Chulachomklao Fort, Bangkok

When I lived in Bangkok, I did my fair share of exploring. A colleague told me about Chulachomklao Fort, around 29 km south of Bangkok. It sounded interesting, so I decided to visit.

Getting there was fun, I only knew that I had to take the 145 bus to Pak Nam market, then take a boat across the river. The boat chugged its way around a small island towards the pier in Phra Samut Chedi District. You’ll see lush greenery and birds gathering to grab whatever titbits they can from the local fishermen.

It always seems a bit of an adventure when you don’t really know the way, so I just went with the flow. I had to find a market on the other side which wasn’t too difficult after I’d asked a couple of people. From there, I had to locate a truck which would take me to the fort.

Chulachomklao Fort was built in 1884 during the reign of King Rama V. Its main purpose was to defend Thailand against enemies and those seeking to colonise.

I wandered around the gun park where you can see all the different types of artillery and other weapons that were used when the fort was active.

This proud statue of King Rama V stands at the front of the fort.

You’ll also see the entrance to the bunkers which house the disappearing guns.

Inside the bunker, there is a long open corridor..

with doors leading to low underground tunnels..

and the guns at the end.

The disappearing guns were used only once in 1893 when the fort protected the sovereignty of Thailand from French invasion.

They were designed to be hauled up by their hydro-pneumatic system for firing and lowered again afterwards.

Also at the fort is H.T.M.S Maeklong. She was in service for 60 years and deployed during WWII.

It’s fun to scamper about on her decks!

You get good views across the Gulf of Thailand too!

As you move around the park, you’ll come across this ordinary telegraph pole.

It was constructed in 1869 as the first telegraph cable between Bangkok and Paknam. Unfortunately, the service was unsuccessful. 6 years later, the Thai Department of Defence constructed an underwater telegraph line for messages concerning sea traffic to be transmitted.

There is also a lovely mangrove walk you can take.

With some Macaques for company.

If you ignore them, which you should, they won’t take a blind bit of notice of you.

There is more nature to be seen if you’re lucky.

After I’d seen everything, I made my way back to the pier and across the Chao Praya River towards home.

If you’re ever in Bangkok and want to see something just a bit different, Chulachomklao Fort is a fabulous place to visit for the day.

For more places to go in Bangkok, check out the following posts.

A Guide to Nature in Bangkok

Places to Visit in Bangkok – With a Twist

The Changing Seasons – June 2020

The Changing Seasons post, hosted by Su at Zimmerbitch.

Still off work, I went to meet my mum, sister and niece in the park for a picnic. It was lovely to spend time with them, enjoying the sunshine, playing Frisbee and looking at the birds. For me, the simple pleasures are always the nicest.

Things to do in lockdown — A trip to the park

The biggest news of the month is that I have moved into my own place. A lovely little duplex apartment near the town centre. I was anxious about moving whilst in lockdown, so I waited until things had eased a bit. Then I was worried about finances, so I waited some more. In the end, I decided to take the risk and just go for it. I have always said, if I become unhappy I will do something about it. I loved living with my brother and his fiancé, but it was time to move on.

One of the things I was looking forward to was cooking for myself again and eating the things I like to eat. So far, the following dishes have been on the menu.

I am so happy now, I have regained my independence which is so important to me. I wonder though, how the hell I ended up back in my home town after living in Thailand for so long. I miss living in Bangkok every day, but I am happy where I am for the time being. I have a good job, my own place, and family and friends not far away.

Let’s see what the future holds. I am enjoying travelling along my new path for now. Even more so because I know I have the resolve to change my life and move on again if need be!

About The Changing Seasons

The Changing Seasons is a monthly challenge where bloggers around the world share what’s been happening in their month.

If you would like to join me and the others in this challenge, here are the guidelines:

The Changing Seasons Version One (photographic)

Each month, post 5-20 photos in a gallery that you feel represent your month
Don’t use photos from your archive. Only new shots.
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them

The Changing Seasons Version Two (you choose the format):

Each month, post a photo, recipe, painting, drawing, video, whatever that you feel says something about your month
Don’t use archive stuff. Only new material!
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so others can find them

Cycling Around Chiang Rai

When I was in Chiang Rai, I hired a bicycle and explored the gorgeous countryside. What surprised me was the lack of people, there was hardly anyone around, even the people who lived there seemed to be missing. So, I had no problems cycling on the roads, I wouldn’t have dared in Bangkok!

