Day 15, 23rd February - Phitsanulok

Horrible Night....... It was a horrible night last night as the diarrhea that returned yesterday hit me with a vengeance; it seemed I spent more time in the bathroom than I did in bed. The question now is how I cope with a breakfast they provide at Easy Hotel 1. I try to leave it as late as possible and then help myself to toast and jam and the rest of the eggs that I cooked for myself yesterday at the hot spring. How that will affect me I don't know as I consider the options for travel today but things seem already compromised.
Doi Khun Tan No Go....... Ideally today I would like to have reconnected with the railway now I'm out of the mountains of Chiang Mai and there is one particular station I would like to revisit. Doi Khun Tan Railway Station, located in the mountain range of that name is notable for its altitude and tunnel. Capturing on video a train arriving here is what I hoped for on this trip. However, the train schedule does not fit my plan for today; morning trains will have already arrived in Chiang Mai and those in the opposite direction won't arrive until late afternoon and evening. Add to that my health issue and I just have to forget about it sadly. Other than that I have no plans other than to cut the distance to Bangkok.
Keep taking the Pills....... The obvious way forward now is to get some medication from a pharmacy and see if that helps. We start our journey by heading away from Lamphun locating the pharmacy we need on the way. That done we're on our way to Lampang. It's so far so good but the secondary issue is that I've lost a lot of sleep and try to get some rest while traveling. Well, that doesn't work either as my partner wants to go temple visiting. Once in Lampang Province we head up into the hills.
Wat Prathat Doi Prachan....... Wat Prathat Doi Prachan is located at Pa Tan, Mae Tha District. The temple's history dates back to the 16th century, when it was built by King Mengrai of the Lanna Kingdom. The temple was originally named Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan, and it was built on a hilltop overlooking the Mae Chang Valley.
Over the years, the temple has undergone several renovations and restorations. The most recent renovation took place in 2015, when the temple’s main hall was refurbished and a new statue of the Buddha installed. The temple’s mountain pavilion was once made of wood but was demolished due to damage over time.
One of the most interesting features of Wat Doi Prachan Mae Tha is the large statue of Buddha that sits atop the hill. The statue is made of bronze and stands over 20 metres tall. It is said to be one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. The statue was built in the 1970s and has become a popular tourist attraction in recent years.
The temple is also home to several other important Buddhist relics, including a number of ancient Buddha images and a collection of ancient scriptures. Visitors can explore the temple's grounds and admire the intricate carvings and decorations on the temple's buildings. In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Wat Doi Prachan Mae Tha is also known for its beautiful natural surroundings. The temple is situated on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding valley and mountains. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the temple grounds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Temperatures Rising....... Since leaving the northern mountains I have noticed an increase in the daytime temperatures and today is really hot, not the best conditions for walking around temples. This detour and cost the best part of two hours including stopping for lunch on the way. We now head east into more mountains heading for Den Chai in Phrae Province.
Den Chai Railway Station....... At Den Chai Railway Station I might be lucky to see a train. Finally, I get some sleep albeit just 30 minutes. At the station there is a train due if I want to wait another 30 minutes but soon that time gets extended as a delay is reported. Still, I'm prepared to wait for a bit longer until they report the delay could be 40 minutes. We've made little progress so far and it's already into late afternoon. We have to leave adding further disappointment but first a phone call to book accommodation for tonight. This is the start of a religious public holiday weekend, and we've done well to secure a room.
As we head in the direction of that oncoming train could I see it at the next station?
Mae Phuak Railway Station....... I love visiting railway stations wherever they are but one as remote as Mae Phuak, I don't recall. Hardly does the line leave Den Chai than it's straight into the forest. To reach it you need to exit HWY 11 and negotiate the twist and turns of a single track road. At Mae Phuak Station I find it unstaffed which is no surprise. No trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai stop here. There are just two local trains per day, one in each direction. The station building you could call ripe for demolition but wait: You soon realise this is a time capsule into the past existing before the new highway was built. It is effectively a museum of old photographs and railway memorabilia. T hope that when the new railway line gets built here they retain the character of this building however neglected it now seems.
Back to the trains. Well, of course there is no information on trains that do not stop here, so I'm totally blind. While examining the building I here a train coming from nowhere. It's too late to set up for a video and the sprinter train races past the station. This must be Train 7, a special express train from Bangkok. Now let's just head for Phitsanulok for our overnight stop.
Khao Plung Rest Stop....... Although there's no real need to, we just have to stop at Khao Plung on the provincial border between Phrae and Uttaradit on HWY 11. The views are breathtaking and there are a number of restaurants, shop and other facilities to attract you. Now with our own delays we will not be arriving in Phitsanulok before dark.
Viewpoint Hotel....... Viewpoint Hotel is located in the city itself beside the Nan River. As we approach we see the bridges brightly lit with a party atmosphere everywhere. However, it's just an overnight stop for us and there's really no time to get involved in festivities. At the hotel, the rooms are pleasant enough for 600 baht but there is no breakfast and as we've been winding down we are under provisioned. I still have a kow soi I bought in Lampang and that will do for the both of us tonight. In the street along the river there are no regular food vendors only pub style restaurants. When we do try and venture out there as nothing appealing close by, and we're reluctant to take the car out into busy streets. Well, the last few days have provided a golden opportunity for me to lose weight.
In a late twist we will be heading straight back to Bangkok tomorrow instead on Pak Chong where we were planning to start the weekend. It's less than five hours to the city from here but more trains there will be for sure.
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