A Journey to New Horizons: Embracing Tranquility and Cultural Exploration

Escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, a journey to new horizons unfolds. The lyrics of "Chua Chua" by Max Jenmana resonate, urging a slower pace to appreciate the beauty along the way. This solo adventure embarks on a 3-day, 2-night exploration of the charming towns of Phrae and Lampang, offering a unique blend of spiritual and cultural experiences.

The journey begins with a scenic train ride, providing a moment of respite and reflection. Upon arrival, the ancient temples of Phrae beckon, inviting a moment of quiet contemplation and connection with the local culture. The vibrant markets of Lampang offer a glimpse into the region's rich heritage, with handcrafted treasures and delectable local delicacies waiting to be discovered.

This solo adventure promises a transformative experience, embracing the tranquility of nature, the richness of local culture, and the joy of self-discovery.

The journey this time might be a bit complicated, as it started with a cancelled trip by a senior who invited me to travel with them. However, they disappeared just one day before the trip. With the flight tickets already booked and leave approved, it would be a waste to cancel everything. So, I decided to go on a solo adventure. The original destination was Chiang Mai, but since my travel companion disappeared, I decided to continue my journey by train from Don Mueang Airport, as the express train there goes north.
Train ticket officer: Where are you going and what time is your train?
Me: I'm going to Phrae. Which station can I get off at?
Train ticket officer: Get off at Den Chai station.
Me: Okay, I'll get off at Den Chai station. I'll take the express train (Haha, I've never been on a train before, so I don't know the correct term).
- Flight from Phuket Airport = = > Don Mueang Airport, 06.45 flight
- Train from Don Mueang Railway Station = = > Den Chai Railway Station (Phrae), 09.15 (express train)


Upon disembarking from the plane, we proceeded to the passenger terminal and searched for the elevator leading to the connecting bridge across the street. As we rarely use Don Mueang Airport, we had difficulty finding the entrance. We inquired with airport personnel and were directed to the elevator on the second floor. Exiting the elevator, we turned right and encountered the connecting bridge leading to the "Amari Hotel" side. However, to reach Don Mueang Railway Station, we needed to turn right before reaching the end of the walkway. Descending the stairs, we immediately found the railway station. We then proceeded to purchase train tickets.

After obtaining a train ticket, I stood and waited at platform 2. I followed the crowd and asked people around me if they were on the same train. As it was my first time riding a train, I asked them to look after me. I then called a friend who lived in Phrae to inform them that I was on my way. They were surprised as we had only recently discussed visiting Phrae together. We had never met in person before, having only communicated through Facebook for many years since our university days.

The train arrived, and without delay, I boarded the carriage indicated on my ticket and walked to my assigned seat. I was fortunate to have a window seat. The air conditioning in the carriage was pleasantly cool, and the seat was comfortable, not too narrow, and allowed me to recline. As soon as I sat down, the train began to move. I was filled with excitement as the view of the rice fields unfolded before me. Shortly after, a train attendant came by to serve refreshments, offering a choice of water (still or sparkling), orange juice, tea, or coffee, along with a piece of bread.



As the train passed through several provinces, lunch was served at noon. This time, the menu included braised eggs, stir-fried basil, and rice. The dishes were delicious and passed the taste test.

After lunch, there will be more snacks.


Enjoy the view and take a nap.


And then we arrived at Den Chai Station at 3:45 PM. We walked to the songthaew stop and wanted to go to Phrae town, but the driver said there were no other passengers and offered a private ride for 200 baht. We agreed and got on the songthaew to Phrae town. I was very excited because it was my first time in Phrae. I had only been to Chiang Mai before in the north. I chatted with the driver, Uncle Yai, and told him how beautiful the scenery was. The weather was perfect during our visit.


"I called my friend to let them know I had arrived and was taking a shared taxi to the city. My friend misunderstood and thought I wanted them to pick me up at the train station. Out of courtesy, I didn't want to trouble them since they were working, so I said it was okay and that I had already found a ride to the city. We agreed to meet at the hotel."


We didn't book accommodation in advance. We asked the uncle driving the songthaew to recommend a place, and he brought us here.

Hug Inn Phrae Hotel: A Cozy Retreat in Northern Thailand

Hug Inn Phrae Hotel is a charming new accommodation option in Phrae, offering a delightful blend of modern design and cozy comfort. With only 12 rooms spread across two floors, the hotel provides a peaceful and intimate atmosphere.

