The Gateway

I passed through the gate and at first felt a bit of disappointment. It looked to be a typical small village Thai Buddhist temple. At first glance I could find nothing remarkable. I was compelled to come here so there must be a reason.

The Symbols

My first glimpse of something special was when I noticed to the left, a large eagle statue. Between its mighty wings stood a Thai Buddha image. It was appropriate for us seeing these icons of our countries connected. The eagle representing America and the Buddha image representing Thailand.

Purple Blooms

That was great but there must be more. We made our way to an area in front of a building. It was shielded from view by trees. Upon entry what we discovered was the treasure that was the reason for our journey. Though a treasure it was not gold, silver, diamonds and rubies. So what was it that brought a smile to our faces and made us forget about the heat of the day?

White Bloom

There before our eyes lay a garden of colorful flowers. There were red ones, blue ones, purple ones and white ones. A totally unexpected and incongruent oasis of orchids. This garden of orchids melted away the fatique in our muscles and brought a joy to the heart. All we could do was stand in awe of the splendor of nature.

Pink and Red Blooms

We walked through the kaleidascope of color but instead of collecting the gems we enjoyed them in their place. The treasure of this temple was indeed the beautiful blooms of hundreds of orchids.

Taking time to smell the ... Orchids

Once again I have been rewarded by chance and by nature after taking a risk to answer the call of an adventure into the unknown. You might not find this obscure temple in any guide book but what I have discovered during my time in Ubon Ratchathani is some of the most enjoyable places are found by simply exploring new frontiers.

P.S. This Thai Buddhist temple I am referring to as The Temple of Bloom is actually, Wat Tam Ku Ha Sawan, located on Highway 2222 just before the junction with Highway 2134  on the outskirts of Khong Jiam. It is worth a visit, especially when the flowers are in bloom. When you travel to Ubon Ratchathani this a nice attraction to visit.

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Ubon Darwin and the Temple of Bloom: The Quest

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The bottom of the path

The trail was wide, covered in red dirt and boulders and walled in by water starved trees and shrubs. Mother nature felt no need to offer shade for a travelers respite from the heat. All we could do was sweat and continue moving upwards.

looking back along the path

Halfway up the ascent there appeared a small clearing on the right hand side. Planted in this clearing were several large boulders. It looked as though the rocks had rolled down the hill and decided to stop. Or maybe a giant mythical bird had laid its eggs here and they petrified before they hatched.

Whatever the reason they were there or how they came to be in that spot all I could see is precious shade. Without a word I veered 90 degrees to my right and made my way to the place where there was no sun. Ah, cool relief.

As my body was slowly cooling I dug out a bottle of water to hydrate. I took a sip and focused on the refreshing liquid flowing down my throat. It was then I heard the creaking and a rumble. An earthquake? No, the boulder that was providing me shade was moving to cover that shade with me still in it. What to do? I wasn’t in a position to make an escape.

a feat of super human strength

I summoned all my strength, which out of fear, must have escalated to super-human. I managed to stifle the intent of the potentially body crushing large stone. I quickly exited the shade and realized the sun was far less dangerous then vindictive boulders.

A thought came to me that this must be a booby-trap to test travelers as to their worthiness for the quest. It seemed I passed and was allowed to continue.

On the plateau

Still hot and thirsty but safe and sound we reached the summit that is a stone plateau. We strolled passed the trees that lined the rim and there it was, the treasure that had called us to this quest….

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Ubon Darwin and the Temple of Bloom: The Journey

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I find myself getting anxious to reach my destination. I have the need to stretch my legs. The volume from the call of nature getting louder and clearer. Such is human nature but causes us to allow attractions to go by unnoticed.

On a recent trip to Khong Jiam I saw something interesting out of the corner of my eye. I had been riding for more than an hour so was more focused on the journey’s end. I quickly let it go from my mind and began preparing for exiting the vehicle at Tohsang Khong Jiam Resort.

After checking-in and getting settled into the room, Ting and I walked out to a cliff overlooking the Mekhong. It is the cold season, which is why there was a drop-off to the river. During the height of the monsoon season this same point would, of course, be the river bank.