First stop was Wat Huay Pla Kang and an enormous statue on the hill, which is so large, I could see the top of its head from my accommodation, some 2 kilometres away. Locally known as the Big Buddha, it’s not a Buddha at all. This impressive hillside statue is a depiction of the Goddess of Mercy from Chinese Buddhism – Guan Yin also known as Kuan Eim (กวนอิม) or Prah Mae Kuan Eim in Thailand.

As you approach the temple complex, the huge statue looms over the countryside.

There are several buildings there and this 9-tier pagoda is guarded by a couple of golden lions at the base of the staircase leading up to the entrance.

The day I visited it was delightfully empty of tourists, so I happily scampered around the grounds taking photos of all the temples. This white temple is reminiscent of the more famous Wat Rong Khun, also in Chiang Rai.

It’s the statue of Guan Yin that takes your breath away. It’s colossal, standing at 90 metres high with 23 storeys. If you want, you can take the lift up inside the statue where you get spectacular views of the countryside.

I didn’t, I just walked up the stairs, flanked by white dragons,

and strolled around the base of the statue.

The views of this green and mountainous region of Chiang Rai, even from the top of staircase, are just as impressive.

You can also get a good view of the other temples from up on the hill.

Smaller Buddha statues surround Guan Yin.

It’s free to visit Wat Huay Pla Kang. However, if you want to go inside the statue of Guan Yin there is a small fee of 40 Baht (Just over 1 GBP) – a small price to pay to experience this fabulous attraction.

Next stop was Wat Rong Suea Ten or the Blue Temple, a gorgeous, blue building with ornately carved gold decoration.

It is quite simply, stunning! I have never seen anything like it in Thailand before.

Part of the temple was under construction, but you can still see how beautiful it is.

There are many statues around the complex too – all a fabulous shade of blue.

The gold decoration is lovely!

There are other interesting elements to the temple. The tiger refers to a time when tigers could be found in the area. The name of the temple – Suea Ten – means “dancing tiger.”

I actually preferred it to the White Temple, if only for the lack of tourists!

I only wish I’d have gone inside because it’s arguably more beautiful than the outside – if that is at all possible. There’s always next time!

Onward on my trusty steed, I cycled away from the Blue Temple towards my next destination of the day. Bypassing glorious countryside on the way.

I was heading to Wat Tham Phra (Buddha Images Cave). Along the way, I spotted a small golden chedi and a gateway with lions standing on stone plinths on either side.

I cycled a little further and saw a huge Buddha carved into the rock and steps leading up to a cave. This wasn’t the one I was heading towards, according to the map I was still two clicks away. I turned around and went to investigate.

I parked my bike and tentatively walked up the steps taking care not to slip on the moss. At the top was a door leading into the cave. This was Wat Tham Tu Pu.

My heart was thudding. I half expected to see some poor soul, who had made their home there, or a snake in the shadows, none to happy that I had disturbed it. I saw neither, but I still felt a litle spooked. In the darkness, I was met with a pair of eyes staring back at me – it was a Buddha statue – but that only became apparent as my eyes got used to the darkness.

It was really eerie in the cave, so I didn’t hang around very long. I was happy to be outside in the light again!

Still feeling a bit unnerved, I cycled away as quickly as I could! Before long, I arrived at the last port of call – Wat Tham Phra (Buddha Images Cave).

A larger cave and not as scary with a number of Buddhist statues and altars inside.

The people there were preparing for some kind of celebration, so I had a quick look inside and then left to go back to the homestay. More gorgeous views along the way.

I arrived back at the homestay after cycling some 10 kilometres around Chiang Rai. I spent the evening with a cold beer or two and relished in the quiet surround sound!

The Changing Seasons – May 2020

The Changing Seasons post, hosted by Su at Zimmerbitch.

Still in lockdown, we had to find new ways to amuse ourselves and my brother Trev came home with his hair dyed blonde! I didn’t even notice at first! It was a shock, but I thought it suited him.

We took to calling him Slim Shady. Now, will the real one please stand up!

