Wat Tanodluang - The Cha-Am 'Boat Temple'

Places of significance to those praxticing or even appreciating the Buddhist religion should always be treated with respect. This means always behaving in a way which does not offend or disturb Thai people.

There is very big difference between a commercial tourist attraction and a place of religions worship. You can visit but always be respectful.

An example of this need applies to a very special place from a Buddhist perspective just north of Cha-Am we recently visited, colloquially known as the 'Boat Temple' although its real name is Wat Tanodluang. There are 18 resident monks at the temple apart from a novice or two. However you 'll always find some other Thai people about paying their respects. Tourists are not really in evidence. The complex is more likely to be busy when there are Buddhist celebrations such as the ordination of new monks.

The temple was built in the Ayutthaya period and some ruins remain from the original structures. Abbots dating back to 1869 to the present day are listed although there are no records of the founders.

The protocol fir visiting this superb example of Thai Buddhist culture is really quite simple. These 'Rules' should apply to any temple visits :

• Check with someone of authority (a Monk?) first before entering. Communication may need gestures to show your request to enter buildings or taking photographs if there is a language issue. The 'guardians' of the temple will soon let you know what is OK. Behave in a respectful manner and you will find your hosts most affable and welcoming.
• Don't smoke inside or nearby or take food/drinks into buildings.
• The chances are you will need to remove your footwear. Just look for where others have left their shoes and follow suit. If in doubt-take them off.
• Dress in a conservative way. Ladies no revealing clothing and gents always wear a shirt!
• Be quiet and don't hurry. Be as inconspicuous as you can.
• Don't touch objects of worship, including statues or other Artefacts.
• Treat monks with the greatest respect, this include not touching or being forward in your approach.
• Don't take photos of religious observance by others, its private.

All this should't be too hard; it's a bit like entering a Christian cathedral. Enjoy your visit but remember where you are!

The Building is clearly in the shape of a very large boat hull with a more traditional Thai temple as the 'superstructure'. This may best be seen from the main road and the best photographic opportunity. The inspiration for this structure is the importance of the local fishing villages nearby, though the design was based on a temple a long way from the ocean. We're not sure why that temple also locked like a boat?

There are gates protecting the entrance to the building with colourful gilded circular plates leading to stairs onto the 'deck' of the boat will probably need an escort from a monk who is assigned as the day's guardian. On our visit we were invited to enter without our request by a Monk who proved to be a very hospitable 'tour guide'. He pointed out the magnificent marble base of the shrine and mentioned that the cost of this alone was said to be in the vicinity of 100 million THB. At the rear of the building is a huge mural based on drawings made be His Majesty the King of Thailand.

Where is it? Take the road from Cha-Am North past the Cha-Am Hospital and follow the signs towards Phuktien Beach. About 5 kilometres on and you will see the temple on the left hand side of this road. Very easy to see and find!

Why Visit? Because this is a real working Buddhist precinct, off the tourist map and a true example of Thai culture. 

Article by Cha-Am Today .

Kaeng Krachan - The Largest National Park of Thailand

Hot Getaway take us to Kaeng Krachan which can be reached in under an hour from Cha-Am and offers so much to do and see. Because of its close proximity it's perfect for a day trip or spending several days soaking up the nature and its beautiful surroundings. Many people are amazed that all this beauty and solitude is less than an hour away from Cha-Am. Kaeng krachan has the largest national park in Thailand covering 2,915 square kilometers but it is not the busiest. If you meet crowds for example in Khao Yai National park during weekends, Kaeng Krachan still stays calm, a great opportunity for those who don't want to be disturbed when enjoying nature. Contained within its borders are numerous cave, a reservoir, waterfalls, mountains and stunning scenery.

Mountains rise to a height of 1,200 meters and are mostly granite, although some are limestone. Importantly, the park is the source of The Phetchaburi and Pranburi rivers. In the rainy season from August to October, some areas are closed to visitors for their safety and to allow the forest to recover. His Majesty King Bhumipol Adulyadej has visited the site many times. Most of the park is covered in deep, steep forest. Over three-quarters of the area has slopes greater than 30%, 85% of the terrain is evergreen rainforest, another 10% is mixed deciduous forest. The forest is rich and complex, with hanging lianas, fens and orchids, and an abundance of fruiting trees and vines. The forest of Kaeng Krachan is unusually diverse because of its location at the juncture of continental Asia and the Malasian Peninsula. Continental species such as oaks, chestnuts, and maples are found here, as are peninsula palms and fruiting tees.

Like the plant community, the animals of Kaeng Krachan represent both Asiatic and Malasian species. Over 400 species of birds are known to occur within the Park's boundaries and 57 mammals. Larger mammals include elephant, gaur, sambar deer, banteng, serow, and bear, indo-chinese tiger, leopard, both common and Fea's muntjac, Malayan tapir, white-handed gibbon, dusky and banded langurs, Asian wild dog, other, and wild boar. Among the birds recorded in the park are six species of hornbills, red junglefowl, both Kalij pheasant and grey peacock-pheasant, woolly-necked stork, black eagle, and many species of songbirds, woodpeckers and other forest birds. The ratchet-tailed treepie, first seen here by members of the Bangkok Bird Club (Bird Conservation Society of Thailand) on an outing in 1991, has not been recorded anywhere else inThailand.

The Kaeng Krachan reservoir covers an area of 46.5 square kilometers and has a capacity of 710 million cubic meters. It was created by the construction of the earth dam which blocked the Phetchaburi River. The latgest island im the lake is approximately 0.75 square kilometers. Many tourists enjoy hiring a boat for sightseeing around the lake, observing village life from the water, and visiting the islands.

Kaeng Krachan is 51 kilometers from Cha-Am. For the more adventurous, permission can be obtained to trek for a few days up the Khao Panoen Thung road. Permits must be obtained at headquarters for this and guided will be necessary for any treking off the road. Note also that treking will not be possible during the rainy season when the trails are slippery and dangerous and the road may be impassable. Overall, Kaeng Krachan is one of the most important ecological areas in Thailand and a visit here is a must, both for those who want some exciting and others who want a more relaxing time.

Article by 'Hot Hua Hin Magazine' 

Cha-Am to Celebrate Queen's Birthday

The Cha-Am Municipality is preparing festive activities to celebrate Queen Sirikit's birthday anniversary on 12^th August. As 12^th August is also Thailand's National Mother's Day, award will be presented to recognize mothers from local communities in Cha-Am. According to the Cha-Am mayor Mr. Nukul Pornsomboonsiri, Her Majesty will reach 81 years of age on 12^th August this year. The Cha-Am municipality is organising festive activities to express gratitude to the Queen.

The Queen's birthday celebration in Cha-Am will start at 8.30 a.m. On 12^th August with the releasing of fish and other marine creatures into the local waters of Cha-Am. At 9 a.m a ceremony to honour and giving best wishes to the Queen will take place at a meeting room of the Cha-Am Municipal offices. At 7 p.m a candlelight ceremony to honour Queen Sirikit will be held, followed by the awards ceremony for the mothers of 27 local communities in Cha-Am, stage performances and the singing of songs to honour the Queen.

“Cha-Am Municipality would like to invite both tourists and local people to celebrate Her Majesty's 81^st birtday anniversary in the city together,” said Mr Nukul.