Thailand Day 12 Mekong Valley Nov 2023

Day 12

11 Nov 2023

Nongkhai Bankok Singapore 

It has been a long journey by airplane, train, car, boat and tuk tuk ( songkhiew). There were lots of walking, trekking and climbing at various points of interest. We even went for 2 Mekong cruises. Total distance covered was over 2000 km in Thailand.

The journey home started today with the tuk tuk taking us through the streets of Nongkhai. Most shops are still shut as its only 6.30 in the morning. We arrived shortly at Nongkhai Railway Station. 

Nongkhai Railway Station

At 7.45 am, the train left the station for Bangkok. It would be a 9 hours ride on an old train with very basic fittingd. Toilet discharged directly onto the track.

Food was available on the train but not from cafeteria. Instead when the train stopped at a station, hawkers would board the train to sell food and drink.

The train stopped at major cities like Udon Thani and Khon Kaen as well as many other smaller towns.

Interesting part of train route was over a lake near Lopburi. From the inside of the train, passengers can see the water so close on both sides, thus giving the perception of the train sailing over the lake.

              (Downloaded Internet image)

The scenery along the rail route was beautiful, mostly farmland with vast plots of rice and sugar crops. 

From Bangkok Krung Thep Aphiwat Station. we hailed a taxi to Bangkok Subarnavarmi Airport.

Our flight back home was on Jetstar 3K 514 on Aibus 320. It was a 2 hour 10 min flight arriving in Singapore past midnight. 

Route of Train #76 Nongkhai to Bangkok.

Overall, it was a very interesting and satisfying adventure.

Thailand Day 11 Mekong Valley Nov 2023

Day 11

10 Nov 2023

Nongkhai

Sunrise was 6 12 am. The river bank walkway were cooling with fresh morning air, and it was already busy with local enjoying their morning activities. 

Wat Hai Sok

Alms giving, a Buddhist rites, was observed at this temple. Crowd of early worshippers and devotees lined up on the walkway, with their offerings in bamboo baskets, ready to make the offerings to the monks.

Buddhist Temple in Nongkhai Public park

Walking in Nongkhai Public Park. In covers a large area. I felt the park lacks the appeal. 

Wat Me Chai Tah

Sala Keoku is a very large park featuring Buddhist and Hindu sculptures.

Hugh sculptures on display in the well maintained garden of Sala Kaewku.

Lunch at Sadet Marketplace 

Watching sunset over Mekong again. But the sun was obscured by low clouds. No sunset is the same.