Phrae Attractions & History

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
Moved from

return to Phrae in seek of some more culture & local attractions.

293115=16984-IMG_7670.jpg

Phae Muang (Meuang) Phi forest park is sometimes referred to as Thailand's Grand Canyon.
Located 8 kms East-South-east of town, Muang Phi - "the City of Ghosts" is noted for its chimney or mushroom rock formations, caused by erosion.

293115=16986-IMG_7645.jpg


293115=16985-GTR-MuangPhi.jpg


293115=16987-IMG_7646.jpg


293115=16988-IMG_7651.jpg


293115=16989-IMG_7656.jpg


293115=16990-IMG_7658.jpg


293115=16991-IMG_7659.jpg
 
Last edited:

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
Phrae Attractions continued.

Wat Phra That Cho Hae

293117=16996-IMG_7693.jpg


Is one of Thailand's most important temples & is considered a 'must visit' for Buddhists who go to Phrae.
Thai Buddhists traditionally walk around the Cho Hae chedi three times in order to pay homage; believing that it will bring good luck, especially for those born in the Thai year of tiger.

293117=16998-IMG_7679.jpg


293117=16999-IMG_7680.jpg


Built in 1879 - 1881, the 33 metre high Chiang Saen style chedi was made of bricks and covered with bright brass sheets.
The chedi supposedly contains some of Buddha's hair "relics."

293117=16992-IMG_7676.jpg

293117=16993-IMG_7678.jpg

293117=16997-IMG_7681.jpg


The name Cho Hae comes from fine silk woven in Sip Song Panna first used to wrap around the Chedi when it was constructed.

293117=17000-IMG_7684.jpg

293117=17001-IMG_7685.jpg

293117=17002-IMG_7691.jpg


A revered Buddha image in the temple viharn is said to increase a woman's fertility.

293117=17002-IMG_7691.jpg

293117=16994-IMG_7674.jpg


293117=16995-IMG_7675.jpg


293117=17003-IMG_7690.jpg
 

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
Phrae Attractions continued....

Wat Luang

Wat Luang is the oldest temple in Phrae, built in 829, by King Luang Phon.

293158=17021-IMG_7730.jpg


The current buildings are not original. The earliest existing structure is the octagonal chedi, known as the Phra That Luang Chai Chang Kham 'The Great Relic Chedi Supported By Elephants', was last rebuilt in 1336 on top of an earlier form.

293158=17017-IMG_7722.jpg


The Chedi enshrines a Holy Relic brought over from Myanmar.

293158=17018-IMG_7723.jpg


A museum houses various antiquities that include 500-year-old Buddha statues.

293158=17019-IMG_7725.jpg


The viharn-ubosot, dates from 1872, is the largest hall on the grounds of the wat. It contains a Buddha image that is a bronze replica of the original gold statue plundered in 1902 during the Shan rebellion.

293158=17020-IMG_7727.jpg


293158=17016-IMG_7721.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Eoin Christie

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
More Phrae attaractions

Wat Phra Youn

293373=17042-IMG_7732.jpg


293373=17043-IMG_7734.jpg

and a reminder that you really need to photograph temples in the morning with the sun shining on the face of the temple. Otherwise in the afternoon you end up photographing the chedis & backs of the temples.

Narirat School

293373=17044-IMG_7740.jpg


The old walls of Phrae

293373=17045-IMG_7736.jpg


293373=17046-IMG_7738.jpg


PHRAE ANCIENT CITY HISTORY
The ancient city of Phrae was probably built in the 11th century. It was a small city but once had close relationships with Sukhothai and Sri Sachanalai in the south, and became a dependent of Sukhothai twice in its history, during the reigns of King Ramkamhaeng and King Phaya Li Thai, early Kings of Sukhothai. In consequence, the architecture of Phrae was influenced by Sukhothai. In 1443 the city was annexed to the Lan Na Kingdom by King Tilokaraja, and much of the architecture was replaced in the style of Lan Na.

