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Bangkok Travelbug July 2017 Exploring the Mae La River Singburi July 06, 2017 |
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The Mae La River Singburi The Mae La River is formed from the merging of several waterways starting in the northern region of Singburi. The river flows south parallel to the Chao Phraya River before it joins the Noi River which flows through Singburi, Ang Thong before it re-joins the Chao Phraya in Ayutthaya. The Mae La in contrast to the Noi is relatively short, from the headwaters in the north to the point where it joins the Noi River, it’s about 15 km. 
Calm and peaceful It’s scenic river, clean, unspoiled and teeming with fish. During our drive along the bank, we didn’t encounter very many cars as we passed verdant rice fields. 
Rice fields along the banks of the Mae La There were hardly any boats in the river except for the lone fisherman casting his nets. 
Fisherman on the Mae La Contents The Snakehead fish of Mae La The clean waters of the Mae La are ideal breeding grounds for various types of fresh water fish. The most popular fish from this river is the pla chon or Snakehead fish (Channidae) , a tasty and nutritious fish. 
Snakehead fish These are fresh water fish native to East Asia, characterized by their long dorsal fins and these fish can grow to between 30 – 90 cm or 12 – 35 inches. Owing to the freshness, these fish are very popular and a number of fish restaurants have sprouted up on the banks of the Mae La. We visited the Ban Suan Mae La Ka Rong near Wat Laem Kang and the bridge spanning the Mae La. 
Can you find the restaurant? Ban Suan Mae La is very well hidden among the trees, we almost missed it if not for the sign board and the cars parked along the road. It’s a beautiful restaurant with the dining areas dispersed among the trees. The food was delicious, of course we ordered the barbecued Snakehead fish and a hot and spicy curry fish (kaang pa). 
Our lunch under the foliage Contents Breeding program for the Snakehead fish With the strong demand for the Snakehead, it can go extinct if no efforts are taken to increase the stocks. The same would apply to the other fish. This required a comprehensive program to restore and conserve the Mae La River. The river was dredged and cleaned up to improve the breeding grounds for the fish. To breed the Snakehead, a royal park Mae La Maha Rachanusorn Park was constructed to commemorate the 60th birthday of HM King Rama IX. 
Mae La Maha Rachanusorn Park Furthermore, from 16 May – 15 September every year, fishing in the Mae La is prohibited. This is the season crucial for reproduction when the female fish are laying their eggs in the water to be fertilised by the males. 
The annual "No Fishing" season In addition, special efforts are also taken to breed these fish in the park and then release them into the river periodically. This program has been going on for the last 20 or more years. The clean water in the Mae La and continued supply of the Snakehead fish is testimony to its success. The park provides accommodation to visitors as well. 
Accommodation in the park Along the way on the east bank of the Mae La, we came across some more huts for those who would like a taste of country life. The area is very peaceful and scenic and it’s an ideal weekend getaway. 
Huts for country living 
View from the east bank Contents Our thanks Our thanks to the residents of Tambon Mae La, Amphur Bang Rachan who were very friendly and helpful during our visit to the area. Contents Map to Mae La attractions, Singburi If the map doesn’t appear, click on this link How to get there By car Drive up north along highway 32 from Ayutthaya, turn left to route 3026 then left again into route 3030 till you get to the Mae La. There are roads running along both banks of the river so take your pick. If you intend to visit Mae La Maha Rachanusorn Park first, then take the road on the east bank. If you want to have lunch first, take the west bank, that’s where the restaurants are. Address Mae La Maha Rachanusorn Park Tambon Mae La Amphur Bang Rachan Singburi Tel no: 03-650-1416 Opening hours and admission fees Opening hours every day from 0800 – 1800 hours Admission is free Contents Next month Pa Mok Cultural Centre, Ang Thong If you enjoyed reading this e-zine, please forward it to a friend. If you received this from a friend and found it interesting, please subscribe at Bangkok Travelbug. What do you think of the Bangkok Travelbug? We love to hear from you What other subscribers have said Till next month then. Eric Lim Tour Bangkok Legacies Find us on Facebook Copyright@2008-2017 Tour Bangkok Legacies All rights reserved
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