The Northern province of Nan is known for its beautiful mountainous landscape, local temples, one of which bears the famed mural of the whispering couple, and traditional rock salt production.
While standing inside the recently opened Ayutthaya Gold Treasure Exhibition Building at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, visitors may picture a gloomy night in September 1957 when robbers robbed the vault that was hidden beneath Wat Ratchaburana's main Phra Prang. When digging further, they discovered a glowing three-floor gold treasure and relocated some priceless items to a house opposite the temple.
As the winter breeze blew in, it was the ideal day for a young man to be ordained. A group of monks were reciting prayers and the temple grounds were busy with local pilgrims when I arrived at Wat Yai Suwannaram in the coastal town of Phetchaburi. Although the place had come back to life, the ordination ceremony was held without a colourful procession or music band, according to disease control measures.