Day 1 in Khon Kaen
Hey! W & I went to Khon Kaen recently, just two weeks ago. Thought I'd pen down our Khon Kaen trip since I'm free during this Labour Day long weekend. Khon Kaen is at the northen part of Thailand and quite close to Laos. Have never been to this part of Thailand so this trip was quite an eye-opener for city dwellers like us. We flew to Bangkok, before transiting to Khon Kaen via a domestic flight.
As you can see from their airport, it's in no way like our Changi International Airport. It's simple and no frills, yet there are still the locals standing outside the arrival gates waiting for their loved ones to touch down.
We took a chartered bus to Wat Kerwan Sutthawat at Mahasarakham, Khon Kaen. Fell asleep throughout the entire bus trip because I was soooo tired!
We've finally reached the temple after an hour's bus ride!
There's going to be a big event the next day, so these helpers were making crafts out of leaves.
Really, really pretty crafts!
Headed to a nearby convenience store in the village, at the back of the temple.
Hmm, Thai snacks! But some of them were either expiring or past the expiry dates already. So do remember to check!
Lazy cat lazying the lazy afternoon away~
Yay, a watermelon lolly in the super hot weather!
We went back to the hotel to check in, shower and changed before going back to the temple for evening prayer sessions
They had this band playing at the temple.
When you drop coins into this monk statue, the monk will sing and chant some prayers for you. Quite cute!
After the night prayer, we went to a nearby restaurant to have dinner. It was owned by someone from the village.
Dinner was comprised of grilled prawns, whole fried fish, veggies, tom yum soup and fried rice! Fried fish was the best...
Day 2 in Khon Kaen
Day 2 in Khon Kaen started bright and early, we woke up at 5:30am local time, which means 4:30am Singapore time!
My official photographer for this trip, he kept snapping away :D
Finally had the chance to make use of my vintage leather fringe bag. Got it at Chatuchak weekend market a good 5 years ago.
Time for morning prayers, for the Waikru event to begin!
Phrakhru Panya Sutthaporn Chief Abbott of Wat Kerwan Sutthawat.
Blessings for notes.
Donations for the temple.
So many monks present for the event.
This Malaysian guy was here to convert to a monk for a week. We managed to catch the whole procession! His hair had to be snipped off and put inside a giant lotus.
Everyone got to snip off a little bit of his hair, for good luck.
Finally shaving his head off...
During the event, there was a BBQ at the backyard. That meat on a stick was gooooood.
Selfie in the middle at the temple. W & I fell asleep at the grand hall area because we were so, so tired.
After waking up, we got our blessings from the monk..
Next up, it was the procession of the monk. Everyone gathered around and walked through the village with him sitting on the vehicle. Being a monk is a big honour here. P/S: the uncle behind him is very enthusiastic, hahaha.
Big, old speakers to play music during the procession.
In the midst of it all!
Villages were curious, and they came out to witness it as well!
There was a mini night market just beside the temple when we got back. And yes, those are coloured chicks for sale! One was retailing for 20 cents SGD! We wanted to buy all of them and set them free, but the guys said those coloured chicks will die within 3 to 5 days. Either that or get eaten by dogs :(
Most of the dogs there are unkempt and not well groomed. If there's a really well-groomed dog, its owner must be very rich!
After the procession, getting ready for the second part...
Chanting session, the monks taught him how to chant the right words.
Changed into his new robe and tadah, a part of them for a week!
For dinner, we had mookata delivered to us at the temple because we couldn't make it down to the shop. Authentic mookata!!! Singapore's mookata doesn't taste too far away from this :)
While eating mookata, we also watched the villagers perform on stage at the temple.
The band playing, villagers dancing.. At one point of time, W & I joined them on stage too.
A final photo to end off the last night at Khon Kaen with our new friend! :)
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