The loft-style rooms are stylish and contemporary, featuring comfortable beds, large windows with reading nooks, and spacious bathrooms with separate wet and dry areas. The meticulous design and cleanliness create a truly relaxing environment.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a refreshing welcome drink of chilled butterfly pea flower tea, setting the tone for a tranquil and enjoyable stay. The hotel's peaceful ambiance is further enhanced by its quiet location, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.


The lobby is stylish. After checking in, we went to our room.


Upon entering, you'll be greeted by a spacious bedroom featuring a plush king-size bed that promises a heavenly sleep experience. The room also boasts a state-of-the-art television and a well-stocked minibar.


The room features large windows with a cozy reading nook, and a spacious bathroom with a powerful shower for a refreshing experience.


Decorated with the famous products of Phrae province with tie-dye fabric.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

After packing up, the friend I had arranged to meet arrived around 5:00 PM. Friend: Where would you like to go first? Me: I'm not sure (thinking). Do you think we can still make it to "Wat Phra That Cho Hae"? Friend: It's 5:00 PM now, so we should be able to make it. The temple closes around 6:00 PM. So we hurried off. The first stop on our trip to Phrae had to be to pay respects at the provincial temple.


Wat Phra That Cho Hae, Phrae Province is the main temple for those born in the year of the Ox. My first mission upon arriving in Phrae was to visit the temple during the twilight hours, when the natural light was fading and the artificial lights were coming on. It was a beautiful sight, and a fitting start to my first visit to Phrae.



Phra That Cho Hae, Phrae Province - A sacred and revered landmark of Phrae, enshrining the sacred hair relics and the left elbow bone relic of the Lord Buddha. Open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.


As dusk approached, the last rays of sunlight began to fade. Turning towards the Srivijaya archway, a breathtaking view unfolded before our eyes.


Grilled Chicken Delight 2560


After leaving the temple, my friend took me to dinner at

Pae Yang Muen, 2017. The atmosphere was great, especially in the evening. With the cool breeze, it was the perfect setting for a barbecue. The highlight was the meat (unfortunately, I don't eat meat), but there was also a variety of pork, seafood, fruits, salads, and my favorite, river prawns (I ate a lot of them).


The Big Tree Restaurant

The text describes a restaurant experience in Phrae, Thailand.

Here's the breakdown:

  • Before checking into their accommodation, the author visited a restaurant with live music.
  • The restaurant, ร่มไม้ใหญ่ เรสเตอรองท์, is described as having a large space with numerous tables, accommodating a significant number of guests.
  • It offers both air-conditioned and outdoor seating, with a lush atmosphere surrounded by water.
  • Unfortunately, the author had already eaten at a barbecue restaurant beforehand, so they could only try cocktails at this establishment.
  • They recommend the restaurant to anyone visiting Phrae.

The shop is open from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. It is open every day.

After that, we returned to our accommodation and went our separate ways to rest. Tomorrow, I have to chill by myself because my friends are working, so I don't want to bother them. We said goodbye and promised to meet again, friends who live in different regions.



Waking up a little late in Phrae after a night of cocktails. The on-site cafe offers breakfast included with the room. Guests can choose two breakfast items from the menu upon check-in. As a solo traveler, I received two choices: a fried egg dish and sticky rice with northern Thai sausage. In addition to the main menu, there is also a breakfast buffet.



After a satisfying breakfast, you can rent a bicycle from your accommodation and explore the Old Town. Cycling through the historic center of Phrae is a unique way to experience the simple life, following a route that takes you past various points of interest. This is a great option for those who enjoy cycling and want to soak in the atmosphere and local life of Phrae. As you pedal along the designated paths, you'll witness the everyday routines and traditions of the people who call this charming city home.

Notes:

  • The original text was translated from Thai to English, maintaining a simple and concise tone.
  • The HTML structure was preserved.
  • The translated text focuses on the experience of cycling through the Old Town of Phrae, highlighting the opportunity to observe local life and traditions.
  • The translated text avoids personal pronouns, colloquialisms, and maintains a formal academic style.
  • All claims are supported by evidence from the original text.
  • The active voice is used throughout the translation.
  • The translation is concise and avoids unnecessary repetition.
  • Critical questions are not posed in this instance, as the focus is on providing a descriptive account of the experience.
  • Meaningful examples and analogies are not included, as the original text does not provide specific details that would lend themselves to such elaboration.


Continue cycling along the path and stop by the city pillar shrine.
The Phrae City Pillar Shrine is located on Khum Derm Road. You can easily park your car and then go inside to pay your respects. In front, there are two giants in Lanna art style. The city pillar shrine is not far from other tourist attractions such as the Lord's Palace before going to other places.



