Category Archives: north east thailand (Isarn)

The big Buddha of Wat Theppitak Punaram, Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province

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  Thai language version

Visible from Highway No. 2 (Thanon Mitthrapap, Friendship Rd.) close to the 150 km road mark at Sisiad Ah mountain, Ban Klang Dong village, Pak Chong district in Nakhon Ratchasima province.
A majestic, huge white Buddha statue embedded in the hillside is towering over the valley and the Highway. The local people refer to this statue as “Luang Por Khao”, which could be loosely translated as the “spiritual guide from the mountain”.
This Buddha statue belongs to the Wat Theppitak Punaram temple at the base of the hill.
There is some symbolism involved in the measures of the statue:

  • the elevation of the statue of 112 meters or 56 Thai Wa above ground level refers to the 56 goodnesses of Buddhism;
  • he total of 1,250 steps of the two paths left and right leading uphill to the statue signify the number of disciples of the Lord Buddha who assembled on Maka Buja Day without prior notice;
  • the height of the statue of 45 meters means the number of years Buddha spent in teaching the people after he had attained enlightenment.

To get there, leave Highway No. 2 at the 150 km mark and follow the small asphalt rd. for 2 km to the temple at the base of the hill

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Lake Lam Takhong dam, Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province

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  Thai language version

When on your way from Bangkok northwestbound on Highway No. 2 (Thanon Mitthrapap, Friendship Rd.) it’s a good idea to make a short stop at Lake Lam Takhong dam.
In the early morning or in the afternoon there is a special kind of light illuminating the valley and the lake.
At the northeast end of the lake there is a stopover with a collection of lakeside restaurants selling inexpensive delicious Isan food.
Don’t be surprised when some pantomime actors employed by the restaurants are making suggestive gestures trying to lure you have a little break.

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Sai Ngam Banyan tree, Phimai, Phimai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province

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  Thai language version

The Sai Ngam large Banyan tree is besides the Phimai historical park and the museum of history one of the 3 major tourist attractions in the town of Phimai, Phimai district, Nakhon Ratchasima.

It is basically one single enormously huge plant located in a swamp like area. The total area covered by this plant is about 35.000 square feet and its age is estimated to be about 350 years.


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