Phrae was built in the shape of a conch shell, and is 1,500 by 900 meters. It is situated on the eastern bank of the Yom River, and enclosed by a single city wall. Outside the city the wall is earthen, with bricks and cement added to the edges around the gates. Most of the wall and the gates are still in good condition.
PHRAE CITY WALL
The earthen ridges surrounded the city were called “Meka” (or clouds). These ridges are the city wall about 5 meters high, 10 meters wide, surrounded the city with the length of 1,400 meters and the width of 800 meters. There is a ditch next to the earthen ridges, called Nam (water). It is about 10 meters wide, surrounded the city wall in the northeast, east, and southeast. The other directions are closed to Kam river, serving as the natural ditch about 1,000 meters long. In the old days, there were 4 city gates, i.e. Chai Gate, Sri Chum Gate, Yung Mah or Horse Gate, and Mara Gate. The gates were big enough only for elephants and carts to pass through.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Eoin Christie

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
Phrae Attractions continued

VONBURI HOUSE

293383=17073-IMG_7741.jpg


293383=17074-IMG_7742.jpg


The house belonged to a former nobleman, built in 1897 by Lord Phrom (Luang Phongphibun) and Lady Sunanta Wongburi, a daughter of Lord Buri (Phraya Burirat), a forest concessionaire. The house is a two-storey wooden Thai-European style building with gingerbread carving designs. It was built by a Cantonese artisan with Thai assistants. It took three years to build and was connected with another house built during the time of Lady Buatha Mahayotpanya, the first wife of Lord Phiriyathepwong, the last Phrae ruler. It is located on a 1,000 m2 plot with 20 rooms.

Before the house was opened to the public, it received many visitors on a regular basis, and was published in magazines and was also a movie location. It was popularized nationwide when it appeared on the cover of a travel magazine in November 1992. The owner decided to open it to the public in October 1997.

The house displays the personal belongings and photographs of the previous owners, silverware, pottery, ancient weaponry, Chiang Saen and Sukhothai-style Buddha images, and rare official documents, e.g., a certificate of appointment from King Rama V, 49 copies of slave contracts, forest concession certificates and certificates of elephants and cows. Next to the house is a silverware factory, produced by local silversmiths. The products, together with other handicrafts, are also for sale.
The house received the Outstanding Conservation Award in 1993 by the Siam Architect Society under Royal Patronage.

293383=17056-IMG_7745.jpg


293383=17057-IMG_7746.jpg


293383=17058-IMG_7748.jpg


293383=17059-IMG_7750.jpg


293383=17060-IMG_7751.jpg


293383=17061-IMG_7752.jpg


293383=17062-IMG_7754.jpg


293383=17063-IMG_7755.jpg


293383=17064-IMG_7761.jpg


293383=17065-IMG_7769.jpg


293383=17066-IMG_7772.jpg


293383=17067-IMG_7776.jpg


293383=17068-IMG_7782.jpg


293383=17069-IMG_7785.jpg


293383=17070-IMG_7787.jpg

293383=17071-IMG_7790.jpg


293383=17072-IMG_7793.jpg


An absolute magnificent building, steeped in history & well worth checking out when in Phrae.
Don't miss it!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Eoin Christie

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
Phrae attractions continued

WAT PHRA NON

293405=17085-IMG_7797.jpg


Wat Phra Non, the Monastery of the Reclining Buddha, is considered to be a classic example of Phrae religious architecture.
Most notable is the structure housing the reclining Buddha. Instead of windows, the sides of the structure are illuminated by long, narrow openings called Chong Lom (wind gaps), surmounted by cross-shaped openings. This design permits ample illumination while minimizing the amount of direct sunlight entering the structure during the hot summer months.

293405=17086-IMG_7796.jpg


293405=17087-IMG_7800.jpg


293405=17088-IMG_7803B.jpg


293405=17089-IMG_7811.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Eoin Christie

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
Pottering round Phrae a bit more
A delightful town full of surprises
The Pung Tao Kong Shrine that serves as a symbol of the Chinese people’s settlement in Phrae
GTR - IMG_7548.JPG


The original shrine was in a small house, that also had a Chinese language school.

In 1962 the school moved out to what is now the Charoensilpa School & a new shrine was built, financed by donations.
2505-800.jpg


This lasted 47 years until 2007, by which time the shrine needed rebuilding yet again.
In 2009 the new shrine was opened.