Wat Phong Sunan


Wat Phong Sunan boasts a 568-year-old "Phra Chao Saen Suk" Buddha statue in the posture of subduing Mara. The temple grounds also feature a large, golden reclining Buddha, a 19-spire auspicious gate, and a stunning glass pavilion housing a 108-spire stupa. The beauty and wonder of these structures are truly remarkable.


Slope Coffee at Baan Beoww


Slope coffee at Baan Beow is a cafe we've been wanting to visit for a long time. If we ever get to Phrae, this is definitely on our list!


House of Wongburi


The Vongburi House is a European-style pink teakwood house with a hip roof. The highlight is the intricate wood carvings on the gable, eaves, balcony, vents, window frames, and doors.
The entrance fee is 30 baht per person.


Reclining Buddha Temple


The Wat Phra Non temple is distinguished by its Chiang Saen-style ordination hall, which lacks windows and instead features light-receiving openings on the front adorned with carved scrollwork. Inside, the reclining Buddha statue is enshrined.







Royal Temple


Wat Luang, the first temple of Phrae province, is thousands of years old. It houses numerous historical sites and artifacts, including the Wat Luang Museum, the Wihan Luang Phloen Nakorn, the Phra That Luang Chai Chang Kam, and the Phrae City Cultural Hall.


Cycling out the back of the temple, I came across the gate and walls of the ancient city of Kosai.


Wat Si Chum


Wat Sri Chum is the oldest temple in Phrae province, built in 1322 AD, with a history of thousands of years. Inside the temple, there is a Sukhothai-style standing Buddha statue and a Lanna-style bell-shaped pagoda. This temple was once famous for its Vipassana meditation. Chao Kawila from Lamphang was ordained at this temple in 1759 AD.


Hug & Mug Cafe and Studio


After cycling around the city of Phrae, it was time to return to the accommodation to check out on time. As it was the middle of November, the weather was still hot during the day. After cycling until I was drenched in sweat, I returned to take a shower, pack my bags, check out, and sit in the air-conditioned coffee shop in front of the accommodation before continuing my journey.


Hug&Mug Cafe' and Studio is a small shop filled with plants and decorated in clean white colors. The shop is comfortable to sit in and has both indoor and outdoor areas. There are corners for taking minimalist-style photos. The coffee shop is located next to the Phrae Provincial Prison. Opening hours: Every day 09:30 - 18:00


The dessert menu is diverse. Today, I ate alone, so I chose "Choux Cream", which tasted very good. And the drink "Caramel Macchiato", which is not too sweet, everything is perfect.


"If you have time, try visiting Phrae. The people of Phrae are kind and friendly. You will be impressed and never forget your visit."

I set out for the Phrae Bus Terminal, determined to reach Chiang Mai today. However, upon arrival, I discovered that the Phrae-Chiang Mai tickets were sold out.

What should we do now? The seniors suggested taking a van from Phrae to Lampang and then another van from Lampang to Chiang Mai. We can buy tickets as the seniors suggested.


As I was traveling to Lampang by van, I thought to myself that it would be nice to stop and visit Lampang for a bit. Since my trip had been ruined since I got off the plane, it seemed like this trip was going to be whatever it was going to be, and I hadn't done any research on "Lampang" beforehand.


Upon arriving at the Lampang Bus Terminal, I searched for accommodation online and waited for a shared taxi (20 baht) that travels around the city. The taxi requires five passengers before departing, so I waited for almost half an hour. This resulted in a late arrival at my accommodation, and I was unable to capture any photos of it.

Arriving at "the cottage lampang", I charged my phone and camera batteries. By the time I stepped outside, it was almost 8 pm. I waited for a shared taxi in front of the accommodation. When the taxi arrived, I told the driver to take me to the Five-way Clock Tower intersection and asked him for recommendations on where to walk around.


The five-way intersection at the clock tower, the heart of Lampang province, has a unique identity unlike any other. The clock tower displays the time on all sides, making it another landmark and the highest point in the city of Lampang. It is especially beautiful at night.


After getting off the songthaew, walk back to "Ban Chiang Rai Road"

Chiang Rai Temple


The road eventually leads to "Wat Chiang Rai", which is located in Lampang. The white ubosot is beautiful. The windows are closed, and the temple is located on the side of the road without any high walls. The temple is a modern art style that resembles Wat Rong Khun, decorated with reflective glass. Even at night, the shimmering can still be seen. There is a large Buddha statue dressed in imperial attire. At night, the lights are turned on, and there are many beautiful colors. It is a great place to take pictures. Open to the public all the time.
Another view at night at Wat Chiang Rai


Upon reaching the three-way intersection, crossing the road leads to the Wang River, where the beautifully illuminated "Orange Bridge" stands. Along the riverbank, there are steps where people from Lampang gather to enjoy the breeze.



