The legend of Nong Harn Lake in Udon Thani
In the district of Kumphawapi in the province of Udon Thani is Nong Harn Lake, a shallow (approx. 1 meter) expanse of water of 1,7 km², surrounded by more than 4 km² of wetlands and rice fields.
It is an important source of water for the Nam Pao River. From October to March, the huge freshwater lake takes on a life of its own and is then transformed into a sea of red water lilies. It is then a breathtaking sight and a beautiful recreational area for the people in the area. From the town of Ban Diem you can take a boat trip on the lake.
The legend
Non Harn Lake is also the scene of an old Thai folktale about Phadaeng and Nang Ai, which makes a visit to this lake even more attractive. Sitting in a boat like that on the lake and dreaming away to times gone by, I love stories like this.
Phadeang & Nang Ai
Because of their karma, Nang Ai and Pangkhii seemed destined for each other forever. In several lives they grew up together, they were even married a few times. In this life, Nang Ai was the beautiful daughter of King Kom, who ruled the land of Chathida. Panhkhii was now the son of Phaya Nak, the Grand Naga, who ruled over the underwater world (The Deeps).
Princess Nang Ai had many admirers who wanted to marry her, including her favorite Prince Phadaeng from another country. What she definitely did not want this time was to marry Prince Pangkhii. With so many suitors who wanted to marry his daughter, the king decided to organize a rocket party, where a royal wedding awaited the winner, whose rocket would reach the highest. Prince Pangkhii was not allowed to participate and sabotaged the missiles, causing only a few to go airborne. The winner was an uncle of the princess and the party was forced to be cancelled.
White squirrel
Naga Prince Pankhii had turned into a white squirrel in order to spy on the princess. But she saw him and had him killed by a royal hunter. Pangkhii's meat was then transformed into 8000 cartloads of meat. Nang Ai and her compatriots ate this meat poisoned by Phaya Nak and none of them would live long. Phaya Nak had sworn that anyone who ate his son's flesh would die. The Grand Naga and his Myrmidoren then surfaced and turned the whole country into a great swamp, of which this Nong Horn lake is still a remnant.
Prince Phadaeng
Princess Nang Ai managed to flee with her beloved foreign prince Phadaeng on his white stallion, but both were soon swept off the horse by the tail of a naga. They were never heard from again after that.
If you go
I wouldn't be specific travel to Udon Thani for that, but if you're in the area anyway it's a nice one type for a day trip.
An absolute must. It is somewhat reminiscent of the bulb fields. A private boat trip takes about 2 hours, including a visit to an island with a Bhudda, of course. There is also a rickety watchtower, which gives a nice picture of the area. Funny thing is that all people climb this shaky looking structure, where the Bhudda statue stands on a more than solid high elevated concrete podium, with of course an equally solid staircase to the top.
Very beautiful, highly recommended indeed. And also very nice to have something to eat after sailing at the jetty and to talk to the people who drive the boats and manage the stalls (all family businesses in which everyone contributes).
Indeed worth a visit, but come on time, so before one o'clock in the afternoon,
My tierak had enough time in the morning… After 2 hours of driving we arrived at one o'clock in the afternoon and the flowers had already closed..
So now in October we're going to take a look again and this time a few hours earlier.
Hello Raf, the water lilies are not yet in bloom in October.
The best time is from the end of November to the end of March.
We live 2,5 km from the lake and during this period we regularly have guests with whom we plan a boat trip.
Until next visit.
Been there last fall for a 3 hour early morning boat trip. Absolutely beautiful sea of flowers. And as a bird lover I also got my money's worth there. Recommended.
Next week we leave for PaktongChai, Korat, Buriram. Then we would love to see the flowers open from a small boat in the morning.
Does anyone know a nice address in the area to spend the night, preferably with transport to the Lotus Lake.
More tips for the area Korat, Nongkai and Udon Thani are also welcome.
We are a retired couple and mainly travel by public transport, not a moped.