Again, I noticed something from the corner of my eye. I turned to look and what I saw looked like a golden spear reaching high into the blue heavens and seemingly piercing the cotton-like white clouds. It must be an antenna though for I could hear a message, “Darwin, Darwin, Darwin”. How could I not be drawn to it?

The Call

My attention was taken elsewhere as we tried to decide if the goats grazing on the island in the center of the river are Thai or Laotian. We came to the conclusion they must be Lao as we could see other goats on the far bank and none on our side.

Not much later we decided to head into the village of Khong Jiam. Our goal was to buy a few items from the shops lining the the topside of the river bank. We purchased what we wanted then headed back to the local market and bus terminal with the intent of getting transportation back to Tohsang Khong Jiam Resort.

As we crossed through an intersection the golden antenna came into view again. As I looked it began calling to me once more, “Darwin, Darwin, Darwin.” Was I being seduced into a quest? Did I need to discover why I was being called? The answer evaded me momentarily.

As I turned my eyes from the spear they came to rest on a wide path leading up to a plataeu. I knew now what I had to do. I called out to Ting and nodded in the direction of the path. She didn’t seem to enthusiastic because it was a rather warm day and it appeared to be a sharp ascent. But she finally agreed.

We made the turn and began heading to the pathway up the hill…

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Ubon Darwin and the Temple of Bloom: The Call

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On a road trip to visit three waterfalls in Ubon Ratchathani I had never seen before took me through the flat farmlands of rural Isaan. It could be just like a commute in the city finding ways to distract myself from the noise, pollution and crowding. People walking down the sidewalks alone or in small groups in trance-like bubbles going from point A to point B treating the other pedestrians as obstacles.

People in cars or taxis listening to music or talk radio lost in a distant dream of being somewhere else. All on their way to that 4-walled prison that never changes from day to day.

I kept my eyes open on the ride and noticed some amazing sights. The naturally beautiful green of the rice fields at this time of year, blended perfectly with the blue of the sky and the white of the clouds.

The small villages created islands in the sea of rice paddies that dominated the area. At the center of each village was a temple that reflected the personality and wealth of that particular community.

Grandma, with a sarong tightly wrapped around her frail waist was busy washing up, perhaps just finishing breakfast. Barefoot children playing with their dogs or chasing each other around would pause at the sight of a white face, some would smile and wave others would simple stare.

Along the way on the road there are frequent encounters with buffalo and cattle, the highway being a path to their next grazing area. Children dressed in their uniforms walking or waiting for transportation to a place of education. Machinery to and from the workplace in the rice fields, the driver in no hurry. His boss is mother nature and his look gave confidence that he knows what she wants and needs to make a good harvest.

Huai Sai Yai The First Waterfall

formerly (Gaeng  ei Kieow)

After passing through the small community of Buntharik, it was time to keep a lookout for the roads to the local waterfall. Several stops were made to query locals as any signs pointing the way were unseen or non-existent and trusting the road map can easily lead to a nightmare.

Finally, the way was found and there was no doubt we had arrived as the road came to an end on the edge of the jungle. The area was deserted, probably because it was a weekday morning and most people were working or in school. No signs pointing the way to the waterfall so had to follow instinct that led down the beaten path towards the sound of water.

My first impression took me back to my wild teen days. I was reminded of secluded places on local creeks hidden deep in the forest. Places where nature created pools deep enough for diving and jumping plus provided large boulders for those activities or sunbathing. There was always the inevitable worn old rope hanging from a solid branch of a sturdy century old oak tree.

This was the type of place you love to spend summer days and sometimes nights. A place to sneak a few cold beers or just outright party. A place to awkwardly flirt or attempt to show off for the groups of girls wearing bikini tops and cut-off shorts. A place not overwhelming or exceptional but special in it’s own right.

The waterfall itself is not so high, maybe 3 meters. It does provide entertainment in the form of water flow music and water flow dance. It is a wonderful place to watch the show and pop the top on a cold one or just take your time enjoying nature and a nice picnic lunch.

I noticed we weren’t alone. A high school couple, dressed in their sport uniforms were sitting on the rocks across and above the fall. I think they were hoping for some time alone to do what young lovers do. When they saw the cameras they made a hasty exit. If I had been in their shoes I know I would have suffered some disappointment. But there will be other days for them I am sure.

