The Enigmatic Forest of Wang Na Khin Kham Chanod: A Place of Myth and Mystery

Wang Na Khin Kham Chanod, nestled within the three sub-districts of Wang Thong, Ban Muang, and Ban Chan in Baan Dung District, Udon Thani Province, is a place steeped in legend and folklore. Its name, "Kham Chanod," is inextricably linked to the mythical creatures known as the Nagas, serpent-like beings with supernatural powers.

One tale recounts the "Ghost Hiring a Movie," where a Naga disguised as a human hired a traveling movie projector to screen a film at Kham Chanod. Another story describes how Nagas would transform into ordinary people and join the festivities during the village's annual celebrations, the women adorned in white shirts and dark-colored skirts, while the men sported red headbands.

These narratives, passed down through generations, imbue Kham Chanod with an aura of mystery and intrigue. The forest itself, with its towering trees and dense undergrowth, seems to whisper secrets of a hidden world where the boundaries between reality and myth blur.

While the existence of Nagas remains a matter of belief, the cultural significance of Kham Chanod is undeniable. It serves as a testament to the rich tapestry of folklore and mythology that continues to shape the lives and imaginations of the people of Thailand.

Kham Chanod is a floating island covering approximately 20 rai. Due to the strong faith of the people in Phoo Puu Sri Sutho Phaya Naga, people from all over the country travel to pay respects and make offerings. Every year, the surrounding area is flooded, but Kham Chanod remains dry. It appears that the island rises and falls with the water level. When the water rises, the island rises, and when the water falls, the island falls. This is a remarkable phenomenon. The water overflows from the "Maenam Songkhram" River, which flows into the Mekong River.

In early May, there were a lot of people on holidays. There were many shops in front of the entrance.

To avoid the heat and long queues, it is recommended to arrive early at the entrance of Koh Samui. The forest opens from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Those who wish to enter the mystical forest of Kham Chanod must observe certain restrictions. These include removing shoes, hats, glasses, umbrellas, and refraining from alcohol and cigarettes. These items are considered disrespectful to the guardians of the land. Before crossing over, visitors must remove their shoes and leave them at the designated area.

The surrounding area is a popular spot for lottery ticket vendors, attracting many fortune seekers. However, authorities urge caution against potential scams, including pickpocketing and the sale of tampered lottery tickets. The large number of vendors makes it difficult to monitor and ensure the legitimacy of all transactions.

Offerings in the form of serpent statues are available for purchase both at the entrance to the Kham Chanod forest and within the forest itself. Prices vary depending on the size of the statue, starting from 99 baht and reaching into the thousands.

A pathway adorned with two seven-headed serpent sculptures, each stretching 300 meters, connects the outside world to the sacred forest. These majestic sculptures symbolize the power and authority of the naga, mythical serpent deities revered in Southeast Asian cultures.

The island is covered with "Chano" trees.

Lush forest with abundant squirrels and bats.

Devout followers flocked to pay respects to Luang Pu and Mae Ya. Many sought blessings, including numerous requests for lottery numbers.

The well is located in the middle of the Cha Noad forest. It is a small well, but it naturally seeps water all the time. This leads villagers to believe that the well was granted by the naga residing in the forest. The well in the Cha Noad forest is believed to be very sacred. Those who need water can buy containers from the many vendors or bring their own.

The parking lot is spacious but quite far away and is a one-way road. If you are accompanied by elderly people, you should arrive early to park closer to the venue.

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