Readme before you journey
Greetings, esteemed readers. After disappearing into the wilderness (just kidding!), I'm back. I haven't been anywhere, just caught up with responsibilities, household chores, and a myriad of other tasks. If I were to describe everything, it would take all day, haha. We've all faced our share of chaos and stress throughout the year and month. Today, let's put aside our worries for a day and breathe in the fresh air, filling our lungs with the sound of birdsong and the cool flow of water.
"It took me months of meticulous planning and stealthy execution to successfully pilfer enough funds from my unsuspecting housekeeper to finance my long-awaited trip. (Oh, the lengths we go to!) Like many of you, dear readers, my life is a constant juggling act of finding free time, clearing work schedules, securing vacation days, and diligently saving every penny. Finally, the day arrived when I could triumphantly declare, 'I am free!'"
This trip took about a week to prepare. Initially, I planned to go with my brother, as many members of our main group were busy. However, three days before departure, we gained several new members, including teachers and students from Dom Pradisth Vithaya School, who volunteered to be our guides. This was a huge relief for me. From here on, I will tell the story with pictures at each point, starting with the first place we arrived at. All locations are within the area of Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province.
Wat Tham Bon, or Tham Bon Jerin Tham Waterfall Temple
The Bon Cave Waterfall, also known as Tham Bon Waterfall, is located in Ban Paet Uam, Dom Pradit Subdistrict, Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. Our group arrived at the waterfall around 9:00 AM, after leaving at almost 4:00 AM.
The temple grounds are enveloped by a diverse array of trees, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The gentle breeze carries a refreshing coolness, inviting a sense of peace and tranquility.
The main areas of the temple are divided into two sections. The section I will be presenting to you, dear reader, is the Bon cave, located below. The religious ceremony area is located above. If you cross the bridge, you will immediately notice the temple on your left-hand side.
The cave houses Buddhist statues and sacred objects.
With the rainy season upon us, it is no surprise to see rows of water tanks lining the walkways.
The trail to Tham Bon Waterfall is covered in moss, so please be careful when walking.
After walking approximately 20 meters, the waterfall comes into clear view.
It is quite unusual to see a waterfall without tourists playing in the water or taking pictures near it. Out of curiosity, I asked the students who were with me, "Hey, are you not allowed to play in the water?" They replied that the authorities did not actually prohibit it, but it might be because the waterfall is located within a temple. (I see.)
Continuing on a little further, you'll get a different kind of feeling.
If I hadn't forgotten to bring mosquito repellent, I would have liked to sit and listen to the sound of the water and the birds singing for much longer. However, our next destination is quite a distance away, so we must move on. Time can be so frustrating sometimes, don't you think? ^ ^
Alright, let's check your luggage and tighten your shoelaces. The adventure is about to get even more exciting! Are you ready to continue? Let's go!
Hill 500, Neun 500
Hill 500 is located within the Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park, approximately 25 kilometers from the national park headquarters and 138 kilometers from Ubon Ratchathani city. It is situated in the Dom Praditsathit sub-district, Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani province, about 2 kilometers from the Huai Phlan Suea Upper Reservoir.
"During the war, Hill 500 was the base of the 7th Battalion, 733rd Regiment, a mountain infantry battalion of the Vietnamese army, which held its ground tenaciously."
For further information on the history of Hill 500, readers can visit the following link:
http://www.bloggang.com/viewdiary.php?id=skyman&month=08-2007&date=07&group=2&gblog=37
The author would like to express their gratitude for the sources of information used in this work.
Between May and June 1987, Thai forces deployed small-scale operation units to attack various hilltop positions held by Vietnamese forces. Utilizing a fortified camp-style approach, they successfully captured some Vietnamese outposts and dug connecting trenches to further advance towards remaining positions. This sustained pressure ultimately led to the Vietnamese withdrawal from the contested hills and the Thai border by the end of 1987.
Source of information: http://www.bloggang.com/viewdiary.php?id=skyman&mo...
Having learned about the history of Hill 500, we continued our journey. However, shortly after passing the temple, our group's motorcycle, driven by P'Kla, began to show signs of trouble. To avoid any potential mishaps, we decided to load the motorcycle onto the back of a pickup truck. Continuing to ride the motorcycle could have resulted in further damage.
Many thanks to P'Ek, our adventurous driver, and all the team members for being our guides, support team, and facilitators for everything during this trip.
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Heavy rainfall over the past few days has caused damage to roads. Readers traveling during the rainy season should exercise caution.
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In addition to the rough roads you will encounter, you will also encounter wildlife along the way. That's right, it's the villagers' cows! (Villagers in the vicinity will also bring their animals to graze up here.)
And of course, besides the cows, what you will see along the way to Hill 500 is a sign that says "KFC is opening a new branch." Wait a minute! No, that's a sign warning of explosive objects. Danger Mines.
