Football Fest.....After the very enjoyable game yesterday I'm expecting the excitement to continue today as we head for another game. We're a long way from Bangkok but quite early on I saw the opportunity for back to back games this weekend even though 6 hours of travelling divides the two venues. The choice was obvious as I'd visited neither venue for a game before so bringing me very close to have visited all current stadiums used by TPL teams. The key to success today is make that 6-hour journey to another region.
At Teerada Resort we have been quite comfortable and are well provisioned this morning not needing the convenience at the front of the resort. We are ready to depart just after 9.00 am and factoring in lunch and comfort breaks, we should reach Nong Bua Lampu by 4.00 pm. The weather today is great with wall-to-wall sunshine for the second day running.
West to East.....Fortunately, the route today is hardly boring, taking us over the high mountains of the Phetchabun Range and the fabulous Route 12 which we know from a previous tour. Firstly though, we need to return to Phitsanulok then continue east. We soon pick up Route 12 and into the mountains of Thung Salaeng Luang National Park. Crossing this vast forested area takes an hour ,and we reach Phetchabun province with its own natural attractions in abundance. We see them signposted and recall previous visits here with great affection. During our last visit, sections of Route 12 were being upgraded and in fact they still are but improvements to the route have only added more attractions and rest stops to lure visitors. It would be criminal not to stop here for lunch in the cooler air.
We Continue east and though Nam Nao National Park, briefly entering Chaiyaphum where I can declare we've reached the Isan region. We're heading towards Chum Phae in Khon Kaen province where we were in the Spring. We now leave the mountains after 3 hours driving and at Chum Phae head north where after more than an hour we reach our destination after an epic journey covering six provinces. We arrive at Pitchaya Stadium with 10 minutes to spare on our predicted arrival time. This gives us 2 hours to buy tickets and check-in at Ruen Chorfa Hotel where we can prepare ourselves for the evening's entertainment.
Ruen Chorfa Hotel..... My first impression about Ruen Chorfa Hotel is OK but Katoon insists on using the second floor and that means carrying our kit upstairs. At Ruen Chorfa The room is spacious and modern and seems good value for 550 baht. For all the nice furnishings though, there is minimal table-top space. There is a glass table that looks out of place which at least avoids carrying our table up the stairs but there will be little time spent in the room before bed anyway. The location of the accommodation is in the town with some 10 minutes drive to the stadium. It don't see any conveniences near the hotel but there will be of course at the stadium.
Pitchaya Stadium..... We head back to the stadium giving us plenty of time to park. There we can enjoy the atmosphere in this purpose built stadium which is certainly different. There is a small stand opposite the main one but nothing behind each goal. Most of the seating is in the main stand which is huge and modern. We won't feel packed in here. We settle in early and wait for kick-off at 6.00 pm, a more convenient time as far as I'm concerned.
Nong Bua Lamphu v True Bangkok United..... Today Nong Bua Pitchaya, the home team are playing a strong team, Bangkok United who are favorites to win, consistently one the the leagues top teams. Nong Bua on the other hand are newly promoted. Nong Bua are looking to cause an upset, and it looked possible after a first half goal that sees them lead at half-time. Bangkok can't make an impression but that changes in the second half with three quick-fire goals including a penalty. There is no way back for Nong Bua but in the last seconds of the game they scored a consolation goal to make it a more respectable scoreline at 2 : 3. The result means Bangkok is still in 3rd after a Port FC win and Nong Bua are safe for now retaining their league position too.
After the game we decide to look for a late dinner, finding mobile kitchens beside the Bung Nong Bua (lake). That means a late return to Ruen Chorfa and there's no time for any work on this blog. We concentrate however, on securing accommodation for the following night so using the full four nights. The late decision is to allow a journey into the next province, that of Loei where Katoon's mum has an age-related medical problem. That means a long journey back to Bangkok on Tuesday.

Source: Visit