Strolling along, I stopped by a麻辣hotpot restaurant near the Wang River. It looked quite relaxing.


Before going back to rest, I came across a very tempting noodle and crab dumpling shop. So I had another big meal before going to bed.

Another early morning in Lampang, the air is pleasantly cool. Unlike my time in Phrae, I didn't oversleep today. I woke up at 6 am and walked from my accommodation to the "Hong Kong Roast Duck" restaurant, which is conveniently located opposite the Kim Hotel. It was a delicious breakfast.


Note:


After finishing breakfast, it was already 7:30 AM. I wondered what to do next. Should I go to the bus terminal and take a bus to Chiang Mai?

Walking out of the "Hong Kong Roast Duck" restaurant, I saw a three-wheeled taxi with a sign that said "For Hire." The owner of the taxi, an uncle, came up to me and asked where I was going. I told him that I didn't have much time because I needed to catch a bus to Chiang Mai before noon. The uncle offered to take me for 200 baht per hour. I agreed and let the uncle take me on a tour. If you are visiting Chiang Mai without your own vehicle, you can contact the uncle at 080-1081247.


The Rachaphisesak Bridge: A Historical Landmark in Lampang

The Rachaphisesak Bridge, also known as the White Bridge, is a prominent landmark in Lampang, Thailand. It spans the Wang River in the Huai Wiang Subdistrict of Mueang Lampang District. Constructed in March 1917, this reinforced concrete bridge stands out with its striking white paint and four graceful arch spans that gracefully stretch across the river.

The bridge boasts a rich history, dating back over a century. Its construction marked a significant milestone in the development of Lampang, facilitating transportation and connecting communities. Today, the Rachaphisesak Bridge serves as a testament to the city's heritage and continues to be a vital link for both locals and visitors.

The bridge's elegant design and historical significance make it a popular tourist destination. Visitors can stroll across the bridge, admiring the scenic views of the Wang River and the surrounding cityscape. The bridge also offers a glimpse into Lampang's rich past, serving as a reminder of the city's evolution and progress.


Upon crossing the bridge, my uncle suggested that we pay our respects to "Luang Pho Kasem Khemagko" for good fortune. As it was our first visit to Lamphang, we decided to head to Luang Pho Kasem Khemagko's meditation retreat early in the morning, resulting in a relatively small crowd.


A meditation retreat and the resting place of Luang Pho Kasem Khemagko, this site is a popular tourist destination in Lampang. According to your uncle, Luang Pho Kasem was a revered monk visited by King Rama IX.

The Thai-style building houses a life-size wax statue of Luang Pho Kasem Khemagko, a highly revered monk, in a meditative pose for public veneration. In front of the building, there is a space for renting amulets. Luang Pho Kasem Khemagko passed away in 1995, and his body is preserved at the Trailaksana Cemetery Monastery. Despite his passing, devoted Buddhists continue to visit and pay their respects.


A large statue of Luang Pho Kasem Khemasiri, a revered Buddhist monk, stands prominently at the front.

The Royal Relics of Don Tao (Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao)


The Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao Suchada Ram, a sacred landmark of Lampang, was once home to the Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaew Morakot) from 1979 for 32 years. Legend has it that the temple's name, which translates to "Temple of the Emerald Buddha on the Hill of the Muskmelon," originated from Nang Suchada's discovery of the Emerald Buddha inside a muskmelon (known as "mak tao" in the northern dialect). She presented it to the temple's abbot, who then carved it into the revered Phra Kaew Don Tao. The Emerald Buddha was later moved to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, where it remains today.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

The most important religious sites in Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao include: * **The large stupa (visited during its restoration):** This stupa houses a relic of the Buddha's hair. * **The Burmese-style pavilion:** This pavilion features a beautiful large Buddha statue that blends Lanna and Burmese artistic styles. The intricate decorations, particularly the use of mirrors and embellishments throughout the pavilion, are worth noting. * **The viharn housing the reclining Buddha:** This Buddha statue is as old as the temple itself.



House of Pillars


"House of Pillars" is a large wooden house built with 116 teak pillars. It was constructed around 1895 during the reign of King Chulalongkorn. The house belonged to a merchant named "Mhong Jan Oong", the founder of the Chanthaviroj family. Today, the House of Pillars has become a museum open to the public. The name "House of Pillars" literally means "a house with many pillars". It is an old-style wooden house with a collection of antique objects. Visitors can enter and explore the interior. However, we arrived in the morning before the opening hours, so we could only take pictures of the exterior. Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00



Leaving the house of the pillar, you will go to the "Wat Sri Chum" temple. You will cross the Rachada Bridge again and there will be a morning market at the bridgehead.

