A Day Trip to Wat Satue: A Hidden Gem Near Home

My partner has been working night shifts all week, leaving me to entertain our daughter during the day. To avoid disturbing his sleep, we embarked on a spontaneous 30-minute trip to a nearby temple, Wat Satue.

Our initial plan was to visit the planetarium at Baan Mor Lake in Saraburi, but upon arrival, we discovered it was closed for renovations. Undeterred, we decided to explore Wat Satue, a temple we hadn't visited in over a decade despite its proximity to our home.

Wat Satue offered a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The serene atmosphere, devoid of the usual crowds associated with festivals, provided a perfect setting for quiet reflection and exploration.

The engine roared as we approached Wat Satue. Just before the temple, there was a parking lot outside. We almost turned in, but there weren't any cars parked there. We guessed that it was for tourists during festivals or holidays. But today was an ordinary weekday, so we thought there might be parking inside the temple. And we were right. We turned in and drove past the market (which was quite deserted, probably because it was late afternoon and a weekday). We parked the car and got ready to explore.

We parked right next to the fence of the Reclining Buddha, just three steps away. The sun was scorching that day, and the cool breeze did nothing to alleviate the heat. The Thai sun truly shows no mercy. Remember to bring an umbrella and a hat if you plan to visit.

The scorching sun prompted a playful tug-of-war over an umbrella between a grandmother and her grandchild.

As a brief aside, the reclining Buddha statue at this temple, known as the Phra Phuttha Saiyasana, was constructed in 1870.

Commissioned by Somdet Phra Phutthachan (Toh Phrommaransi), the statue was erected in a village (now known as Wat Satue) on the banks of the Pa Sak River.

The open-air structure stands prominently in the center of the temple grounds.

Pan's umbrella, Pan won't share it with grandma. Pan will hold it herself. ..... I feel sorry for grandma, she's tired from her granddaughter. The sun is strong too. Sigh.

Walking a little further, I thought I was in Korea. Elsewhere, they hang padlocks, but here they hang small bells to make wishes.

The reflection is very shimmering, making it look different.

Capturing another angle of the reclining Buddha. The sunlight was perfect, and I managed to get a good shot with the natural light. I had to be quick with the shutter though.

I felt sorry for my camera and my eyes. I was worried I might go blind, haha.

The day we visited coincided with the Kathin ceremony, so there were many Kathin offerings set up. There were also many co-hosts.

The temple is famous, so I think the temple must have been packed with people on the Kathin day.

A collection of vibrant and diverse flower garlands adorns the surroundings, showcasing the profound faith of the people in Buddhism and this sacred temple.

Local devotees helped to collect flowers, incense, and candles. Some also picked up scraps of gold leaf that had fallen from the Buddha statue.

Others scraped off dried wax.

We secretly pressed the shutter, letting the grandmother and granddaughter take care of each other and fight.

When she saw us walking over, our daughter cried and wanted to come down to us.

The little girl cried throughout the trip and is about to go home now.

A radiant smile beams from the daughter's face.

Saying goodbye with this picture. The area around the temple was very quiet and the traffic was light. Before leaving, I stopped by the famous "Ba Bin" shop at Wat Suea. I got a freebie because I was speaking Teochew with the owner (meaning Teochew people). My mom happened to speak Teochew to him (but actually we are Hainanese, oops).

Travel Tips

Notes:

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• Please provide the text you want me to translate.

Our journey begins in the heart of Saraburi town, where we embark on Highway 1 towards Lopburi. At the Huai Bong intersection, we take a left turn.

Directions:

Drive straight for approximately 20 kilometers, passing through the SCG cement factory. Follow the clear signage to avoid getting lost.

Recommendations:

• Visit on weekdays for a less crowded experience. Expect larger crowds and limited parking during weekends and holidays.
• The park is likely to be busier throughout the year, so choose a time that suits your schedule.

Benefits of Visiting on Weekdays:

• Avoid competition for food, restrooms, and parking.
• Capture stunning photos in a spacious and uncrowded environment.
• Enjoy the freedom to choose your preferred angles and capture multiple shots without feeling rushed.
• Experience smooth traffic due to the absence of holiday crowds.

Overall Impression:

Visiting on weekdays offers a unique and enjoyable experience, free from the hustle and bustle of large crowds. You can enjoy the park's beauty at your own pace, capturing breathtaking photos and creating lasting memories.

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