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This section last updated: Tuesday, June 10, 2008
CodeMajor Home>> At Home in Thailand >>
| Chiangkham | Isaan |
| Pathum Thani |
Introduction
I and my wife have made six trips to Thailand together. She was born there and lived there until she grew up. We try hard to see as much of this country as possible during each trip, but there is just so much to see. Here are just a few of the pictures we have taken along with some comments. The picture just below was taken not in the south of Thailand but in the far north. It was taken at sunset on the shore of Lake Phayao in Phayao province.
I have an interest in the everyday things as wells as the obvious attractions that everyone visits. I like to see street scenes, open markets, and the countryside. I am fascinated with Thai homes and the way of life in Thailand. Take a look at a few of the homes we have stayed at while traveling. They were very interesting, especially in the ways they differ from homes here in the U.S.A.
Chiang Kham is a town in the northern province of Phayao. It isn't loaded with special attractions, but I love it anyway. The climate is milder than the warmer, more southern parts of Thailand. Think of clear blue skies, mountains in the distance, fertile fields and friendly people. Also think of good food at great prices. And not far off are many great attractions. I think I could live there, and then visit all the other great places in the north.
The first two houses remind me of houses I have seen in the Alps. We stayed in the house in the upper picture. The house beneath it with the water tower is directly across the street. It is the home of my wife's best friend . She lives there with her parents, her sister, and her sister's children. You might not guess this, but the dining area in the next picture is open to the outdoors on one side. I took this picture while standing in the drive way. It's really pleasant to have coffee there in the morning. Because of the warm climate, many Thai homes have a very open quality. You are sort of always indoors and outdoors at the same time. This house is surrounded by fruit trees and fields of vegetables.
The pictures below were taken in my wife's home village. Most of the shots are of my mother-in-law's house. I was attracted to this house right away. I like its simplicity. It has two large rooms downstairs and two large rooms upstairs.
The image showing a rooftop and a palm tree is the view from the back upstairs room. I took it just after waking in the morning. This is a very peaceful place, and I felt at home there. The lower story is basically concrete walls supported by a concrete slab. The upper story is made of wood, and yes that is a corrugated metal roof. It sounds great in the rain.
This region experiences long periods without rain. My mother-in-law captures rainwater in huge jars to ensure an adequate water supply throughout the year. One of these jars is visible in?a photo below. She has always had plenty of water by filling a group of these jars.
Pathum Thani province is near Bangkok. The most interesting attraction in this area is the fascinating Wat Dhammakaya temple complex. You have to see it to properly appreciate it. Things there are built on a grand scale, and they are built to last. The photos below are of a condominium group near this temple. There is nothing traditional about them, but they represent a trend to build large numbers of condominiums in Thailand. They are a very pleasant and comfortable little paradise with their own beautiful, well kept grounds.