GTR - IMG_7550.JPG


Night time the Phrae city centre roundabout
GTR - IMG_7545.JPG
 

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
Wat Sra Baw Keo - Phrae attractions.
GTR - IMG_5887.jpg

A Burmese – Shan style temple made of golden teak was originally built in 1876.
GTR - IMG_5883.jpg

At the time there were many Burmese people in Phrae working for the English East Asiatic Company that had the logging concession for the area.

The Buddhist Burmese people had trouble communicating with the Thai monks, so they had their own temple built & brought an abbot from Burma.

GTR - IMG_5893.jpg


GTR - IMG_5901.jpg


The temple was reconstructed in 1909.

An interesting wat with a difference
GTR - IMG_5870.jpg


GTR - IMG_5872.jpg


GTR - IMG_5885.jpg


The other famous Burmese - Shan style wat in Phrae is Wat Chom Sawan, also built during the reign of King Rama 5

GTR - IMG_5906B.jpg


GTR - IMG_5908B.jpg


After the Shan rebellion in 1902, the temple was left to decay but restored again & in 1990 the Fine Arts department registered the temple as a historical site with valuable artifacts.

GTR - IMG_7591B.JPG


The precious items are
1. Buddhist inscriptions which were carved in Burmese characters on 16 sheets of ivory.
2. A Buddha image made of bamboo and covered with gold leaf.

GTR - IMG_7596B.JPG


GTR - IMG_5909B.jpg


GTR - IMG_5916B.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Eoin Christie

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
Phrae the classic town is full of museums & people proud of their culture & history.
There is a very strong conservation movement to retain the old buildings, houses & history of Phrae, & not let it all be knocked down & concrete shop houses be erected.
The town definitely wants to retain its charm & character.

Another new beauty is the Ban Thep Museum
GTR - IMG_5846.jpg


With a private collection of century + antiquities
GTR - IMG_5845.jpg


Recently opened it is a work in progress, but already with an amazing collection of ancient items.
These include Chinese inlaid pearl, furniture, armour, gongs & Lanna bells, drums, porcelain & clocks ++

It's a highly impressive collection & probably the best you can see in the North.

GTR - IMG_5850.jpg


GTR - IMG_5853.jpg


GTR - IMG_7576.JPG


GTR - IMG_5854.jpg


Very old bank notes
GTR - IMG_7566.JPG


Ancient coins & currencies
GTR - IMG_7567.JPG


Beautiful old Buddhas
GTR - IMG_7568.JPG


GTR - IMG_7569B.JPG


Old lanterns & porcelain
GTR - IMG_7571.JPG


Old police helmet & gun
GTR - IMG_7572.JPG


Ancient pipes
GTR - IMG_7573.JPG


Some furniture
GTR - IMG_7575.JPG


GTR - IMG_7577.JPG


GTR - IMG_7579.JPG


old cabinets & a display of 100 year old + cloth for dancing costumes
GTR - IMG_7580.JPG


GTR - IMG_7581.JPG


An ancient betel nut set of utensils
GTR - IMG_7582.JPG


A massive carved tree trunk
GTR - IMG_7583.JPG


A 100 year + Chinese door, from Khampaeng Phet
GTR - IMG_7584.JPG


GTR - IMG_7585.JPG


The proud owner upstairs in the storeroom with pieces yet to be displayed.
GTR - IMG_7587.JPG


A nice swinging seat made from one piece of timber.
GTR-DSC_0053B.JPG


The entrance to the museum with massive teak wood doors
GTR-DSC_0058B.JPG


There's almost too much - the collection is over powering.
So if you're at all interested in some culture & history, check out the Ban Thep Museum in Phrae.

Rob Muang Street, right next to the prison.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Eoin Christie

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
Phrae - attractions- the Forestry Dept Teak Museum

The Teak Museum or the Museum of Forest, the 1st Training Center (Phrae) is located at the 1st Training Center (Phrae) under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The museum consists of three buildings made from teak situated in the area of 6 Rais which were the estate of the East Asiatic Company from Denmark. The company was under a teak concession granted to operate in the area along the Yom River in the reign of King Rama V. These buildings were used as the office building and the residence for executives and officers of the company.

