Sawasdee Bung Kan
Category : Review
Updated by : admin
What / Why :
I am happy for the people of Bung Kan community for their declaration as a new province. The local people have been anxious about this declaration since 2535. However, back then, the only reason that would qualify Bung Kan for into considered as a province was the fact that it is 238 km from Nong Khai. Thus, they were under populated and their economic status was not good. After this provisional proclamation, I must express my condolences to Nong Khai province due to their losing almost 70% of their natural attractions.
Nong Khai is named “a crawling dragon” of northeastern area as the shape of Nong khai province lies along the curve of the Mekong River. If we assume that the shape of Nong Khai province is like a balancing scale, the center of Nong Khai is the middle of the balancing scale. The left side is Tah Boh district, Sri Chiang Mai district, and Sungkom district in which most of the natural tourist attractions are located in Sungkom district. On the right side, most of the natural tourist attractions are located in Bung Kan district which now is Bung Kan province. Bung Kan province covers eight districts that are Bung Kan district, Sae Ka district, Pak Kad district, Soh Pi Sai district, Bung Gla district, Bung Kong Long district, Sri Wi Lai district, and Porn Cha Lern district.
Once Bung Kan changed from being a district to a province, Nong Kai province has only their culture and atmosphere along the Mekong River as tourist attractions. Other than that, they don’t know what to promote as their unique selling point.
I am very familiar with this new province because I love its nature oriented environment and the overall beauty. I come to Bung Kan province every year and at every visit, I travel to almost every village in nearly every district. So I can confirm that this new province is full of natural attractions, whether it be waterfalls, views of the mist, natural flower fields, treks and trails, and bird watching safaris. This is considered as a complete network of attractions that Thai people would have asked for. However, it is most appealing during the rainy season (June – October). Otherwise, the waterfalls are reduced and the natural flower fields are arid and dry making it less charming. Therefore, the best time of the year to visit would be during the rainy season.
The location of the city center is opposite from Pak San city, Bo Li Kam Sai zone of Laos. However, the commerce between the two countries is not very active. The atmosphere of the community situated alone the Mekong River such as Bung Kan or Bung Kla during dawn and dusk is magnificently alluring. Standing at Bung Kla, you will be able to see Pak Ka ding city of Laos, with its crystal clear river. This placid river flows into the Mekong River, creating a dual water color. Bung Kan province is considered quite small therefore, it would be difficult to find accommodation and restaurants. The better ones are most likely to be in the city center of Bung Kan province.
At the moment, there are only two companies that offer coaches departing from Bangkok to Bung Kan province. Therefore, the service is not quite up to standard. When the rainy season occurs, there is a long boat race every year. Sometimes, they also race against the Laos. During the drought the Mekong River dries up leaving a sandy bed behind. In the period of the Song Kran festival, the villagers will come to play and celebrate the festival in this sandy riverbed. Para rubber trees were planted all over Bung Kan province however floods strike them every year because the site is low lying situated along the river. Many of the wetlands include Kood Ting, Huay Bang Baht, and Bung Khong Long.
Bung Kan province is one of the provinces in the Northeastern Region that does not experience drought like other provinces. Quiet areas along the Mekong have been used to smuggle in drugs and other illegal items.
In Bung Kan province, there are a few entertainment venues so it is a perfect destination for travelers that crave peace and quiet. The selling point of this province could only be their natural attractions and the suitable time to visit Bung Kan province is during the rainy season, taking place from June to October of every year. Travelers can also take a day trips to nearby attractions.
One of the most significant attractions is the Phu Wua wildlife sanctuary. It is considered as a major natural draw in Bung Kan province because aside from the wildlife sanctuary, the area offers breathtaking waterfalls such as Tum Pra waterfall, Jed See waterfall, Tum Foon waterfall, and the largest one of all, Sae Nan waterfall. The trek and trail leads to a field of diverse flowers. Moreover, there are elephant trekking herds that are very exciting. Up on the Kum Pan cliff in Phu Wua forest is a view of the sea of mist and a perfect location to watch the beautiful sunrise and sunset.
Another place that travelers should not miss is the Phu Tok temple. The most splendid component of the temple is the wooden bridge that revolves around Phu Hin Sai. On the trip to the bridge, you can see spectacular views . The place is decorated with fresh flowers and provides a calm and pleasant ambiance.
Bung Kong Long is a large lagoon, which is a migration destination of waterfowls during winter every year. Pittas and other birds can be seen here creating an impressive sight for tourists.
A warm welcome to the new province of Thailand…
Komchan Tawanchay
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