Chapter 1: At First Sight
From Chiang Saen district, Chiang Rai province, we rent a car and drove along a road next to the Mekong River. In that late afternoon, it was clam and cool. Surrounding mountains were covered by mist. Sky over corn fields was clear. Farmers were busy with their work in the fields. On the way, only few pick-ups and 6-wheel- trucks carrying agricultural products passed us in the opposite direction.
There were small houses on both sides. Young children enjoyed themselves
playing next to the road. Their faces were so innocent. Not far from them, their
grandmas and grandpas weaved basketwork in hand and kept their eyes on those
children at the same time.
Thin kitchen smoke ran from houses. It presented atmosphere of home sweet
home. People staying at home prepared dinner for other members who were
working at the fields. Cocks and hens led their chicks to find food near the road. Puppies and
kittens found their warm places to sleep on. Some were not afraid to sleep on the road. Then,
we concentrated to keep a keen eye while driving.
The temperature gradually dropped as the sun slowly started to descend from the sky. Our
car choked, flicked and stopped running. We were about 20 kilometers from Chiang
Khong district. The driver, who was the car owner, checked his car. The driver
apologized. We told him that it was all right. Since we could not go faster, it would be a
good idea to take a look at some fields and gardens.
We got out of the car and found that both sides were corn fields. On one side next to the
Mekong River, we saw a distinguished but old hut. It was surrounded by lemon trees and
many fruit trees.
Its balcony was made from coarse wooden board. It was open to wonderful scenery of the
Mekong River’s bank. The Landscape of Laos, directly opposite from us, seemed so near
as if we could grasp it. The Mekong River flew between us and our neighbor country.
The sun was slowly setting. Its soft beams of light reflected on the surface of the river to
render a sight of nature’s flowing bank of gold. We heard the water ran and birds sung.
Corn fields lined with both river banks. With eyes wide opened, the scenery is just too
tempting that we’d hope for an extra sight to observe its vast beauty.
Here, on this land and the little hut, was the beginning of Rai Saeng Arun.
Chapter 2: To Make a Dream Come True
Rai Saeng Arun consists of land on the Mekong River’s bank and connects areas
over hills. The weather here is usually cool throughout the year. In winter,
temperature remains cool throughout the day and occasionally gets hot during
summer because it is located on higher grounds.
Setting foot upon the hills, we intended to feast our eyes to a panoramic landscape
and the vast Mekong River. Wiping the sweat off our faces, the gentle breeze
sedately runs through us with a breath of mountainous air. The weariness from
our walk slowly subsided and we began to observe the environment. Thick mists
passing through and fro covered mountains and hung about the plateau. Ah, the
scent of the mountain trailed us to a moment of tranquility. An escape from the
delusion of grandeur of the city’s scenes, and reminded us of lives among nature.
We saw the Mekong River runs beyond our sight, its shape deviating from left to
right. Bamboo forests and bushes of rice in the fields sway with the wind. When
the dawning sun shed down upon these plantations, it brings live to this
community.
This beauty will be most valuable when it is shared and appreciated with. We felt
welcoming guests and sharing with them this valuable experience is a task we
endeavor. A fresh meal from newly harvested vegetables and delighting sceneries
are our generous gifts to every visitor. Thus, that is the reason of the establishment of Rai
Saeng Arun (Plantation of the Dawing Sun)
Rai Saeng Arun began its agriculture since it has long rooted this land. The seasonal produces
are cooked for our guests and some are harvested to be sold at the market. We would like to
walk you through this and experience the freshness. Thai rice is cooked from the seasonal
harvests, Lychee garden bear fruits that can be eaten fresh or processed as juices, fresh limes
are collected from the fields for the chef, vegetables garden are grown for ingredients and
serving, the tea trees and corn fields are grown for agriculture. |
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Chapter 3: Weaving the dream
At seven o’clock in the morning, construction workers and craftsmen start hiking up the like
little ants lined up to build their nests. The first bungalows were constructed on the mountain
along with the public toilet and bathrooms, and the tent camping site. Every staff and
engineers were informed not to cut trees, dig holes, or pave any walkways without the
consent from a resolution of a meeting. We strived our best efforts to preserve nature and
nourish the area to a sustainable site, along with planting trees in uncultivated areas.
Sidewalk, cement stairs to the mountain and building walls made of laterite are the work of
our plasterers who were taught by Mr. Somluck Pantiboon. We were much appreciated by
Mr. Somluck’s kindness, a famous artist and the owner of Doi Din Daeng Pottery in Chiang
Rai. He disclosed all techniques to do laterite work. In order to get desired red result, the
major raw material must be laterite found in Chiang Rai only.
The roofs are thatched with vetiver. The material is carefully selected, bound, and laid along
the roof structure. The roof work was done by skilled local craftsmen to ensure that it will be
strong against rain and thunderstorms.
Stream of natural water can be discovered at the top of the hills. They flow directly from the
mountain past the plantation fields, into Mekong River. The engineer had an idea to preserve
this valuable resource for use during drought, so a reservoir was constructed and thus a small
lake with lotus plants can be seen and admired.
Soon after, other buildings and facilities were constructed. The Bung Bua and Rim Khong
bungalows, the restaurant, conference room that sits on top of the Khong river, the pier, and a
little barn to store our harvests.
We started our plantations with the help and support from the local villagers and community
seniors. The first crops we grew were jasmine rice, seasonal corn, and vegetables. Aside the
produce from the harvest, we got something which is much more valuable. We experienced
transplant rice seedlings and making fertilizers first handed, and most of it all, we
experienced the hospitality and friendliness from our local villagers.
Chapter 4: A Pathway of Rai Saeng Arun
The cool breeze during May, 2006 marked the opening of Rai Saeng Arun.
Initially, our only accommodations were the eight bungalows on the hills, as other
bungalows and restaurants were being constructed.
Soon after, the first groups of customer lodge in. We will always be grateful for
their kind patronage and recommendations that have helped us improve Rai
Saeng Arun to what it is today. As time progressed, more visitors came and other
facilities were completed for accommodating them.
To perfect and preserve the natural beauty, tranquility, and utmost courtesy are our agenda
that Rai Saeng Arun wishes to follow
After that more customers visited Rai Saeng Arun. Being recommended by old customers and
learning from other hotels, we have developed our services to serve more customers. We
intend to provide better services and be ready to change or improve.
Natural beauty of our farm, peace of our accommodations, and customer orientation are
our service principal that will be maintained forever.
This is Rai Saeng Arun’s mission... |
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