Amazing Thailand by Debika Sen
Amazing Thailand
by Debika Sen
Several years ago, I was invited by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to attend a Travel Mart followed by a familiarization trip through Isaan, Northeast of Thailand.
Unbeknownst to me, an adventure awaited, as I travelled on this off the beaten path. The mystique, magic and mystery evoked by the resplendent Khmer temples dotting the landscape, a navigation for the Cambodians, left me wondering if I was in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
A rich historical tapestry intertwined with an abundance of natural resources; Thailand has many tales to share. Century old narratives of kings, queens, and invaders are etched into these monuments. Faded glory of the ruins, embedded into the recess of the bricks, offers a glimpse into the richness of Thailand. A bygone era – a myriad confluence of migration of people lends an added richness to the Thai culture.
Located in the state of Isaan is Buriram, whose name means “City of Happiness.” In Buriram province, the Angkorian archaeological temple remnants coupled with primitive temples intersperse the landscape, where modernization has not intruded into this calm life of farmers and water buffalos lazily wading in muddy waters. Traditional handicrafts are still created as they once did centuries ago like the handwoven silks on traditional looms, distinctly a heritage of Isaan’s culture.
Buriram is the base for viewing one of the most important Khmer monuments, Prasat Hin Phanom Rung being my personal favorite. This hidden treasure is a stunning sculpted work of art, erected majestically on an extinct volcano with breathtaking views of Dong Rak Mountains and the Khorat Plateau, forming the border of Cambodia.
It was initially dedicated to Lord Shiva (Hindu God), reflecting the rise of Hinduism, later converting into a Buddhist temple. According to Hindu spiritualism, mountains are the abode of Gods. It is the most remarkable and important Khmer temple in Thailand. The temple’s construction is a testament to the artistry and technical accomplishments of the Khmers showcased through their stone masonry.
Phanom Rung was built facing east, so that 4 times a year, the sun’s ray’s illuminates through the temple’s 15 doorways (early March, April, September, and October). It is believed that those who witness the solar alignment are bestowed with blessings.
I walked towards Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, tracing the footsteps of many devotees’ centuries ago, along the 160 meter walkway, bounded by lotus posts. This ancient pathway leads to an imposing set of stairways in five terraces to the temple. The inner sanctuary has pediments and lintels on top of the entrance gates. Inside the sanctuary are magnificent carvings of Hindu Gods, Shiva, and Vishnu (stolen in the 1960s, recovered and is on display at the Art Institute of Chicago) including a carving narration of the Hindu epic Ramayana. A rich heritage transported from India to both Cambodia and Thailand.
The main tower in the inner sanctuary is built from pink sandstone. It represents Mount Meru, Lord Shiva’s residence. Enshrined within is the linga, symbolizing Shiva’s phallus.
Standing inside this imperial temple, at a height of 1,319 feet above sea level, I felt mesmerized by my surroundings. I could sense the fervent planning for this once grandiose temple, envisioning the sounds of the orchestrated chiseling of instruments into the sandstones, lending birth to delicately carved lintels on the doorways and ornate murals decorating the walls and pillars. Entering the inner sanctum, I imagined the lyrical Vedic chants sung by the priests in deference to Lord Shiva, the God of destruction.
It was here, where I felt closer to God than anywhere else in the world.
Currently, Debika is the Founder and President of A Classic Tours Collection, an immersive tour operator that takes tour participants across continents on unique tour experiences.
Website: www.aclassictour.com
After entering the travel industry as a receptionist, Debika discovered a fascination for designing trips. As she began to understand the mechanisms of what makes a trip great, Debika embarked on designing trips that today focus on - and fulfill - a spiritual and emotional need for travelers. It was her passion for unique tours that culminated in the launch of A Classic Tours in 2008, based in Redondo Beach, CA. Over the past decade, Debika has grown her tour offerings, team and business, and has offered over 30 experiences across 20 countries.
Notably, Debika created the Women’s Empowerment Tour after being selected for - and participating in – The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. During this time, Debika developed the unique Women’s Empowerment Tour of India, which led to additional tours of historical importance, from Women Empowerment tours to Tahiti, Croatia and Japan, to her one-of-a-kind journey into Imperial Russia and The Occult.
In her downtime, Debika is an avid reader and writer, putting together articles about travel and insights gained through travel, and devouring a multitude of books on travel and history. She also enjoys seeing movies and of course, traveling!