Misfortune.....At midnight, we're rudely awakened by inconsiderate guests. It's a fact that Thais love to party but music, shouting and moving furniture during the night in a hotel room beggers belief. I was in a bit of a daze, but I understand that Katoon had words with the management who asked them to move. The result of all this was that we overslept which is a surprise in itself, the bed was that uncomfortable. It's a pity that Fortune D Loei gets a black mark as it is a good deal and this morning we can get a cooked breakfast for a change. The facts is that we rarely return to accommodation we've used. In this case we had to take what we could at short notice. We head down for that breakfast which is a standard buffet style and some consolation. Now we can't hang about. It's a long way to Bangkok.
We leave just after 9.00 am for the over 560 km journey, but we still could be back by 6.00 pm. There are a couple of routes to choose from, and we take the safer but longer route heading first into Khon Kaen province past the iconic Pha Nok Khao (Owl Mountain) then through Phu Pha Man National Park and on to Chum Phae. There are no planned stops today for obvious reasons, but an opportunity presents itself in Chum Phae.
Wat Chaeng Sawang Nok/Wat Phra That Luang: Temple of the Emerald Buddha..... Wat Chaeng Sawang Nok/Wat Phra That Luang: Temple of the Emerald Buddha..... This phrathat is still under construction with final embellishments being added. Inside the phrathat is the Emerald Buddha in a beautifully decorated hall. Here on the external walls, murals will be added. At the entrance are two gleaming Naga (snake) statues. 30 minutes here as all we can afford as we head south into Chiayaphum province along HWY 201.
Return to Bangkok..... The 201 s a long and rather boring section heading into Nakhon Ratchasima province but as we connect to the M6 we're onto a new section of road that replaces a difficult section of the Mittraphap Highway that was built during the Vietnam War by the US military. The M6 starts in Pak Chong District and runs towards Nakhon Ratchasima. The main feature is the elevated road that stretches a long way as it skirts the massive Lam Takong Reservoir. I've watched construction here over the years, but now a good section is open. The M6 will become a toll road but for now it's free to use as the service areas and intersections are still incomplete. As we rejoin the Mittraphap Highway, the route from here to Bangkok is so familiar. We arrive back at 6.00 pm exactly as predicted allowing an hour or so for stops. This journey is not as difficult as it used to be with major road improvements. For dinner tonight I choose a Korean grill at a new venue which I'm sure we will use again. Finally back at the residence, that should signal a break in travelling but no! Tomorrow is a special day and we have to celebrate.

Source: Visit