Trev then decided he was going to go one step further and dye his hair all the colours of the rainbow, so I ordered some hair dye. This is how it turned out. Rocking the rainbow bro, and his tribute to the NHS. Thank god it was temporary and washed out!

The rest of May was all about the memories.

2008 saw me in Sydney where I spent the most amazing day at Circular Quay with one of my besties – Trudy.

Places to go in Australia — Sydney with Trudy

Back in 2010, I was in Thailand and I caught up with my good friends Doyle and Mel on Koh Tao as they travelled around the country.

In May 2014, Chris and I were out in Bangkok and we met Jesse for the first time at the bar. We ordered food from one of the best Indian restaurants in Bangkok, sadly no longer there, and our new friend paid the bill.

In 2017, Chris and I went to a favourite hang out – Soi Nana – and had a few drinks in 23 Bar & Gallery, Cho Why and Wallflowers.

Also in 2017, we were at another favourite – Le Café des Stagiaires. So many cool places to go in Bangkok. I wonder why I left sometimes!

Thank God for these memories, I can look back with a grin on my face.

Lastly, one of my images made it into the top 10% most voted in one of Viewbug’s regular competitions.

Photography in Bangkok — Top 10% most voted

About The Changing Seasons

The Changing Seasons is a monthly challenge where bloggers around the world share what’s been happening in their month.

If you would like to join me and the others in this challenge, here are the guidelines:

The Changing Seasons Version One (photographic)

Each month, post 5-20 photos in a gallery that you feel represent your month
Don’t use photos from your archive. Only new shots.
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them

The Changing Seasons Version Two (you choose the format):

Each month, post a photo, recipe, painting, drawing, video, whatever that you feel says something about your month
Don’t use archive stuff. Only new material!
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so others can find them

A Trip to Wat Rong Khun

In Chiang Rai, I took a trip to the White Temple. I wasn’t sure how to get there because I was in the middle of nowhere and I hadn’t seen any people, let alone taxis. But, I needn’t have worried because the lovely Son, the owner of the homestay, called her driver to take me there.

I imagined the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) to be located in a forest setting, far from any towns or cities, so I was surprised to find it was a long way from any forest. After driving for around 20 or 30 minutes, we came to a crossroads with rows of shops on either side and on the opposite side – the White Temple. Not exactly, how I imagined it. Still, it was one of the most beautiful temples I’d ever seen.

Wat Rong Khun was built by Chalermchai Kositpipat in 1997 as an offering to Buddha. He says, “Only death can stop my dream, but cannot stop my project. I believe the work will give me immortal life.” The construction work continues and it should be completed by 2070 – a lifetime’s work!

It’s very unique with a white exterior which represents spirituality rather than being focused on material things.

Every inch of the temple is covered in fragments of mirrored glass which make it dazzle in the sunlight.

The main temple is reached by crossing the bridge of “the cycle of rebirth”.

On either side, there are reaching arms of those who were tempted by desires in life. The idea is that if you can cross the bridge (go through life) and forego these desires, you will achieve happiness.

At the other side of the bridge, you will come to the “Gate of Heaven” guarded by statues of Death and Rahu.

In front of the main temple, there are more interesting statues as well as other intricate architectural features.

You’re not allowed to take photos inside the temple, but the decor changes. Instead of images from Buddhist mythology, you are now faced with demons and images from the current era. Characters from famous films and modern-day idols like Michael Jackson. It’s all very strange and not something you see every day in a Thai temple.

In the temple grounds, there are other buildings.

All of the buildings in the complex are white apart from this golden one which houses the rest rooms. The gold colour symbolises the body.

There are other interesting things that may catch your eye.

It’s also a place for people to make merit and remember lost souls.

To make a wish.

To enjoy the nature.

Or to take a break in the shade.

If you are ever in Chiang Rai, go and experience the White Temple for yourselves. It really is a beauty!

I had a couple of more things on my itinerary. I took a taxi to town and had lunch right next to Chiang Rai’s clock tower – constructed by Chalermchai Kositpipat again!

My final destination was Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong.

As this temple is at the highest point of the city, you’ll get lovely views from up there.

I got back to the homestay and had an another relaxing evening, my only company were the insects who had come out for the night. After my day exploring, it was soothing to listen to their sounds in the dark night. It made such a wonderful change, my usual night time sounds were the beeping horns on the busy Bangkok roads.