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A Tale of 3 Waterfalls Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand

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A photograph from 1968 shows Tung Sri Muang, City Field, as not much more than a large grassy bare area. It is difficult to find historical archives so I must just imagine it was basically there for provincial ceremonies and functions, religious ceremonies and functions, and festivals. Looking at the photograph I was reminded of the many parade fields I stood and marched upon for change of command and other military ceremonies during my days in uniform.

Today Tung Sri Muang looks much different than it did even back in 1968. It has evolved and expanded its character and the services it provides.

Joss House at the end of red brick road

Entering through the north gate you confront a wide red brick road that leads directly to Joss House. Maybe this should be the first place visited to pray for luck and good fortune. You will have crossed the moat that surrounds the city park and inside that a red brick jogging or walking path that mirrors the moat.

Pumping Cement Station

Looking around at 11:00 the park is mostly deserted. The visitors I see are lovers catching some semi-private time on benches beneath shade trees, talking and just being close. A few motivated individuals are pumping cement, building muscle with the weights provided by Tung Sri Muang. Others are catching a late morning nap stretched out on one of the many benches.

Lone morning jogger at Tung Sri Muang

A lone jogger is braving the sun and unseasonably warm temperatures to get an aerobic workout. Another was testing out one of the many circuit training sets scattered around the park.

Circuit Training Station

At this time of day it might be lonely but as the sun begins dipping into the western horizon to bring a new day to other places, the locals begin migrating to Tung Sri Muang. Many come to participate in community exercise. In the evening you will find the park crowded with people doing aerobics, jogging, playing basketball, making the rounds of circuit training, pumping cement, or maybe just walking and talking with a friend.

Station 8 Sign - Circuit Training

It maybe be labeled as exercise but observing the scene I think you will agree it is more a social event. A place to catch up on gossip, the latest news and secrets, share stories of the day and enjoy company. As the masses begin departing sweaty and spent many make their way to one of the many food vendors around the perimeter of the park to pick up some dinner.

Monument of Merit

I began walking around the field with my trusty JVC cam trying to capture the essence of Tung Sri Muang past and present. In the far northeast corner there stands a concrete platform. It is mostly used in the evenings by an aerobics instructor and speakers to guide the crowd moving their bodies to the rhythm of the music.

But this same place is home to a monument of historical importance in the history of Ubon Ratchathani. During WWII Japanese soldiers “occupied” portions of Thailand. Many were involved in the major project of  constructing a railway to Burma. Ubon Ratchathani played a role in this project however minor it might have been.

Allied prisoners of war, mostly Australian, British, New Zealand and French, were brought to Ubon for the purpose of forced labor. The plight and treatment of the POW’s didn’t go unnoticed by the locals. A feeling of sympathy towards fellow humans caused many Ubonites to risk death or injury to supply aide to others.

After the war ended and the allies returned home they did not forget the charity and kindness the received from the people of Ubon Ratchathani. They got together and raised funds to commission a monument to commemorate those who risked so much to help them.

Monument of Merit dedication plate

This monument, named, “Monument of Merit“, resides on that platform in the northeast corner of Tung Sri Muang Ubon Ratchathani. This day sadly, I had to clean the dirt and bird calling cards from the surface of the plaque to read it. It was translated from Thai with errors but the gist and message is clear, gratitude and appreciation for those from Ubon who helped them survive. For me, I wish there was more information and stories about those for whom the monument stands.

Engraving identifying Monument of Merit

Moving away from the monument I passed a university student doing her homework and a young couple on a bench, the male stretched out with his head on her lap. Then there is another monument much better taken care of commemorating one of the founding fathers of Ubon. Here at the feet and around the statue lay garlands to pay homage.

Part of Ubon history

Next, a relatively new fixture in the park, is an open air lanai populated with a family of exercise machines. They seemed to be resting before the nightly visitors arrive to give them their daily workouts.

Fitness Lanai

Crossing the red brick road to the large grassy area, I looked to the south at the Joss House and noticed Ubon Hotel staring back at me. In its time Ubon Hotel towered as the tallest structure in Ubon. It has surrendered this status to other Ubon giants today.

Ubon Hotel

In the cnter of the grassy field stands the Provincial Shrine. It is, of course, a large wax sculpture candle creation to signify Ubon’s strong connection to the annual Candle Festival help each year in celebration of Khao Punsaa or Buddhist Lent. It has become an unofficial logo or icon of Ubon.

