hello everyone!

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Today, there is nothing much to say. I just want to talk about an ordinary moment with a group of ordinary companions, but it made the whole journey seem special. ^^

This journey, we used a "vintage car" as our vehicle.

"You read that correctly. It's truly old and outdated. And she throws tantrums very often. 😂"

Let's begin! As the title suggests, our journey starts here with six companions in total.

(Driving this type of car to a slightly difficult location requires a pre-trip inspection. Best wishes from the topic owner, haha!)

The journey began at 3:00 AM from Maha Sarakham Province, with rest stops at every gas station along the way.

However, we had to stop here for quite a while because we had to... fix the car!!! Yes, you heard that right, folks. 55555

The actual temperature was much colder than expected, so we decided to take a break at the Nam Nao National Park. At that time, the temperature was around 5 degrees Celsius. Driving here made me shiver and tense up so much that my whole body felt sore, as if I had been exercising continuously for 24 hours. (Am I exaggerating? Hahahahahaha!) And let me tell you, no matter how beautiful the sunlight was, it couldn't make this coldness go away. Brrr!

The sun is absolutely useless, my friend.

After our beloved child stopped being fussy, we continued on our journey. Well, we couldn't come to Phetchabun without taking a picture with the iconic Huai Tong Bridge, could we?

Let's continue our journey.

We arrived at Khao Kho District around 11 am. We stopped by a roadside stall for some food and then freshened up at a PTT gas station in Khao Kho. Some of us took a shower, some took a nap, and some took a dump (hahahahaha). Honestly, we hadn't slept since we started our journey. We were both cold and sleepy, but we were more excited to explore. Anyway, after taking care of our personal needs, we headed to our first destination: the Khao Kho Wind Farm.

The ascent is a bit challenging, with loose objects scattered along the way. (If I remember correctly, there is another way up near the villagers' houses. This path is entirely paved with cement, making it easier to climb, but not significantly less difficult.)

At the windmill field, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Khao Kho. In the morning, you might even be treated to a stunning sea of mist.

Couples who come together, take photos together.

The phrase "มาเป็นคี่ ก็ถ่ายเป็นขี้ เอ้ย!! คี่ (อิอิ)" is a Thai expression that can be translated as "If you come as an odd number, you will be shitting. Oops!! Odd (hehe)." This phrase is often used in a playful or teasing way, and it is not intended to be taken literally. The word "ขี้" is a Thai word for "shit," and it is often used in a vulgar or offensive way. However, in this context, it is used in a more lighthearted way. The phrase "อิอิ" is a Thai expression that is similar to "lol" or "haha." It is used to indicate laughter or amusement.

Here, we captured the atmosphere. After resting for a while, we continued our journey (as the sun was getting very hot).

Next stop on Route 12 (Of course, when you come to Khao Kho, you have to visit this coffee shop, right?)

After driving for about 12 kilometers (or so), you'll reach Route 12, where you'll find charming cafes and souvenir shops in Phetchaburi. There are plenty of beautiful spots for taking photos (although, judging from the pictures, "plenty" might be an understatement).

This private corner of the coffee shop will do.

The interior of the shop offers a variety of stylish corners perfect for taking photos.

And this is the behind-the-scenes story of finding a single pine cone to take a picture with. 555555 And our attempts to take the picture (it took a lot of effort to get each one, you know).

Before returning, he first checked on his belongings. Oops! I mean, he took a peek. Hehe.

We've been here for a while now, let's move on or we'll reach Thap Baek after dark.

Meeting point (fun) point 3 of ours is Wat Phra That Pha Son Kaew (it's a pity that when we went, the temple was under renovation, so the pictures we took had a lot of construction equipment in them, but it was still beautiful as always).

Reaching the temple is straightforward. From Route 12, retrace your steps and follow the signs for Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew. There are two possible entrances. Once inside the temple grounds, you will find ample parking, food stalls, and souvenir shops.

The Temple of Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew

The Temple of Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew was established in 2004 under the name "Phutthadham Sathan Pha Sorn Kaew." On July 1, 2010, it was officially recognized as a temple by the Maha Thera Samakhom committee and given the auspicious name "Wat Phra That Pha Kaew." The current abbot is Phra Kru Palat Pramee Surayuttho. On May 30, 2013, the temple's name was changed to "Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew" to align with its location, which was originally known by locals as "Pha Sorn Kaew."

Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew Temple is located in Chaiyaphum Tham, on a hill in Ban Thang Daeng, Kham Kamphaeng Subdistrict, Khao Kho District, Phetchabun Province. Ms. Phawinee and Ms. Urai Chotikul donated the initial 25 rai of land to build a meditation center for monks and Buddhists. Currently, with additional donations, the temple now has a total of 91 rai of land. – Information from http://www.phasornkaew.org -

The following is a picture of Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew before it was renovated. (We visited in February 2017.) It is truly a beautiful sight.

Let's embark on our journey to today's destination.

Leaving Wat Phra That Pha Son Kaew, we headed towards Phu Thap Boek, a place renowned for its breathtaking sea of mist.

And it really is as everyone says. This is my second time visiting Phu Thap Boek, and this time I have completely fallen in love with it. The golden-orange light reflecting in my eyes (just a little exaggeration, hehe) is simply breathtaking.

This point is clearly visible to those who have been to Thapsakaew, as it is located along the way. If you have the opportunity to visit and encounter such beautiful light, be sure to stop and take some photos.

