Purring In Perfect Pua

[DavidFL]

The last week or so I've had the pleasure of riding R1148 6 times, back and forwards to Pua, north of Nan.
There were 3 trips in total

The "Magic Mountain - Phu Langka view on R1148

• One to Chiang Klang to hook up with Big Bike Tours coming back from their Tibet Ride, where I stayed in Pua for the night, but had dinner with the group in Chiang Klang at the SangThong resort. Location: Google Maps
• Two, a few days later, after I had spotted a sign for Pua's big annual festival for the Rhinoceros Beetle
• Three, back again two days later for the GTR dinner.
• Pua has become one of my favourite little towns in North Thailand & there are a few reasons for this
• The easy going charm of the town. Pua is a Tai Lue town & has some stunning women.
• The fresh air of Pua city, sitting on a small hill @ an altitude of 275 metres above sea level, it may not be much, but it is enough, such that there is always a nice breeze blowing through town
• There are no traffic jams in Pua with the 4-lane dual carriageway passing through town
• Pua has some fine wats and magic views of the surrounding mountains, Doi Phukha, plus the Pua rice fields in the lowlands below.

Pua makes a great base for exploring the area with some fabulous mountain roads nearby
R1256 to Doi Phuka, Google Maps
R101 to Hua Kon & Phu Phayakk, Google Maps
R4017 to Maneepruek, Google Maps
R1097 the Tha Wang Pha - Song Khwae road, Google Maps
R4022, the Doi Tiu Road. Google Maps
​

All these roads have featured on GTR here
Return to Nan & back to the future?

Whilst many guys like to stay in Nan for the infrastructure - nightlife, restaurants & pubs - Pua has it all for me in an easy going chill-out atmosphere.

Pua Accommodation

Pua Restaurants

Pua Attractions..

There are some nice wats around town with nice views

Wat Rong Ngae is one of the most important temples in Pua, built in 1767 by 4 warriors who had settled in Pua with their subjects, after losing a battle in Sipsongpanna.

The Rong Ngae story goes like this:

Wat Rong Ngae is an ancient temple which is believed to have been constructed circa 1767 AD. by initiation of Chao Luang Thepphayarin Chao Chang Phueak Nga Khiao who was the former ruler of Rin Town. The town of Rin was in the territory of Sip Song Panna, ruled by Phya Saen Mueang Kaeo. When Rin was attacked by enemy, Phya Saen Mueang Kaeo could not defend the town therefore, Chao Luang Thepphayarin Chao Chang Phueak Nga Khiao came to his aid with 4 army leaders namely, Thao Kaeo Pan Mueang, Thao Wanna, Thao Lek Fai, and Thao Toe. However, the enemy was too powerful, thus they fled to an area near a stream called “Long Ngae Stream” (whose name derived from the “Ngae” plant that grew near the stream). The group settled at the place, which was a fertile land, and founded a village whose name followed the name of the stream, later the sound was distorted until the village name has become “Ban Rong Ngae”. The temple, also named after the village and was officially granted Royal Wisungcamsima on January 10th, 1927.​

more to come..

 

[DavidFL]

Pua Attractions...

Down town in Pua city central is wat Wat Phra That Beng Sakat

Wat Phra That Beng Sakat may have been founded as early as 1283, but the current viharn is of more recent vintage. Its chief attraction is the brilliantly decorated arch above the main doorway, at the center of which is an image of the god rahu. In Hindu mythology, Rahu is the god responsible for causing solar eclipses. Here, Rahu can be seen holding the sun in his hands and is in the process of pushing the orb into his wide mouth.

Wat Phra That Beng Sakat also has beautiful views over the Pua Valley.

Location: Google Maps

 

[DavidFL]

Two coffee shops in town that hit the right spot.

The Hang Out Coffee

A small smart aircon joint, strategically located at the main intersection in town & 2 doors from the 7-11 & a pharmacy
I go here for a cheap Kai Kataa breakfast & coffee

Location: Google Maps

My other super favorite coffee shop belongs to the Chomphu Phukha I believe.

The Nga Chang Coffee

The 30 baht cappuccinos here are tops

Nga Chang Coffee is situated next door to the fantastic Nga Chang Silver Shop

Location: Google Maps

 

[ianyonok]

Some nice looking temples, there. Pua is a nice size place and as you say doesn't get too busy like the provincial capitals.

 

[DavidFL]

The highlight of the multiple rides to Pua then was the annual Pua Rhinoceros beetle festival.

Pua being a sweet rural town has been famous for its fighting beetles for decades & has had annual Rhinoceros Beetle festival.

I once went to one a couple of decades ago, & should try to dig out some old photos, for the event sure has changed into a beauty, in what must be Pua's biggest event of the year.

The parade was long & the night time fair was massive.

Pua has 10 districts with an interesting mix of peoples: Thai, Tai Lue, Hmong, Khamu & Iu Mien; & they are participants in the the parade.

I was on time for the start of the parade & it took 2 hours for them to finally get organised the the parade finished.

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I pitied the folks in the parade, having to hang around for 2 hours, and then walk a couple of kilometres up the street to the fairground, for the official opening, & stand around a but more no doubt.

However the presence of the local ladyboy contingent in the parade certainly made the time pass enjoyably.

The Khamu peoples interested me as you don't always get to see them in full costume.

Some of the kids were particularly shy & uncomfortable seeing a farang with a camera.

 

[DavidFL]

The 2023 Pua Fighting Beetle Festival is on from 29 September - 8 October 2023 at the Pua District Bus Station.
The main parade will be on Saturday, 30 September 2023