Big Ubon icon Candle

Walking along the jogging path I noticed the exercise machines of the many stations of the Circuit Training Program. Lost in observation I was startled by the sound of some young voices, “hello, hello.” A group of students who were out on a field trip for Science Day were taking a break in the park and wanted to practise their English with the lone farang walking around the place.

Students on break in the park

The conversation was short lived as their English was extremely limited. They were surprised that this farang could speak to them in Thai. It was a pleasant interlude and one of the nice experiences to be enjoyed when out and about amongst the locals.

Joss House Interior

After a brief visit to Joss House I made my way back to the northern gate to head out somewhere to grab some lunch. I entered the southern gate and to my right are basketball courts and bleachers. Now, in the hot morning sun, the courts were deserted. In a few hours time groups of young Thai male Michael Jordan wannabes will be there showing their skills and talents. The quiet will be replaced with jump shots, lay ups, free throws, dribbles, passes, hand checks and body checks.

Tung Sri Muang Basketball Courts

As I made my way passed the cement weight training station I heard and another hello and noticed it came from a Caucasian gentleman this time, I guess I wasn’t the only farang in the park.  He turned out to be a fellow American from Virginia. He was in Ubon with his wife, an Ubon native, visiting her family. Though he is from Virginia he lives and works as a teaching in Japan.

My intention had been to take some action to cease the noise erupting  from my stomach but it turned out I had a pleasant 45 minute conversation with my new friend. Though I have visited Tung Sri Muang many times during my tenure in Ubon I left on this day, as with every visit, feeling I had learned something new and added another memory to my library.

Tung Sri Muang Ubon Ratchathani holds on to it’s past and continues to provide the people of Ubon a sacred place in the center of town to host ceremonies and festivals. It had also added design and a place to get and keep fit. It is also a place for socializing, meeting old friends and making new friends. This might just be the social center of Ubon whether its impromptu or by design.

Go make a friend at and of Tung Sri Muang of Ubon Ratchathani Thailand today.

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Tung Sri Muang of Ubon Ratchathani Thailand

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It is a celebration of Thai Buddhist Lent that consist of many traditions. I found the schedule on a Thai website all in Thai. I got my wife to help translate it and below is the complete schedule of event for Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival 2009.

The following was translated from a post on http://www.guideubon.com:

Hope this helps so you can better enjoy Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival 2009.

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Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival Schedule

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Maybe you have seen them too, if you live in Ubon. I got curious and asked around. I discovered it was a place over in Pho Sai district named Sam Pan Bok, meaning 3000 Holes in Thai. I could smell another adventure coming.

It was time to make a trip to Immigration in Phibun Mangsahan so I planned to add a journey to check out this famous holes on the river. I planned an early departure to make sure there was time to take in the sights.

I arrived early enough at the office but had overlooked some copies I needed so had to go correct my oversight. It still didn’t take so long but the hunger pangs were getting my attention so we decided to enjoy lunch at Gaeng Saphue before continuing to Sam Pan Bok.

As usual, the lunch overlooking Mun River was pleasant. If you can go there on weekdays it isn’t too crowded and is rather peaceful as well. There were some families who brought there children to play in the shallow river and having a great time.

My stomach taken care of we headed out. Just across the bridge and turn right on Highway 2222 for the 30 kilometer trip to Khong Jiam. I arrive in Khong Jiam and turned left, heading northwest on Highway 2134, it is only a short distance to connect to Highway 2112 which passes by the turn off to Pha Taem.

I double checked the map and confirmed to stay on Highway 2112. I had to be careful as the exact location of Sam Pan Bok isn’t on my map. Why is that? My map is one I bought when I first arrived in Ubon nearly 10 years ago. Opening Sam Pan Bok as a tourist destination only happened recently.

It is a bit more than 70 kilometers from Khong Jiam to the newest Ubon Ratchathani tourist attraction. The road was nice until we passed the turn off to Pha Taem. After that it was a bit rough in many places. I was beginning to wonder if the site was named for geological formations there or for the number of holes in the road getting there. I didn’t take time to count but I am certain it is close to 3000 if not more.