We arrived at the campsite on the top of Phu Thap Boek around 6:00 PM. It was already getting dark. We drove around looking for a place to stay for a while and then decided to stay at Rai Rim Pha (this place has both rooms and camping sites. You can choose to rent a tent or bring your own. If you have your own tent, the entrance fee is 100 baht per person. If you rent a tent, there are several prices starting from 250 baht per tent. I apologize if the information is incorrect because we also went there without a plan. 555555)

Early morning with the sea of mist and the first light at the farm on the cliff ^^

The sea of fog is even more beautiful in the late morning.

Gazing at the mist with delight, the morning air is cold, and by late morning it's quite hot. 55555 Like the hero of an MV, brothers and sisters.

(Why are there so many people going? I only see two people in the picture, hahaha. The two people who came as a couple went to take their own pictures. The other two haven't woken up yet, brothers and sisters.)

Let's take a look at the surrounding views together. (Actually, no matter where you stay in Khao Kho, you can see the views from every corner, we think.)

After completing our individual tasks, we embarked on a journey to witness the breathtaking views of Phu Lom Lo.

However! However!! However!!! It didn't turn out that way, because our daughter was being fussy again, oh my god ><.

Repair, repair, repair. We must be ready to take care of our daughter at all times.

Repairs completed, ready for departure.

We departed from our accommodation and drove into the village to pay respects at the temple of Wat Pa Phu Thap Boek. Upon arrival, we felt compelled to offer our respects.

The Wat Pa Phu Thap Boek is a Theravada Buddhist meditation center built in 1991 by the local villagers of Thap Boek. Covering an area of over 50 rai, the temple is surrounded by dense forest, creating a cool and refreshing atmosphere year-round. Notably, the temple played a significant role in the 1999 royal ceremony celebrating the 60th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It was chosen as the location to collect rainwater from the heavens, which was then presented to the King for use in a sacred Buddhist ceremony.

Inside the Phra Maha Chedi, there are two Buddha statues: Phra Buddha Kodom in a reclining posture and Phra Sri Ariya Metrai. Both statues are adorned with gold leaf and precious gems. Each level houses the Buddha statues representing the four cardinal directions. The exterior and interior of the Phra Maha Chedi are decorated with mosaic tiles. – Information from http://www.welovetogo.com/th/travel/view/วัดป่าภูทับเบิกจังหวัดเพชรบูรณ์.html

From this point, we set off towards Phu Lom Lo. But... (again?) On the way, you know, hehe, in December like this, the tiger lily flowers are starting to bloom. This is the entrance to Phu Thap Boek.

Unfortunately, we were unable to reach Phu Lom Lo due to my daughter's illness. (Bua Phan is exhausted!) Why am I tired when I didn't even get to fix anything with him? 555555

Bidding farewell to our beloved Thap Baek before descending for a delicious meal and heading towards our next rendezvous point.

Our trip this time was headed to Chiang Khan. Because it took almost evening for my daughter to stop being cranky, we arrived in Chiang Khan around 9:00 PM. And of course, our budget trip this time would be camping at the Chiang Khan Police Station (free camping, clean bathrooms, and very comfortable toilets, my dear). When we arrived, we went for a walk on the walking street to find something to eat first.

Let's take a picture at the popular angle (I don't know why it's so popular), but we're still here to take pictures.

The Chiang Khan Police Station is located approximately 1 kilometer from the Chiang Khan Walking Street. No need to book in advance, just head to the tent area upon arrival. Nearby, there are also hot air balloons for couples or friends to sleep under the stars. The best part is that it is located right by the Mekong River, making for a chilly experience in the evenings and mornings.

6:00 AM: The Scene Along the Mekong River

After completing the morning mission, we rushed to Phu Thok to catch the sea of mist.

The service fee is 25 baht per round trip from the parking lot to the viewpoint of the sea of mist at Phu Thok.

In reality, we arrived at Phu Tok almost at nine o'clock. It was a blessing to see some fog still lingering. 5555555

In a hurry, we left Phu Thok and headed to Kaeng Khut Khu, another great location in Chiang Khan. However, there wasn't much to see there, except for a plethora of candied coconuts and coconut water vendors lining the path.

We barely took any photos here, just came to breathe in the fresh air.

On the same route, you will encounter (I don't know what it's called, it's a path to Kaeng Kut Ku) so stop by. They have arranged a garden for tourists to take pictures, with many beautiful corners. The entrance fee is 20 baht per person. If 6 people enter and only 2 pay, there will only be pictures of the two of us. 5555555

"We're tired from our trip, let's head back to Sakon Nakhon."

After packing my clothes at the Chiang Khan Police Station, I went to eat a local delicacy, "Khao Piek Sen," before leaving. (Honestly, I think it's just Ubon's Kway Chap.) Hehe. I didn't take a picture of the Khao Piek Sen because I was so hungry at the time. I just ate it as soon as I got it.

A final farewell before leaving Chiang Khan (another popular angle)

The trip ended without a clear understanding of the expenses incurred, as it was unclear who paid for what.

And it was a super happy and fun year-end trip. Thank you to everyone who joined the trip.

"Sometimes, beautiful friendships can blossom along the way we travel..."

The final lesson learned from this trip is that...

“No matter how many obstacles or hardships we encounter in life, as long as we do not give up or retreat, we will overcome them.”

Thank you to everyone who read this article. I apologize if the images and text were a bit overwhelming.

May everyone have good luck on all their journeys.

We do not wish to call this post a review, but rather a "Record from Me, a (Passionate) Traveler".

Beloved Thap Baeq, I love you.

Note: We apologize for the poor lighting adjustments.

Note: All images are unedited, which may result in some being blurry, dark, or unclear. Apologies for this, as I am not skilled in image editing.