The Museum # 2 is the main exhibition building that is open.
GTR%20-%20IMG_7991.jpg


GTR%20-%20IMG_7992.jpg


GTR%20-%20IMG_8021.jpg


the museum has a collection of teak items
GTR%20-%20IMG_7995.jpg


GTR%20-%20IMG_7997.jpg


plus a stack of old photos showing the glorious logging days of Phrae.
GTR%20-%20IMG_7999.jpg


GTR%20-%20IMG_7996.jpg


GTR%20-%20IMG_8000.jpg


GTR%20-%20IMG_8003.jpg


GTR%20-%20IMG_8010.jpg


And the amount of timber was staggering

GTR%20-%20IMG_8002.jpg


GTR%20-%20IMG_8005.jpg


GTR%20-%20IMG_8004.jpg


GTR%20-%20IMG_8006.jpg



GTR%20-%20IMG_8007.jpg


GTR%20-%20IMG_8011.jpg


A copy of the original lease for the logging
GTR%20-%20IMG_8014.jpg


The manager of the day
GTR%20-%20IMG_8012.jpg


The weapon of the day
GTR%20-%20IMG_8018.jpg


an elephant howdah
GTR%20-%20IMG_8015.jpg


well worth checking out sometime in Phrae.
GPS Waypoint:N18 08.392 E100 08.133
 
  • Like
Reactions: Eoin Christie

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
Phrae attractions continued - Phrae is a gem of a town for culture & history.

The Khum Wichai Racha House
GTR%20-%20IMG_9709.jpg



GTR%20-%20IMG_9710.jpg


built over 100 years ago, but now a tragic failed restoration project & repossessed by the bank.
GTR%20-%20IMG_9720B-M.jpg


In the early 90s it was in a dilapidated state
GTR%20-%20IMG_9713-M.jpg


& bought by Veera Star, a retired 66 year old Vietnam war Veteran from Bangkok, who fell in love with the house.
GTR%20-%20IMG_9717-M.jpg


Veera's plan was to return the house to it's former glory.
GTR%20-%20IMG_9726-M.jpg


The house once belonged to the chief of Phrae, when the province was being integrated into Siam.
GTR%20-%20IMG_9722-M.jpg


When the Shan rebellion was under way against the rulers from Bangkok, the provincial chief hid native Bangkok workers in the house to save them being lynched by the Shan.
In WW2 it was used by the Seri Thai resistance for planning attacks against the Japanese.
GTR%20-%20IMG_9721B-M.jpg


In recent years the owners were unable to maintain the house & it went to ruin.
GTR%20-%20IMG_9714-M.jpg


Then Veera bought it. His dream was to renovate it & restore it to its former glory as a piece of Phrae history.
GTR%20-%20IMG_9731-M.jpg

But the costs were too great & even after selling of his 10 properties in Bangkok & elsewhere Vera was still short. Veera borrowed money, pleaded for help from the Fine Arts Department, but eventually the banks closed in & repossessed the property. The debt owed = 10 million baht & the house stands "abandoned."
GTR%20-%20IMG_9716-M.jpg


Wichai Racha House is in the same street as the Vongburi House. Vonburi House is well sign posted in Phrae.
 
Last edited:
Sep 19, 2006
2,393
374
83
62
www.chiangmai-xcentre.com
Bloody Shame! Beautifully Built! Wood requires such a Big amount of Upkeep! The Huge one on the Water Front in Phayao is still being Restored. They have been Working on that one for Years! Sad for the Guy to Lose everything when Trying to Preserve the Past for everyone's Benefit!
 

ianyonok

0
Subscribed
Dec 9, 2008
1,082
862
113
Wonderful info, David. Thanks for putting all that together.
Phrae is such an interesting province and now I have several more places on the list, to visit now.

Last time I was there, I did find the original 100 year old Phrae Christian Hospital. It looks beyond restoration unfortunately.
The modern hospital is easy to find and set in huge grounds with many old buildings tucked away behind the back. But I had to ask several people in the hospital where the old building was, before anyone could tell me where it was. It is actually less than 100m away, to the side of the new hospital, but completely abandoned.