Driving up a short incline we spotted a small blue sign ahead on the right. In the center of the road were pylons and a flashing red light. Opposite the blue sign was a roadside tent with police and park rangers. As we got closer to the sign it was pointing the way to our destination.

Making the right hand turn in the direction the sign sent us a dirt road appeared. Just down the road another sign notified drivers that Sam Pan Bok is 3 kilometers further. At about the 2 kilometer point there is a fork in the road. Signs point both directions with the same distance. I took the fork to the right. It turned out to be the best decision.

Within 10 minutes we came to the parking area with ample shade trees. I parking attendant came to greet us and after some valuable information he handed over a parking pass for a 20TB fee. One bit of information he passed on was that we could camp there overnight for only 40TB. Thank you, maybe sometime in the future.

We were parched after the 100 kilometer drive from Phibun so we hurried over to the nearest vendor to get some cold water. The parking area and vendors are located on a plateau overlooking Sam Pan Bok. From the vantage point we could see that it was a mixture of rock, sand, vegetation and water.

It might be new as far as being open to the public but it was easy to tell the site had been created by nature and took thousands, if not millions of years to become what it is today. Nothing compared to nature when it comes to artistry.

Cooled down and our thirst quenched we headed down the dirt path to the scene below. There is solid rock with texture etched by running water. There are many, many holes in rock of differing sizes and shapes. Some of the holes are filled with water and others are dry.

The mighty Mekong is very tame this time of year. The main waterway appeared to be a channel with a gentle flow. Other locations the water was stil as though a pond or reservoir instead of the powerful river of July through October.

The way the rocks were laid out it provided an interesting path. Now I could walk the way of water and fish when waters are swollen. Up and down, around and over, I was deifnitely getting my exercise for the day.

It is easy to look around and imagine you might be on a desert or even another planet. The rock formations are spread out making for an out of this world scene. Adding to the visual effect is the heat radiating off the rocks and lack of breeze blowing along the river bed.

Walking along exploring we rounded a rock outcrop and suddenly several shades of lovely green came into view. We headed to that point. There in between the rocks was a pool of still water. Along the shore of the pond several species of plants, each a different shade of green were growing. It look like a border or fringe. Just behind the one section was a bed of white fine sand. The diversity was amazing to me. To top it off as I looked at a rock on the far side of the pond it looked to me like a turtle sitting on the shore taking a drink.

There are some vendors in the area. You can rent paddle boats to take a short trip down the river to a rock stage. I also spotted longtail boats taking some tourists or daytrippers on a tour. That is there is you choose to experience it.

It was hot and we were feeling it so headed back up to the parking area. I was in need of the cool water again at the top. While cooling down I inventoried the grounds. There is one open air restaurant there. I am not sure as to what’s on the menu butit is the only place in town so if you are hungry that is the place. Of course another option is to bring your own picnic.

Also there are restrooms and wash rooms to clean up after your adventure. It is in its infancy in development so I am sure more options will follow. Time will tell.

It was getting late afternoon so made the decision to take off. If I timed it right would make it home in time for dinner. I decided to take the way I didn’t come in by. It is like a loop or ring road. You have to drive down a steep dirt road and at the bottom is bedrock. I soon found out there are some deep ruts in the rock so need to choose your exit carefully.

The road goes down then up to the hill again. At the top it appears there are more vendors getting set up. So it seems there is an expectation of increased visitor traffic. The road this direction is not just a straight drive. You must make some turns and I had never been there before so luckily I made the right choices. I guess my army training came in handy.

When leaving there are two choices if you are heading to Ubon city. You can retrace the route back to Khong Jiam, Phibun and Ubon or you can turn right at Highway 2112 and a few kilometers you will see the junction with Highway 2337 that passes through Pho Sai village heading west.  It connects with Highway 2050 south through Trakan Phut Phon and then to Ubon. I think it is about the same either way.

I thoroughly enjoyed this short adventure. It was nice exploring a place that has had millions upon millions of liters of water travel over it. It is interesting to see. I would think it would be a nice place for a picnic as well and is great for photo sessions.

Drawbacks as I see it are it can get extremely crowded on weekends. So if you can go on weekdays it might be more enjoyable. There are some young employees there that were driving their motorcycles up the narrow dirt road to the top at high speed. So be careful when walking around. It is isolated so you are restricted to what you brought with you or what’s available.

