Ayutthaya's Sena district is blessed with legends and rural charms

[PeteC]

More than 20 photos and full story at link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social ... ck-in-time

A refreshing breeze blew from the other side of the river, greeted by cheerfully rustling leaves of land and aquatic plants along its expansive path. Different kinds of egrets, thanks to their sizes and bright white plumage, could easily be spotted foraging near the waterside, but faint chirps in the air also revealed the presence of numerous other birds hiding among the foliage. In the river, a monitor lizard emerged from the dense floating patches of water hyacinth and swam leisurely in the open to the far bank. Meanwhile, along the lively yet tranquil waterway line traditional-style wooden houses built on tall stilts, some with boats moored at the water's edge.

To a lot of people, the sight I was enjoying may seem like a scene from the past, however, this area's good old days weren't like this. Until four decades ago, this part of Noi River in Sena, 20km west of downtown Ayutthaya, was a bustling centre of water transport and a trading hub.

Each day, the river and the connecting Chao Chet canal saw numerous vessels of all sizes, from paddle boats to double-deckers loaded with both goods and passengers from Tha Tian pier near the Grand Palace in Bangkok to Suphan Buri further west and to Sankhaburi in Chai Nat further north.

Sena district, whose downtown area is also known as Ban Phaen, is home to several waterside temples. Among the most well-known are Wat Bang Nom Kho, Wat Sam Ko, Wat Chao Chet Nai, Wat Ban Phaen and Wat Phra Khao. Each of these temples was home to late abbots who are still widely respected.

For example, Luang Pho Pan of Wat Bang Nom Kho (in the monkhood for 43 years since 1896), is one of Ayutthaya's most revered monks. During his time, roads were not available in these parts and Wat Bang Nom Kho was always crowded by people from far and wide who came by boat to seek his help for their illnesses. Due to the long travel time, a lot of those who came from other provinces had to stay overnight at the temple. To make sure none of the visitors would ever go hungry, three almshouses were set up in the temple, which was open round the clock.............. (Continued at link)

[Bamboo Grove]

Years ago while looking for new places where to take tourists, we went to check Sena. It was the dirtiest downtown area I have seen in Thailand. I also heard that there were (are?) lot of drug addicts in Sena and this could explain the rubbish. Hopefully things have changed and good to know, there are places worth the visit. All I wanted to do was to get away from there.