Located
in Ayutthaya province, just a short drive from Bangkok, Rang Jorakae
(‘Crocodile Canal’) is not as scary as it may sound, boasting a
delightful atmosphere that’s just the perfect setting for a cruise. While
the area was once home to a large number of crocodiles, their numbers
have diminished significantly over recent years. Nevertheless, the
community retains the crocodile connection since it shares the same
name.
My
local guide, who opens her home to the public in the form of a
homestay (read more) program, says crocodiles once hatched their eggs
in a crook in the canal, according to local legend. Once I could see
that the canal was completely free of reptiles these days, I felt
more comfortable about splashing my hand through the water aboard the
longtail boat, our means of transport for the trip. Birdland
by boat
The
canal is still a hive of natural activity, attracting a wide variety
of birds. Along the canal’s banks are some interesting landmarks,
such as the Christian Church of Mother Mary.
There
is a local legend referring to an image of the Virgin Mary, the
mother of Jesus Christ, according to Christian beliefs. The legend
goes back to a time when the area was hit by a severe epidemic. The
bells of a Christian church would typically be rung when somebody
died, and the bells began ringing day and night during this period of
time as the epidemic reached a peak. The whole community pleaded with
the image of the Virgin Mary to try and bring a halt to the
suffering, and by the next morning, like a miracle, the epidemic was
over.
Local
people have historically demonstrated their thanks to the image of
the Virgin Mary and pay their respects to her memory by arranging a
procession along the canal. This was once held during the month of
May, although it has slowly faded away over time. Nevertheless, the
church still stands by the canal within a community that even boasts
its own buffalo shack, which carries out business following
traditional ways.
The
Buddhist temple of Wat Jorakae, where a tympanum (a semicircular area
enclosed by the arch above the lintel of an arched entrance) shows a
depiction of a deva (a Sanskrit word meaning a 'God' or 'deity')
slaying a crocodile, maintaining the connection with our reptilian
friends.
Established
in 1747, it’s possible to arrange with your hosts a stop here to
experience briefly day-to-day life for individuals, the community and
from a religious and spiritual perspective.
Natural
snacks, ingredients
The
boat can also stop to source local edible plants that can be gathered
for use in the kitchen on your return to dry land.
You
may spot some rattlebox (Sesbania Acukeata [Latin]) flowers, the
petals of which can used in Thailand in a tasty stir-fried dish. It
would certainly be a highly appropriate choice of dish to try since
this flower is used as the province’s floral symbol.
You
may also spot some water primrose, which is also used in an special
Ayutthaya-style salad dish. Other interesting ingredients that can be
sourced here for use in other dishes include lotus stems, Spanish
plum (Elaeocarpus hygrophilus kurz), and water mimosa.
Before
you think about heading off to Ayutthaya province, we suggest you
first ring ahead in case you require any special arrangements during
your stay on Tel: +66 (0)81 251 8058. Transport
connections:
Car:
The
quickest way to reach Ayutthaya province by car is to take Highway 1
north out of Bangkok and then switch onto Highway 32, which will take
you right into the municipality.
Bus:
Buses regularly depart Bangkok for Ayutthaya from Bangkok's Northern
Bus Terminal at Morchit.
Train:
Trains leave Bangkok's central station at Hualamphong Station daily
on a regular basis. Although the journey is slower than by bus, you
probably see more during the journey by train. For further
information on departures and fares, call the State Railway of
Thailand (SRT) hotline on Tel: +66 (0)2 220 4444 (includes
English-language support staff)