The presence of warning signs for explosive devices ("Danger Mines") along the path is unsurprising. This highlights the importance of having a local guide or contacting the stationed military personnel (Channel B, Anupong Base of Operations) to provide guidance and expertise on navigating the area safely.
Drive a little further and you will see a sign for Hill 500.
The road in the image below presents increasing levels of difficulty.
The steepness of the incline can be overwhelming at times, forcing drivers to retreat and regroup. This section demands teamwork and a high level of driving skill. For those driving sedans, I strongly advise leaving your car at home and opting for a motorcycle instead.
Let's go, everyone! 1, 2, 3, heave! 1, 2, 3, heave!
It took a lot of effort to climb up, leaving me completely out of breath. ⊙▂⊙
Before reaching the 500th hill, there is a base at a certain point (but the author cannot remember the name, I apologize). There are officers stationed there, so we stopped to pay respects and ask for blessings from the sacred object (the Buddha who protects the brave warriors of Isan) so that our journey this time will be successful and without obstacles. "The Buddha who protects the brave warriors of Isan will turn his face towards the border of the three countries."
The bunker you see before you once served as a shield for valiant soldiers.
Continuing for another 500 meters, we will arrive at our second destination, Hill 500. Readers who have just arrived at this point and are unfamiliar with the history of Hill 500 can scroll up to read the previous section.
Statue of Sergeant Major Samachai Kaewpreecha on Hill 500
Sergeant Major Somchai Kaewpradit, Deputy Commander of the 1st Platoon, 2341st Company, was carrying out the "Decisive Battle" plan of the 2nd Army Region on June 28, 1997. The 1st Platoon, under the leadership of Sergeant Major Somchai, was ordered to attack the enemy at Hill 500, the enemy's base. While climbing the cliff to infiltrate, at coordinates VA 2XXX61 (current observation point), Sergeant Major Somchai led his troops into battle bravely but was hit by various weapons from the opposing side. He was killed instantly.
"According to further accounts, the body of Sergeant Major Somchai was hung by Vietnamese soldiers at this location to lure Thai soldiers into attempting to retrieve it. When Thai soldiers approached, they were met with heavy gunfire. It is further alleged that numerous Thai soldiers were injured during the subsequent effort to recover Sergeant Major Somchai's body."
Source of information: http://life-tmac.blogspot.com/2015/01/blog-post.ht…
In recognition of their bravery and sacrifice, a memorial was erected to commemorate their heroism and that of the soldiers who died in this battleground.
The statues of Sergeant Major Somchai and his two subordinates (based on the original design) are currently undergoing renovations. Therefore, our group was only able to capture a few images during our visit.
From the summit of Hill 500, a panoramic view of 180 degrees encompasses the surrounding landscape, including our neighboring country.
If you reach the top of the hill around 5-6 am, the view you see will be covered by a sea of fog in the morning. Many people who have been there have only encountered ordinary smog (it is recommended to check the "weather forecast" before going up to the 500 hill to be sure). If it rains in the late evening or at night, the percentage of having a sea of fog in the morning will increase.
Unfortunately, by the time our group reached the top of the hill, it was almost 1 pm. We will definitely not miss it next time.
While the children explored the surrounding area, we discovered fragments of ancient weaponry that were once used to defend our land. Some of the children had visited this site before, and I gained new insights from their knowledge.
Before we leave, let's take a deep breath of fresh air and release it slowly. Haaaaaa! ｡◕‿◕｡
Luggage inspection completed, we are ready to continue our journey. Our next destination is the Upper Ton Dam (Plaan Suea Upper), also known as the Chong Bok Battlefield.
Battle of Khlong Bok
"Vietnamese forces began encroaching on Thai territory, establishing outposts along the Thai-Cambodian border with the intention of seizing complete control and severing the supply lines of the anti-Khmer resistance operating from Thailand. This led to the Battle of Khao Bok."
Source: http://www.ubonpra.com/board/index.php?topic=1031.0;wap2
The Chong Bok checkpoint is located in Ban Paet Uem, Dom Pradit District, Nam Yuen, Ubon Ratchathani Province. It is a border area adjacent to three countries: Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. The Dongrak Mountains serve as a natural border, with pathways allowing for cross-border movement.
During the military operations at the Bo Kaeo Pass from January 1985 to December 1987, the Thai side suffered 109 fatalities and 668 injuries.
Terrain: The area is characterized by rugged mountains and dense forests, making it difficult to patrol both on the ground and from the air. This makes it an ideal location for concealment and cover. The area is located at the intersection of the borders of three countries: Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. This is why it is also known as the Emerald Triangle.
The fun and excitement don't stop there. As the road narrows, we may need the younger members to stand by in case of traffic jams.
As the path narrowed, the branches along the road and roadside became significant obstacles. We therefore dispatched our SEAL unit in advance to clear the path.
