Gone There, Seen That: Nong Projak Park and the City Pillar, Udon Thani

Wait a minute! Why are you starting with that picture?

Don't we normally start our blog postings with something great and interesting?

Well, of course we do, Captain. But...

Well, having bing-soo for lunch was very great and interesting beginning of our Udon Thani adventure!

Only a bear would start with the least nutritious lunch we've ever eaten. Don't you think we should talk about what we saw?

I was just getting to that! We visited Issan, northeastern area of Thailand. Udon Thani is a small city. Fortunately, it has an airport so we could fly in rather than a multi-day car ride to get there from Bangkok.

And the only reason we had bing-soo, shaved frozen milk with sweet toppings like an ice cream sundae, was because Captain got us lost on the way to a real restaurant for lunch.

Spike, are you still going on about the food? We need to talk about the park and the City Pillar!

But...

Honestly, I can't believe you're still thinking of Bing-soo! I want to talk about Nong Prajak Park first. This beautiful park surrounds a lake in Udon Thani. It was definitely worth the $1 (30 baht) to rent bikes for two hours and explore this place.

That's true! There are walking and bike paths around the lake. On one side, it's just those paths separating the lake from the road. However, on the other side of the lake are a lot of picnic areas, playgrounds, art work, and criss-crossing paths that make it easy to get lost!

And not to mention the two suspension bridges that light up at night like rainbows with ever changing colors!

Of course, during the day, you will notice LOADS of yellow ducks, like the rubber duck bath toy, everywhere.

Spike is right. They are everywhere! On light posts, in the lake, around the lake, on the walls. The duck pays homage to the peace ducks of Hong Kong.

If we liked water, we would have rented a duck paddleboat. But they didn't have life jackets in our sizes, xxxxxxxxx-small.

Not to mention the problem reaching the pedals.

But you should know there are other things to see besides this park! One place is in walking distance of the park, the City Pillar Shrine.

It's official name is San Lak Mueang, and this is where the guardian god of Udon Thani resides. This is also where the province's guardian god, Wetsuwan, resides. The city pillar, considered the heart of the city, and the shrine are highly respected by the townspeople.