The previous day we had decided to cycle to Nong Phrao Ngai, Sai Noi. The attraction was not so much the area but the beautiful Rukbua Resort. Due to it being the monsoon season, we decided to drive part of the way there, but for some unknown reason, we could not find a school or a temple complex to park in. We eventually parked in an abandoned restaurant car park.

Then I went and put the wrong wheels on either bike. Being tired and not thinking straight, I messed around with the brakes and sensors, not thinking once that the wheels were wrong. Thankfully, it did not take me long to realise what I had done.

Setting off on our adventure, we found ourselves in an unfamiliar territory. The first thing that soon caught our attention was a new Chinese temple complex under construction. Despite our confusion and the contractors’ disapproving glances, we decided to capture the moment in photographs before moving on, much to their relief.

With numerous Khlongs (canals) to cross, this meant many bridges. Many were only wide enough for motorbikes.

With the scorching heat of the day reaching a staggering 35 degrees C, we had to pace ourselves. Despite carrying water, we could not resist a pit stop for a refreshing Coke by the roadside. In reality, it was more of an excuse for my overheated mobile and other electrical gear to cool down.

The roads here were very rural and quiet. With khlongs running alongside, with duckweed or algae covering them.

Where there were fields, rice was growing in them. It looked ready for harvesting. 

We eventually found the resort we were looking for, and there, we ordered lunch. Nothing much had changed since we last visited her on March 6, 2023. Still, it looked beautiful with the overhanging blossom from the balconies that looked across at the restaurant. The only thing that divided us was a narrow khlong, which was fitting for the area.