It is a great day trip from Ubon or neighboring provinces. I recommend a visit, especially if you love the outdoors and natures artwork. If you are ever curious about what is under all that water flowing down to the Delta now you can see firsthand. I am not sure exact dates but come July or August at latest Sam Pan Bok will be underwater and remain so till at least November so the 3000 holes can only been seen part of the year.

If you are a tourist in Ubon or if you live in Ubon it is a nice place to visit and spend a day exploring and enjoying nature.

Happy Ubon travels.

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New Ubon Attraction Sam Pan Bok

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Ubon University is on Hiway 24 approximately 20 kilometers from Ubon city. If you don’t have transportation you can get there via the red M line or the green and yellow 1 line. The M line actually goes on campus and you can get off about 500 meters or so from the fields. The 1 line only passes the front gate so it is a 20 minute walk back to the fields.

The fields are located in the rear of the campus near the sports hall. The plants are all in a row between the street and a pavillion. After you take some time strolling through the field, taking in the beauty and taking pictures you can enjoy a meal at one of the many food vendors located across from the main gate.

Sunflower seeds at Ubon University are planted during the rainy season and reach maturity around two months after rainy season ends. The prime viewing window is about 2 weeks before the plants begin going to seed. Last year I missed it by a few days so this year made sure I got to see the sunflowers in full bloom.

If you can’t get out to Ubon University there are some photos of the sunflowers below for you to enjoy. This is a nice preview of one of the many attractions offered here in Ubon Ratchathani.

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Ubon Ratchathani University Sunflower Fields

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Unique entrance to Wat Sa Prasan Suk Ubon Ratchathani

I am overwhelmed by the sudden calmness of spirit as soon as I step foot on the premises. It is as though the structures and grounds are in deep meditation.

Often you will see similar designs and architecture at the many temples drawn from the long history of Buddhism. Yet each building and temple grounds have their own unique personality and their own story to tell.

I recently visited Wat Sa Prasan Suk here in Ubon Ratchathani. It was formerly known as Wat Ban Na Muang. I am not sure about the reason for the name change but it usually has something to do with improving good luck or kharma.

It’s easy to realize this temple’s unique identity. As soon as you turn onto the soi which lead to the temple’s entrance you are confronted by the image of a giant elephant. The purpose of this enormous statue seems to be two-fold, it serves as the gateway to the temple and also guards it.

I journeyed beneath the underbelly of the massive creature and gazed up in awe at the size of it. What came to mind about then was driving through a redwood tree in northern California in my younger days.

Bot at Wat Sa Prasan Suk Ubon Ratchathani

Coming down from the elephant rush my attention was grabbed by the totally unique ordination hall off to the left of the entrance. The hall was a sight to see with it’s elaborate decorations and designs. It was set on a foundation that resembled a royal barge, complete with oarsmen. The craftsmanship that went into it’s construction was amazing.

Seated Buddha image at Wat Sa Prasan Suk Ubon Ratchathani

Off to the right hand side stands the main vihan or sermon hall. Inside I immediately noticed it was deserted of people. A large seated Buddha image in the attitude of subduing Mara was sitting on a platform at the head of the vihan surrounded by many smaller Buddha images and pictures of revered monks. To the left and behind there were the mummified remains of a highly revered monk who once was a teacher there. About 10 meters in Front of the platform sits a lone Chinese Buddha image.

Chinese Buddha image Wat Sa Prasan Suk Ubon

Back outside I headed to the majestic bell tower that stands at the end of the drive. It is used for summoning and honoring. Inside is housed not only a bell but also a large drum. At first glance it would seem this is the extent of the temple grounds. But if you assume that and leave you will miss out. As I did on my first visit.

Bell Tower Wat Sa Prasan Suk Ubon Ratchathani

Take the small road that runs off the left until you reach a reservoir. There you will see a beautiful sight “floating” on the water. A large structure is the image of a boat with a small vihan mounted on it’s deck was moored there. The colors make it stand out amongst the backdrop of trees and water.

Floating Vihan Wat Sa Prasan Suk Ubon Ratchathani

The quietness experienced there for me, is more like being on a boat out to sea then sitting in a small wooded area at the edge of town.