The entrance bridge
2017-07-08 07.57.08.jpg
2017-07-08 07.57.28.jpg
2017-07-08 07.57.45.jpg

A safe that has been gas-axed to gain access.
2017-07-08 07.58.02.jpg
2017-07-08 07.58.33.jpg
2017-07-08 07.59.30.jpg
2017-07-08 07.59.34.jpg
2017-07-08 08.00.08.jpg
2017-07-08 08.00.38.jpg
2017-07-08 08.01.20.jpg
2017-07-08 08.01.47.jpg
2017-07-08 08.02.47.jpg


This appears to be a much later built emergency dept, just used for storage now.
2017-07-08 08.03.05.jpg


The wheelchair ramp
2017-07-08 08.03.34.jpg

.
 

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
Wonderful info, David. Thanks for putting all that together.
Phrae is such an interesting province and now I have several more places on the list, to visit now.

Last time I was there, I did find the original 100 year old Phrae Christian Hospital. It looks beyond restoration unfortunately.
The modern hospital is easy to find and set in huge grounds with many old buildings tucked away behind the back. But I had to ask several people in the hospital where the old building was, before anyone could tell me where it was. It is actually less than 100m away, to the side of the new hospital, but completely abandoned.

The entrance bridge
View attachment 113233 View attachment 113234 View attachment 113235
A safe that has been gas-axed to gain access.
View attachment 113236 View attachment 113237 View attachment 113238 View attachment 113239 View attachment 113240 View attachment 113241 View attachment 113242 View attachment 113243 View attachment 113244

This appears to be a much later built emergency dept, just used for storage now.
View attachment 113245

The wheelchair ramp
View attachment 113246
.

Glad you found it.
I had a quick look in a hurry, a couple of weeks ago but could not find it.
I need to go back & look again with more time on my hands.
 

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
Phrae - attractions- the Forestry Dept Teak Museum

The Teak Museum or the Museum of Forest, the 1st Training Center (Phrae) is located at the 1st Training Center (Phrae) under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The museum consists of three buildings made from teak situated in the area of 6 Rais which were the estate of the East Asiatic Company from Denmark. The company was under a teak concession granted to operate in the area along the Yom River in the reign of King Rama V. These buildings were used as the office building and the residence for executives and officers of the company.

The Museum # 2 is the main exhibition building that is open.
View attachment 98728

View attachment 98729

View attachment 98730

the museum has a collection of teak items
View attachment 98731

View attachment 98732

plus a stack of old photos showing the glorious logging days of Phrae.
View attachment 98733

View attachment 98734

View attachment 98735

View attachment 98736

View attachment 98737

And the amount of timber was staggering

View attachment 98738

View attachment 98739

View attachment 98740

View attachment 98741


View attachment 98742

View attachment 98743

A copy of the original lease for the logging
View attachment 98744

The manager of the day
View attachment 98745

The weapon of the day
View attachment 98746

an elephant howdah
View attachment 98747

well worth checking out sometime in Phrae.
GPS Waypoint:N18 08.392 E100 08.133

There is outrage in Phrae, some of the old 120 year old colonial buildings in Phrae have been demolished.
The office of the Bombay Burmah Trading Company on the Yom river pier company destroyed

upload_2020-6-16_16-46-55.png


Phrae residents cry foul as iconic building razed to ground

upload_2020-6-16_16-47-8.png


upload_2020-6-16_16-47-20.png


They know no shame.
Google Maps
 
Last edited:

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
There is outrage in Phrae, some of the old 120 year old colonial buildings in Phrae have been demolished.
The office of the Bombay Trading Company on the Yom river pier company destroyed

View attachment 136200

Phrae residents cry foul as iconic building razed to ground

View attachment 136201

View attachment 136202

They know no shame.
Google Maps

A report in English on that beautiful building destroyed.
upload_2020-6-19_13-42-33.png


