Chayprapat Waithayakul  

The limitless imagination mixed with the charm of the city of mist. The embrace of a fresh stream and the fragrance of wild flowers come together to create a place of beauty.

By the No.23 kilometer marker on Mae Rim Samoeng Road passing Doi Inthanon. Khum Ruk Kaew lies on tour rai of beautiful hillside surrounded by a big wooden fence that attracts the eye at first glance.

Roses of all sizes and numerous flowers blossom together and the moss covered roof set the atmosphere for this place. All eight barns and 300 ox-carts are transformed into Northern-style residences including Ruan Somporn-Uthai, the main house. And Ruan Pum, Ruan Pap, Ruan Por and Ruan Rarin. The smaller houses. When my mind down and my eyes see the details, the amazing scene unfolds in front of me.

Every corner and every nook and cranny is tastefully decorated with valuable ancient pieces and every single one reflects the charm and enchantment of the people’s way of life, thoughts and local culture. Khum Ruk Kaew is like a paradise for those who love antiques. The only question is how mush time will be necessary to experience and appreciate all the art at Khum Ruk Kaew.

Dr. Somporn Ragrachagarn, the creator of this resort tells us how she began collecting antiques. She came across a small house owned by a merchant and was so impressed by it that she asked the merchant to build another like it.

Although the merchant had no experience in architecture, she trusted him and ended up with this beautiful place. After that, she fell in love with antiques because of it’s limitless imagination and principles. Therefore it is not surprising that Khum Ruk Kaew has become as unique and special as it has. Not only is the location interesting. But the food is also.

From the look in Dr. Somporn’s eyes, filled with passion for ancient art, and smiles from the cook, as everyone enjoyed their meal, made me realize that “Only passion is enough to create wonderful things Khum Ruk Kaew Resort is full of passion, happiness, and beauty. Maybe because of its charm and enchanting atmosphere, time cannot ruin or reduce the value this place.”

Khum Ruk Kaew : An Antique Resort Hotel
43/1 M.8 Pong Yaeng, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai 50180
For more information please visit : http://www.khumrukkaew.com/

 Wat Phanan Choeng :

Wat Panan Choeng is an old monastery housing Thailand’s largest ancient Buddha image, known as “Luang Po To”.  A historical cronicle state that this gilded stucco image was built in A.D. 1344, some 26 years before the establighment of Ayutthaya as the capital of the Thai Kingdom in A.D. 1350.

In front of this temple, they are many local foods and desserts.  Souvenirs  are also available for tourists such as dried food and handicrafts.

The reason  why this temple became famous was that Wat Phranan Choeng is a huge and old temple.  It used to be the royal temple during the Ayutthaya period.  A lot of people throughout the country visit the temple and show their respect to the Buddha image.

It’s main building enshrines a huge, seated buddha image, that is 57 feet tall an object of particular devotion to Thais of Chinese origin.

Luang Po To’s still renovated.  This will be finished by the end of 2008.

Many people come here to respect the Buddha image especially on weekend and holidays.

If you want to visit this 2 temples and respect the Buddha images, you can travel along Asia Avenue (No.32) from Bangkok  and  turn left to Ayutthaya.  You will see a circle with a big Chedi called “Chedi Wat Sam Pluam”.  Then turn left again and go straight about 1.5 kilometers.  Wat Yai Chai Mongkol is on your left.  Go ahead about 3 kilometers, Wat Phranan Choeng will be on your right.  Also, you can cross the river at the pier of Pom Petch.