First Day in Chiang Rai

In June 2018, I spent a wonderful 4 days in the north of Thailand, I went to Chiang Rai.

I’d wanted to go to Chiang Rai for ages, not only to visit the White Temple, but also to see Phu Chi Fah (the Sea of Mist.) I later realised that I was going at the wrong time of year to see the mist, the best time is around February. So, apart from the White Temple, there wasn’t much else I planned to do. For this reason, I wondered whether it would be best to stay in the town or somewhere in the countryside. In the end, I chose to stay at Ban Lom Jen Homestay which is about 12 kilometres outside of the city.

It was the best decision I could have made. I found myself in such beautiful surroundings.

With not a soul in sight.

When I arrived, the owner, Son, greeted me and showed me to my room. She told me that this was the first day of the season and I was the only guest. Could this day get any better?

I dumped my bags and took a short walk to explore my surroundings.

The Kok River was nearby, so I walked along the path taking in the beauty of the place. It was so peaceful.

To add to the serenity, this huge, white Buddha statue was a lovely sight.

The lovely colours of the countryside – all different shades of greens and browns.

This was my first time in Chiang Rai and I was amazed at how beautiful it was – and I hadn’t gone any further than across the road from my accommodation. I couldn’t wait to see more. I returned to my room and ate satay chicken and drank a couple of bottles of Singha beer. After dinner, I sat outside and wrote for a while before picking up my book. It was so peaceful sitting there as day turned to night. All I could hear was the sounds of the insects. It was a really good start to my trip.

I was so taken aback at just how stunning Chiang Rai was, it inspired me to write a couple of posts about what I saw.

Get Inspired About What You See

Poetry in Motion

A Last Trip to the BACC

As you may have gathered, I am quite the culture vulture and when I lived in Bangkok, I used to go in search of it. My favourite place to go was the Bangkok Art & Cultural Centre or BACC.

I used to love the art and photographic exhibitions that were held there and just before I left Bangkok, in 2018, I took one last trip there.

On this particular day, I’d gone to see an art exhibition by Oleg Shuplyak called Imaginarium – check out his amazing paintings in the following posts..

Imaginarium – By Oleg Shuplyak

Imaginarium by Oleg Shuplyak

http://morrisophotography.co.uk/art/imaginarium-by-oleg-shuplyak/

Whatever exhibition was on, I loved wandering around the BACC looking at all the photos and paintings, but I also loved people watching. Lots of people, like me, went there to enjoy all the different types of creations.

There are 9 floors in the BACC, each with something different to see. It could be the main exhibit or other art and photography offerings on display.

There are also resident artists who have a space to work on pottery or painting.

And then there was me, watching, learning and absorbing everything around me.

I have written about my previous visits to the BACC and when I return to Bangkok on holiday, this will be one of the first places I visit.

Art in the City

Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre

Here are a few photos I have taken at the BACC in the past.

http://morrisophotography.co.uk/art/art-and-angles/

http://morrisophotography.co.uk/places/art-and-photography-collages/

http://morrisophotography.co.uk/places/bangkok-art-and-cultural-centre/

http://morrisophotography.co.uk/places/beyond-the-air-we-breathe-bangkok-art-and-cultural-centre/

There are many more art galleries in Bangkok and I have loved them all!

Art Galleries in Bangkok

I hope you enjoyed my artful reminiscing!

The Garden of the Gods at Muang Boran

There are five different “regions” at Muang Boran, or the Ancient City, in Bangkok and in the Central region, you’ll find the Garden of the Gods.

There are some interesting statues in the garden all representing Hindu gods who have been a part of Thai culture for generations.

I love learning about different cultures and traditions and you can do it everywhere you go!

Bangkok’s Ancient City (Muang Boran)

One of the best places to visit in Bangkok is the Ancient City or Muang Boran Museum.

Muang Boran is the brainchild of architect Lek Viriyaphant (1914-2000) who wanted to create a space where people can learn about Thailand’s past as well as keeping the culture of Thailand alive.

Lek started his project in 1963 by building replicas of important structures that once existed in different parts of Thailand. There were some places that had been reduced to ruins, so Lek transported these ruins to the site of the Ancient City and used them in the construction process.