The loss of the old Bombay Burmah Building in Phrae

On 3 August 2019, Siamese Heritage Trust of the Siam Society conducted a study trip “Touching the heritage conservation pulse in Phrae”, brought 21 members to visit many architectural heritage sites of Phrae Old Town. We had a lovely coffee break in a beautiful colonial-style house on the bank of Yom river where we also talked about the vision for cultural heritage management. An amazing local resident, Khun Narumon Wongwan, heir of Former Director of the School of Forestry, explained the significance of the building that it served as an office of Bombay Burmah Trading Company, which was granted a logging concession in the western Yom River in 1889 and the East Asiatic Company occupied the place later on. She pointed at the pier where tons of logs were bond together and some of them were transferred through Chetawan village to other places. It was such a beautiful circumstance, when people’s memory, historical evidence, and cultural landscape were telling the same story.​
16 June 2020 we were informed by Khun Narumon that the building was torn down. It was unclear what was happening to this historical building. The Forestry Conservation Area Office 13 that allowed the Siam Society to use this building could not give any useful information. We learned from Bangkok Post later that the office director issued an order to dismantle the building as part of the learning center's renovation project, noting the work was financed by a budget sought in the previous fiscal year. No study was carried out in the restoration of the building.​
Notice and suggestions:​
- When visited the building 10 months ago, we did not notice that the building is severely damage, so that it needs to be deconstructed. There was no warning at all.​
- The office made the project unclear to people and led to a misunderstanding by the vague terms of conservation/renovation/reconstruction. Local people did not expect a dismantling and did not be aware of it. If they would have clearly understood the plan, they would have resisted in the early stage.​
- Surprisingly, government officials issued an illegal order, without acknowledgment that even though the building is unregistered and located outside of the designated Old Town area, this kind of historic building is a local, regional, and national heritage by itself and it is a subject to the Act on Ancient Monuments, Antiques, Objects of Art and National Museums, B.E. 2504. This action reflects the lack of heritage protection perspective in the vision and mindset of the leader. This topic should be discussed further, when and how this perspective should it be installed.​
- The Siam Society supports that the next process of this renovation project should be more inclusive. The office should open opportunities for residents, and local heritage advocate networks, as well as heritage experts, to become a part of the project working committee.​
- The provincial historic listed building system should be installed with a proper mechanism, so that this mismanagement will never happen again anywhere else, and the conservation guidance with respect to the best practices be provided.​
- Lastly, a heritage alert platform/application/desk might be useful for people to report right away when they noticed that something wrong is happening to the cultural heritage in their neighborhood. The immediate response could help restrain the situation before it is too late.​
upload_2020-6-19_13-42-54.png


Source: The Siam Society.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Eoin Christie

DKT Dave

Ol'Timer
Subscribed
Sep 25, 2019
108
141
43
What a great thread. What an amazing city Phrae is. The Baan Thep Museum certainly is a gem of a place, with an amazing owner who showed us around.
It was a pity the Teak Museum wasn’t open.
There are so many interesting places to visit in this town!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Eoin Christie

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
Wonderful info, David. Thanks for putting all that together.
Phrae is such an interesting province and now I have several more places on the list, to visit now.

Last time I was there, I did find the original 100 year old Phrae Christian Hospital. It looks beyond restoration unfortunately.
The modern hospital is easy to find and set in huge grounds with many old buildings tucked away behind the back. But I had to ask several people in the hospital where the old building was, before anyone could tell me where it was. It is actually less than 100m away, to the side of the new hospital, but completely abandoned.

The entrance bridge
View attachment 113233 View attachment 113234 View attachment 113235
A safe that has been gas-axed to gain access.
View attachment 113236 View attachment 113237 View attachment 113238 View attachment 113239 View attachment 113240 View attachment 113241 View attachment 113242 View attachment 113243 View attachment 113244

This appears to be a much later built emergency dept, just used for storage now.
View attachment 113245

The wheelchair ramp
View attachment 113246
.

Catching up to Ian's discoveries in Phrae. I ventured into the "darkest jungly depths" of the Phrae Christian hospital too.
The old building in the hospital grounds is slowly but surely crumbling away & unlikely to be renovated perhaps?
Entry is now forbidden as it is "fenced off."

1614529001312.png


Or perhaps plans are underway to restore the building, if at all possible?