Vihan Wat Sa Prasan Suk Ubon Ratchathani

After having taken in all the wonderous sights of the temple grounds there was one last activity to partake of. The reservoir is stocked with fish and they need to eat. The fish are invisible due to the cloudy water until you toss a handful of fish food pellets over the side of the boat. Suddenly seemingly hundreds of gaping holes emerged attached to the bodies of fish. Quite a sight.

Last look at Wat Sa Prasan Suk Ubon

If you would like to visit Wat Pra Sa Saen Suk in Ubon Ratchathani, head up Chayangkun Rd Soi 42. When you reach the end at a T-intersection turn right for about 100 meters. You will come to another T-intersection where you need to turn left and drive about a kilometer. Again you reach the end of a road at a T. Turn right and about 100 meters you will see a small soi on the left. Turn down it and you will immediately spot the giant elephant and know you have found it. Enjoy.

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Wat Sa Prasan Suk Ubon Ratchathani

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Of course I had to go down and see what was going on there. One of the first sights I encountered was the gift from His Majesty King Bhumipol Adulyadej.
It is highly valued by the people of Ubon. The beautiful candle occupied its place of honor, surrounded by a barrier and guarded by a young cadet. Many people were stopping by to admire the candle and have their picture taken in front of it. My understanding is that it will be kept at a local temple after the holiday so people can go near it and Tam Boon (make merit).

There were many people walking around, taking in the sights, socializing, rehearsing and taking part in a ceremony being conducted in the meeting hall in Tung Sri Muang. There were also groups of young students panning the crowd like predators in search of prey. These groups had been given a project by their teachers to interview foreigners during the festival. So in this instance I was the prey.

One group spotted me and came running up to me with big smiles on their faces. They were students from Tesaban School in Warin Chamrap District.
They were 9-12 year olds and very polite. They asked me some questions and then requested I take a picture with them. After the photograph we parted ways but I soon heard some yelling and when I turned to look it was the students chasing me down. They had forgotten to get me to sign my name as additional proof they had actually talked to me. I hope it was as enjoyable experience or them as it was for me.

I moved on to visit the Ubon Ratchathani National Museum located at the far end of Tung Sri Muang. There was a 30 Baht fee for foreigners to enter. At the entrance is s sign stating no photos allowed unless approved by the director so I just looked. It was interesting to learn about the history of the Ubon area both geologically and historically. I saw some places I know I need to visit soon. I had been looking for places with Khmer style buildings like I had seen in Srisaket but until my visit to the museum I had no idea if there were any in Ubon Ratchahtani province.

After the museum I was again confronted by a group of students. This group was from Ah-shee-wa also known as Ubon Vocational School.
The four students were 16-19 years of age and were more timid and subdued than the elementary students. They had an interview sheet printed in English but had a hard time reading the questions so I helped out the girl who was doing the interviewing. The mandatory photographs were taken and I walked away to look at the International Wax Sculpture Competition that was going on. Again I was chased down because they forgot to get me to sign the interview sheet.

The International Wax Sculpture Competition was interesting because the themes were unique to each country.
The Candle masterpieces that were created by the temples had Buddhist and Monarchy theme. The French team was creating a wax likeness of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Chinese team created an interesting sculpture, a large bird, wings spread as in flight and perched atop what appeared to be a globe. Skirting around the area of the wax sculpturing were displays demonstrating the process of wax making. Very interesting.

As with any big event, parking can be a problem. Both for the organizers and the visitors. Often it’s easier to use public transportation then to fight traffic and spend a lot of time looking for available parking.
I chose to ride a songtaew for that very reason. My decision was positively supported when upon exiting the park I happened upon a mass of motorcycles. It was an amazing sight. Looking over the hundreds of motorcycles I couldn’t help but wonder to myself what happens when someone comes back and is ready to leave but their bike is in center mass. Would they wait? Would they go back to the festival and return later? Would they attempt to rearrange the herd in order to free their bike? I had no answer and as it was getting hot and I was getting hungry and tired I wasn’t going to wait around to find out.

It was time to go and an end to my festive and interesting morning at Tung Sri Muang Park during the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival 2007.

This post via UbonBlog which provides valuable and useful information about: Life and Times in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand . Content you can use.

A Festive Morning At Tung Sri Muang Park Ubon

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