Kaeng Luang

Kaeng Luang or the Luang rapids are a rocky section in the Yom River that runs on the east side of the Si Satchanalai Historical Park. During the Sukhothai and the Ayutthaya periods, the rocks served as a natural weir storing water for the local people during the dry seasons. However, over a century ago, some rocks were blasted away to facilitate log transportation from Phrae to Bangkok. [Source: Bangkok Post]

According to the chronicles, Phraya Ruang disappeared while taking a bath here. The local folklore however claims that when Phraya Ruang took a bath, he dived down to see his mother, a naga. Whenever morning glory vines are creeping along the Yom River to the south and climbing upwards to wrap around the massive chedi of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Maha That, he will be reborn. [Source: Information board in situ]

Ayutthaya Historical Research