1614529080927.png


The steel stairway could be a hint of something going on? Access for what reason?
1614529135446.png


1614529189042.png


A stroll around the back doesn't look terribly inspiring.
1614529242999.png


1614529266741.png


There is a tree that may need to be dealt with?
1614529313939.png


1614529335606.png


Phrae is a gem of an old classic town with so many museums & colonial buildings.
If you're into a bit of history & culture, you can easily spend several days in Phrae!

For Oddvar: 18°08'05.8"N 100°08'43.9"E
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Eoin Christie

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
The 100 year old Missionary (Kor Sor Nor) house

This house was once located by the Yom river, in Chetawan village nearby the recently destroyed Bombay Burma forestry house.
In 1883 flooding & river bank erosion forced the relocation of this house & another for safety reasons.
They were dismantled & rebuilt nearby the Phrae Christian hospital.
One of these houses - the Missionary Kor Sor Nor House - has been beautifully restored & has received a Conservation Award in 2012 from the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage.

1614684968572.png


1614685019493.png


1614685560925.png


1614685151283.png


1614685201162.png


1614685848998.png


1614686128828.png


1614686156829.png


1614686307396.png



The other dilapidated house in the grounds of the hospital, 200 metres to the east.

1614529001312-png.139883



See also: NO MORE THOUGHTLESS DEMOLITION - art4d
 
Last edited:

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
Phrae attractions - the Baan Bunma Coffee & At Gallery Museum.

A fascinating place on the family plot of land with a little coffee shop as well.
The owner Khun Paisarn an architect, is a lovely guy who lived in Chiang Mai for a long time, to study & get his degree, but has now returned to look after his what was his dad's place, passion & Buddhist ceremonial artifacts.

1614936764713.png


1614936814598.png


1614936871271.png


1614936890118.png


1614936906124.png


1614936932076.png


1614936959228.png


1614936981559.png


1614937003328.png


1614937027779.png



The Kitchen still used for everyday use.
1614937069593.png


Who remembers the light & power switches like these
1614937112397.png


1614937192262.png


1614937213404.png


An interesting tree root lounge set of furniture
1614937295653.png


It took a lot longer to collect the wood than actually construct the sofa & chairs.
1614937360349.png


Rare pieces indeed, plus crafted to farang size & comfortable to sit in
1614937429267.png


For sale @ 70,00 baht should you be interested & have some spare cash in the kitty.

1614937487526.png


A very interesting little museum & well worth checking out in Phrae.
 
  • Love
  • Like
Reactions: Jurgen and DKT Dave

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com

Wat Sawan Niwet​

Update February 2024: Still fossicking around in Phrae for more attractions - you can never get enough of classic Phrae.
1707719939572.jpeg


1707720017432.jpeg


1707720000644.jpeg


Wat Sawan Niwet has a somewhat impressive colourful man-made cave with multiple caverns & Buddha images.

1707720042140.jpeg


1707719974205.jpeg


1707720064076.jpeg


1707720081884.jpeg


1707720099902.jpeg



1707720120698.jpeg


1707720136442.jpeg


1707720183394.jpeg


1707720210952.jpeg


1707720223018.jpeg


1707720247517.jpeg


1707720261346.jpeg


 
  • Like
Reactions: Gregthemagnificent

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
Ganesha Temple
1708357176236.jpeg


12 kms East of Phrae off R1024 sits a Ganesha temple that I can't quite get the name right for yet.
1708357192535.jpeg


1708357223452.jpeg


Ganesha (also Ganesa or Ganapati) is one of the most important gods in Hinduism. Ganesha is easily recognized with his elephant head and human body, representing the soul (atman) and the physical (maya). Ganesha is the patron of writers, travellers, students, and commerce, and he removes obstacles blocking new projects. The deity is fond of sweets, to the slight detriment of his figure.
Ganesha is also worshipped as a principal deity in both Jainism and Buddhism. For the Ganapatya Hindu sect, Ganesha is the most important deity.

1708357237390.jpeg


1708357257864.jpeg

1708357275465.jpeg


1708357294411.jpeg


There's a proud resident turkey on the temple ground, who likes authority on his territory.
1708357370142.jpeg


Worth a visit? Only if you're looking for another box to tick or seriously interested in Ganesh.
There has to be a story there why this Ganesha temple is way out there in the Phrae boondocks...

 
Last edited: