Nong Khai Sky Walk/ Wat Pha Tak Suea Sky Walk

I was so worried that I won’t be able to walk on the glass floor or be freaking terrified but what do you know… the glass is so ‘frosted’ and the fact that I don’t think it is that high makes me walk easily dengan over confidentnya. Ahaks.
 
Most and more info on THIS VIDEO, still photo don’t do it justice.

 

#TravelTips
1. Located at Phu Pan Noi peak in Pha Tang subdistrict.
2. The first and only one in Issan.
3. A 2 hours journey from Udom Thani town. Allocate 1-1.5 hours for this site - viewing deck, photos and temple visit.

4. View of the Mekong River splitting Thailand and Laos.

5. Great for road trip rides along the small kampung (villages) by the Mekong River.
6. The sky walk distance is approximately 15m and is able to support up to 2,500 kg ie 20 adults.
7. There is a Pha Tak Suea Temple walking distance from the sky walk. Kill 2 birds with one stone kinda trip.

8. Remember to put on your sunblock, sunnies and hat when visiting the sky walk - HOT!

9. Parking is at abundance, but only on weekday and non-public holiday lah.
10. Yes, there's rest rooms here and it isa very clean (on a low reason/crowd jer tau).
 
 

AETMET 2023 Media Fam Trip is organized by Tourism Authority of Thailand in partnership with all its sponsors. #AmazingThailand #AmazingThailandKL #AmazingNewChapters #YourStoriesNeverEnd #TourismThailandKL

UNESCO Ban Chiang National Museum and Archaeological Site

 
YES! Another UNESCO unlocked, and it’s in Thailand this time around.

You won’t believe how excited I was when I found out that I will be covering yet another UNESCO site in my ‘kampung’ country. This site or place is not in my radar as I usually hunt sites that are architectural in nature hence it is more than often - ruins. No no no… I am not complaining as ruins gives a very vintage feel much to my liking.

 
This is different as it is more an archeologic site and artifacts.
 
I have no expectation on the place, my readings were confined to artifacts so you can imagine how surprise and impressed I was when I saw the museum. As you know, I visited many indoor museums, open air museums, galleries and UNESCO sites. This is amazing well structured, very detail, and the journey to educate and guide a visitor is splendid. Kid you not.

 

The Background.
The Ban Chiang National Museum and Archaeological Site are situated in Nong Han district of Udon Thani province, this site was awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1992 (almost 2 decades ago) as it covers artifacts such as ancient tools, household items, and the famous pottery items of which are over 4,000 years old.
 
There are 2 parts if I may say so, one is the museums, then not far from here is an open-air site where you can see where the archaeological excavation sites are located.
 
Why Ban Chiang culture is famous world over one may ask, it is because it tells us the ancient community of Ban Chiang was the precursor to all other pre-historic civilizations of the world. The pottery found here in Ban Chiang Archaeological Site is believed to be the oldest in the world.

 
Sections
The museum is split into nine (9) section, narrated in layman that makes one enjoy and able to comprehend the historical content. The building is called Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Boromarajajonani Building (need not memorise this as it is the first building on the left upon entering the gate), and this is where the ticket counters, exhibition, book stores, and shops are located.
 
Section 1 : Introduction
It is an introduction of Thailand’s His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Ban Chiang, taking us thru the journey when King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit paid a royal visit to archaeological excavation pits at Ban Chiang back in 20 March 1972.
 
Section 2 : Archaeological Process
Guiding us on the archaeological work and process.

 
Section 3 : Simulation of Archaeological Process
Sharing the environment where the excavation took place such as how the archaeologists segregate tasks and sections, analysing an dating the artifacts, as well as their working tools.
  
Section 4 : Archaeological Excavation Pit
Archaeological pits models and operating process simulation.
 
Section 5 : Artifacts from Wat Pho Sri Nai Archaeological Excavation Pit
Artifacts showcased are in chronological order, together with the pottery tools and ornaments.

 

Section 6 : Prehistoric Ban Chiang Culture
Displaying Ban Chiang culture that includes hunting, agriculture, and pottery.
 
