After only a 45 minute bus ride which was refreshingly short, I was here in That Phanom. Quite simply the smallest town I've ever been in, consisting only of an area 3 blocks wide and maybe 12 blocks all. Finding a place to stay was easy, there was only one available option. By far the most dreary room I've been in since I've been spoiled by accomadation options. But for $3, what do you expect? 

     The people here are among the friendliest I've come across, I wasn't walking the river more than 5 minutes before someone who a little english approached and we got to talking. I ended up eating breakfast at his small food stand, chatting away before continuing down river checking out some more views of laos. I have this urge to just swim across it.... Probably a very bad idea.

     Before long I was head to what is the only attraction in That Phanom, a temple by the same name, Wat Phra That Phanom. Easily the most impressive I've seen with gold overlay on a huge white gleaming chedi. There were quite a few buddha images inside worth a look, but the sheer awe factor of the chedi is the real attraction here.

     After the temple on my way back to my first homestay, I walked relatively the entire town and just upon hitting the edge I noticed something gold out of the corner of my eye. Just down a dead end dirt road, a new temple was being built with what was probably a buddha bigger than any other I've seen. Very out of place in such a tiny place to devote so much money to these over the top temples....

     Later in the afternoon while walking aroung hopelessly trying to find the towns only source of the internet, I stumbled upon a sign outside that read in english "Barber". I went over and peeked inside and sure enough there was a man cutting away of someone's head. This was perfect. My hair was getting way too long and this is the last place expected to be able to get it done. So when the previous customer finished I sat down and there was no verbal communication that we could make, so I simply pointed to his Sweeney Todd style barber's razor and made a motion over my head. He smiled acknoledgeing he understood I wanted it all gone, and we were away. In the chair I took in the surroundings of the place, a normal barbershop, you know dozens of pictures of naked Thai women all over the walls.. lol It was an interesting place indeed. But it got the job done for 50 baht. I'm bald again!

      After dark I my usually trip the night market like I usually do in each town, and although it was rather small, much like the town, there nontheless were some more interesting things to try food wise. Didn't really stay long and was back at the guesthouse in no time. Not to long after getting back I was approached by a Thai man named Money who invited me to watch a football (soccer) game on there very old probably 9 inch TV. I accepted even though I had no real interest in it, in proved a good way to socialize for the night until heading off to bed a few hours later. It's funny when thai names are translated into english you realize most are named after objects. I met two children each named bank last week... Go figure.

      Going to Nahkon Phanom in the morning for a few days whether its tiny or not. Too much moving around lately.....