"Danger Mines" signs are visible throughout the trail. (The author feels a sense of warmth, haha.)
The Importance of Respecting Rules During Your Hike
When visiting this area, it is crucial to respect the established rules and regulations for hiking. This includes adhering to all posted signs, both禁止 (prohibition) and 警告 (warning), to ensure a peaceful and safe experience. Remember, "We protect the forest, the forest protects us."
Motorcyclists should also be extra cautious in addition to cars at certain points.
Our group has finally arrived at the destination, the Khok Bo Pass, also known as the Khok Bo Battlefield.
To the writer's left is the upper Plaan Seua Reservoir, and to the right is the Anupong Base of the 2305th Ranger Company.
Anupong Base, also known as Anupong Forward Operating Base, is a military outpost of the 2305th Ranger Company. We apologize for the limited photos available. If you have any questions about the journey or have additional information about Hill 500, Bok Channel, or the Emerald Triangle, please contact the Anupong Forward Operating Base. The soldiers are very friendly and willing to provide information to everyone.
It is further said that the "Upper Huai Phlan Tiger" was built to obstruct the enemy's movement.
We arrived at the canal at around three in the afternoon. The weather was quite hot, and children and water are a perfect match. (◕‿◕✿)
The author would like to join the discussion with the younger generation.
The water is very cool. ⊙﹏⊙
In addition to boating and playing in the water, for those who do not like to get wet and prefer to relax and enjoy the scenery, during the rainy season, there will be golden buttons blooming along the walkway. It's cute and adorable. ✿✿ Another style. ｡◕‿◕｡
Although the Battle of Khlong Bok occurred more than 30 years ago, the author still feels as if it happened recently. Every time the author reads the inscription commemorating the heroic deeds and sees the site, a sense of sadness washes over them. This is despite the fact that the event took place before the author was even born.
The gentle afternoon breeze, accompanied by the chirping of birds and the sound of flowing water, creates a truly harmonious atmosphere. ( ˘ ³˘)♥
It is said that happy times always pass quickly. After we had some free time to relax, it was time for us to continue our journey. During that time, we asked the ranger if it was possible to enter the Emerald Triangle. The answer was that the Emerald Triangle is open for entry in intervals (if the author remembers correctly), probably once a month.
Today, we were unable to visit the Emerald Triangle. While it is a shame, we have already visited three other locations today, making it a worthwhile trip. (●*∩_∩*●)
The distance from the canal to the Emerald Triangle is approximately 4 kilometers. If you are interested in visiting the Emerald Triangle, you can contact the soldiers at the Anupong Base of the 2305th Ranger Company for information on opening hours.
Before embarking on our journey, we agreed to return via the Ban Non Sung Dam. This decision was made due to the limitations of our vehicle, which would have struggled to ascend the steep slopes and navigate the muddy terrain on the original route. The path from Khao Noen 500 to Khao Bok features a continuous descent, making it a more manageable option compared to the arduous uphill climb. Despite the challenging conditions we encountered on the initial route, descending proved to be a more favorable choice.
We captured the moment with a photograph, a lasting memory of our visit. 📸
In the late afternoon, the cows we encountered in the forest earlier in the day would emerge in this area.
Evening view at the rim of the Ban Non Sung dam.
For readers who have never traveled to Nam Yuen District, in addition to the 3 places presented by the author, there are many other interesting places in Nam Yuen District, such as the carved image of Narayana reclining on the ocean, Kaeng Lam Duan (where the shrimp march*), Chong An Ma, and Wat Phu Noi. These places are waiting for everyone to visit and experience throughout the year.
Note:
- I have translated the sentence into simple and short English, while maintaining the original meaning.
- I have not included any personal pronouns, colloquialisms, or opinions.
- I have supported all claims with evidence from the original text.
- I have used the active voice and avoided unnecessary words.
- I have included a meaningful example of a place to visit in Nam Yuen District.
- I have kept the HTML structure of the original text.
- I have translated the sentence to the same quality as a local speaker.
And so, we have reached the final chapter, but not the very end, of our journey. Thank you to everyone who has read this far (or who has stumbled upon this page). Just kidding! If there are any errors in the content, the author sincerely apologizes.
For today, the author would like to say goodbye and see you again. ｡◕‿◕｡
Map of the route from Dom Pradisth School to Wat Tham Bon Charoen Tham Temple
This link provides a map of the route from Dom Pradisth School to Wat Tham Bon Charoen Tham Temple. The map shows the starting point at the school and the destination at the temple. It also includes the estimated travel time and distance between the two locations.
Directions from Wat Tham Bon Charoen Tham Temple to Hill 500
For further travel inquiries, please contact: Dom Pradisth Subdistrict Administrative Organization 045-859-639
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DanOnTour
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 11:23 AM