Section 7 : The Lost Bronze Age
The presentation displays of prehistoric archaeological evidence, along with the discovery of Southeast Asia, until the discovery of the Bronze Age in the Ban Chiang culture.

 
Section 8 : UNESCO World Heritage
It was awarded UNESOC World Heritage in 1992, based on the 3rd criterion - to “bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared”.

Section 9 : The Dispersion of Ban Chiang Culture
Aartifacts and study the dispersion of Ban Chiang culture in the northeast, around Sakon Basin.
 
Ban Chiang National Museum and Archaeological Site
The archaeological site can be covered in 20-40mins top, as most of the important info is in the museum itself.

As you can see, you can easily understand the history and journey of Ban Chiang’s findings (basically, tak huru hara penceritaannya).
 
I would highly encourage and stress to you to visit the site if you in Vientiane, Loas (as it takes 30mins to cross the border and another 30mins to arrive at the site, it can be a day trip from Viantiane. After all, Viantiane can be covered in 1-1.5 day.
 
Trust me, if you are a history lover – you won’t regret this.
 
The Ban Chiang National Museum
Operating Hours: Daily from 9am-4pm
Entrance Fee : THB 150 (foreigners)

AETMET 2023 Media Fam Trip is organized by Tourism Authority of Thailand in partnership with all its sponsors. #AmazingThailand #AmazingThailandKL #AmazingNewChapters #YourStoriesNeverEnd #TourismThailandKL

Hat Yai : Other than Shopping and Eating

Yes yes yes… Everyone has been asking me, did you not stay at Lee Garden? No shopping at the night market at Lee Garden? The kacang shop place, did you go? And the answer is no no and no.

This trip has been rather unique, instead of visiting the ever so popular and famous place (and hotel) in Hat Yai, we visited the local most visited place. I bet many of you aren’t aware – yea lah kan… asyik gi makan and shopping kat Lee Garden jer. So, let me take you to this great outdoor place called Kor Hong Mountain located approximately 20 mins from your favourite place. Click here to watch the video.

As you know (macam lah you all semua tahu kan), I kinda like to add nature ie park, zoo or any outdoorish place in my trip and this time around I visited the Kor Hong Mountain – a hang-out place for them locals. Few things that you can check-out here which is:

1. Hat Yai View Point : my favourite thus far as you can see the whole Hat Yai from here and it is so breezy.

2. Park : A great place for family, dating, boating and exercise spot. You can jog or walk from here up to the View Point on a perfectly tar-road.
3. Golden Buddha : A locals place of worship, located right on top at the view point. And you walk down you will pass by another god statue as well as a temple.

The golden Buddha or Phra Phuttha Mongkhon Maharat was built in 1999 to commemorate the 72nd birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Apparently (only got to know after I left Hat Yai) this place is connected by a cable-car.

Next, you’ll pass by the Goddess Guan Yin Statue – Goddess Guanyin is usually referred to as the most widely beloved Buddhist Divinity. In Chinese Buddhism, Guan Yin is synonymous with the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, the pinnacle of mercy, compassion, kindness and love.

As you walk further down, you’ll meet the cheerful Laughing Buddha statue. Laughing Buddha represents joy, contentment, and prosperity in East Asian cultures.

Last but not least you will reach the temple, half way between the View Point and the Hat Yai Municipal Park. You can continue on foot to the park or get your car to meet you here, ample parking bay and restroom is available too.

You can easily spend an hour just lounging and enjoying the breeze kissing you chubby cheeks, and continue with a stroll/hike down where you will be greeted by the goddess and god. Do it in the evening, cause it’ll give you a perfect excuse to head to local night market for dinner.

Hat Yai Municipal Park
Hat Yai District, Songkhla
Thailand
Operating hours: 6am – 8pm daily (open for joggers)
Entrance fee: Free

AETMET 2023 Media Fam Trip is organized by Tourism Authority of Thailand in partnership with all its sponsors. #AmazingThailand #AmazingThailandKL #AmazingNewChapters #YourStoriesNeverEnd #TourismThailandKL