Jungle Temple Festival, Northeast Thailand: YASOTHON

On this day we pierce the muddy, slippery jungle of northeast Thailand to find a beautiful place filled with happy people. A wandering monk was discovered by villagers who invited him to reside at the site of this remote Buddhist jungle temple. The villagers built a monastery for him which continues to this day and is known as Tam Bang O Monastery in the northeastern Thai province of Yasothon. Yasothon is off the tourist track and you would only go if you have relatives there or prefer peace and quiet. During the festival known as "Boon Kathin" which celebrates the end of rainy season when monks are no longer restricted to their temples and can travel, villagers show their appreciation by offering the Monks new robes known in Pali language as "Jiwon."