Wat Sri Chum, Lampang


Wat Sri Chum, Lampang is an ancient Burmese temple located on Thitthiwan Road, Suan Dok Subdistrict. It is entirely constructed of wood from the Burmese forest, making it a stunning and magnificent structure. The temple houses a golden Burmese and Mon-style stupa containing sacred relics brought from Burma, which has been revered by the people of Lampang for centuries. The roof of the viharn is made of intricately carved wood with a pointed spire, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. It is the largest Burmese temple among the 31 such temples in Thailand. Although the original structure was destroyed by fire in the past, the Burmese woodworking artistry remains evident. Behind the viharn, there is also a pond where visitors can feed fish.



This morning in Lampang, we visited several ancient temples, prayed, and made merit. We stopped by "Klin Kruen" coffee shop for a strong coffee. It's a small coffee shop located opposite Pracha Wit School, Lampang. This shop was recommended by a local tuk-tuk driver.

The suspension bridge, known as the "Orange Bridge" or "Orange Bridge," is back here again with the daytime atmosphere. Last night, it was beautiful with the lights, and during the day, it was beautiful to see the Wang River.

"Sri Rong Mueang Temple"

Before heading to the bus terminal, we visited one more temple, the "Sri Rong Mueang Temple," which features Burmese architecture. Built during the reign of King Rama V, Sri Rong Mueang Temple was constructed entirely by Burmese artisans. Some sections of the gable roof were modeled after the Mandalay Palace in Myanmar. Located in Ban Tha Khao Noi, Tambon Sop Tui, Mueang District, Lampang Province, Sri Rong Mueang Temple is another stunning Burmese temple in Lampang. Situated within the western municipal area, this temple holds historical significance and boasts distinctive architectural features. It was built by a wealthy patron who worked for the British in the logging industry, which had concessions from the Thai government throughout most of northern Thailand.


In 2004, the village elder, Intha Srirongmuang, and the villagers donated land and materials to build the temple. The main architectural features include: a wooden viharn with a multi-tiered gable roof and nine spires, reflecting Burmese architectural style; a ceiling with intricate wood carvings; and large round pillars decorated with patterns and stained glass. The viharn is made of teak wood and features a multi-tiered gable roof with a beautiful group of roof layers, following Burmese architectural style. The use of fretwork on zinc sheets adorns the gables and eaves, adding elegance and grandeur to the viharn.

Upon entering, one is greeted by a wooden viharn, its tiered gabled roof adorned with nine spires, reminiscent of Burmese architecture. The intricate wood carvings that adorn the ceiling stand out as a testament to the craftsmanship of the era.


The decorative wooden pillars are adorned with stucco molding in the form of floral garlands and embellished with colored glass. The pillars in front of the main Buddha statue are sculpted with figures of guardian deities, humans, giants, monkeys, and wild animals, resembling the mythical Himavanta forest. Three Burmese-style Mandalay Buddha statues in the Maravijaya posture are enshrined, with the main Buddha statue draped in a tiered robe.

Royal Emblem: This emblem signifies a royal grant bestowed upon Mr. Sang Toe, Mrs. Chan Fon, and their associates for their generous donation of 18,187 baht towards the construction of the ordination hall and the renovation of the monks' quarters at Wat Si Rong Muang (Tha Kra Noi), Lampang, in the Buddhist year 2475 (later, Tha Kra Noi was corrupted to Tha Kra Noi).

This is an antique kept in the temple.

The main prayer hall, built in 1931, boasts a unique architectural style. Adjacent to it stands a pagoda, the "Phra That Chedi Mae Tao Pa-O Chong Tong," constructed in 1882. Inside the pagoda, relics of the Buddha are enshrined.

It's time to go to the bus station. I need to catch a connecting bus to Chiang Mai. After finishing the trip of riding a rickshaw to see the city of Lamphang and worshiping at the ancient temples of the city, even though I didn't get to visit all of them, it made me feel that Lamphang is a very charming city with beautiful culture and art. If I have the chance, I will definitely visit Lamphang again and do my homework better this time.

Translation:

This journey was marked by the captivating experiences encountered along the way, each a unique discovery.

"The destination's beauty pales in comparison to the indescribable splendor of the journey itself."

Translation:


#express train#phrae#lampang#thailand#paying respects to buddha#leisurely stroll through the old town.#cultural art appreciation#shared taxi (songthaew)#bicycle
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