Thailand - Part II : Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

Khao Sam Roi Yot means Mountain with 300 peaks, which describes the landscape of the park pretty well. A series of grey limestone mountains lies at the shore of the Gulf of Thailand and is about an hour's drive south of Hua Hin. Between the park are freshwater marshes but some have been converted into shrimp farms.

We stumbled upon the park while searching for places to explore. We were mesmerized by the pictures posted by travelers who have been there and wanted to see the place for ourselves. It would be an adventure which we had never experienced after having visited Thailand a couple of times before.

Our day started as early as 4.30 a.m. to catch the sunrise at Khao Daeng viewpoint. It was a short ride from the park headquarters to the base of the trail. As it was very dark when we arrived and there wasn't a properly marked trail, we were advised to wait till there was enough light before going up. But what about the sunrise? Unfortunately, we've got to skip that for safety reasons. There wasn't a guide assigned to bring us up either, so our driver had been so kind to escort us all the way to the top.

It was a steep hike of 320 meters. It took us about 45 minutes to reach. I was already out of breath less than half of the way and experiencing waves of dizziness. I have never been an outdoor person and going for such a hike without prior practice proved to be a lesson to be learned. I was stopping every few steps to catch my breath while the rest were way far ahead.

I eventually reached the top to the most spectacular view. The sea and shrimp farms were on one side and the mountains with its hundred peaks on the other - dubbed the 'Guilin of Thailand" by the locals. The exhausting hike was all but forgotten.

 

From there on, we proceeded to Laem Sala beach to catch a boat for the next hike - the Phraya Nakhon Cave. There is another way to the cave through the Tian Mountains, but after considering two hikes in a day, it would be best not to have a third one. The hike is another steep one of 430 meters, which roughly took us an hour. This trail is a properly marked one and there was actually no need for a guide, although we were persuaded into having one.

 

The main feature of the cave is this royal pavilion built to honor a king. At any other time, it would have been any ordinary pavilion. But at the specific timing of 10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m, the pavilion transforms into a magical sight when the sunlight illuminated the entire pavilion from a sinkhole in the cave directly above the pavilion. We were very fortunate to have made it in time for the transformation, although I was panting even harder climbing up here than the first one.

After doing two hikes in the span of a few hours, logically we should have headed back to the hotel for some rest. But the friend had one more location to visit and have been very insistent on getting there. Our poor reluctant driver had no choice but to drive us another 30 minutes to the Thung Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marsh. Boy, was I glad that she persisted!

The view was absolutely stunning! With the mountain peaks to the back and the marsh in front, the walk on the wooden platforms gave a whole new different perspective. What have I been missing out all this while? I couldn't keep my eyes off the landscape. It was so much better than the pictures.

We were so reluctant to leave the marsh. If not for being extremely tired from our morning adventures, we would definitely have lingered for a little bit longer. Just how often do you come across such splendid views?

Next up - Thailand - Part III : Khao Yai

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Thailand - Part I : Hua Hin

5 days, 4 districts. On the path less traveled by....

From coastal towns to mountain peaks to caves to valleys to ruined cities, we've decided to skip all the commercialized areas and explore the lesser known side of Thailand. It was without doubt a tiring journey, but it was as well a worthwhile experience with many amazing sights to behold.

A little nuts, I know, for not many would have traveled the way we did. Even our assigned driver was baffled looking at our itinerary - from the south to the northeast to the west and back to the main point. I can understand when he got all agitated accommodating to our every requests.


The journey started with a 2.5 hours drive to the south of Bangkok, to the town of Hua Hin.

We made a brief stop at Risky Market on the way. What's interesting is that the market is situated on an active railway track. At specific intervals, when the train approaches, the market scrambles to get out of the train's way. Stalls were back in place in no time once the train have passed through. Very efficient indeed.

With only a handful of attractions in Hua Hin, it seems compelling to visit the infamous Santorini Park - built to resemble Santorini of Greece with its blue and white walls. Although nicely done in terms of colours and structures, it still lacks originality and standard. The murals were kind of childish and I would think it's only appealing to selfie-crazed Asians. The shops were limited and products were not attractive. The theme park was not exciting either. One visit was sufficient. And if you are up to it, take as many pictures as you want - in every corner and in every angle.

 

Next on the itinerary is another lame attraction - Swiss Sheep Farm. We were not too keen in visiting initially, but with time to spare, we decided to drop by. The place, again, does not live up to its name. The sheep looked sad and definitely didn't come from Switzerland. Other animals, being llama and possums were kept closed off in a barn. It was full of figurines and decorations that has no relation to sheep or farms - like transformers and heart shaped structures. Yet another area dedicated to selfie groups. The farm could have been managed better, given the large area it was built on. Our visit lasted 30 minutes.

We headed straight to the Hua Hin Railway Station right after. It's one of the oldest railway station in Thailand with the main feature being the Royal Waiting Room which was used to welcome the King and his courts when they are in town. It's a relatively small station with tracks running all the way to Bangkok and other parts of Thailand.

 
The evenings were spent at the night markets around town. One being the Hua Hin Night Market, which is very similar to our "pasar malam". You will find all kinds of local souvenirs, food, clothing on sale. Be sure to bargain your way through as prices were marked pretty high up.

I personally favour the Cicada Night Market, an art market with contemporary art in various fields - handmade decorative items, fashion clothes and accessories, second hand items etc. While you open your eyes to the lovely items on sale, be sure to open your ears as well to the local music. There is an open amphitheater with a live band playing all night. It was truly relaxing being seated at a garden, with a drink in hand and listening to pleasant serenades. I now regretted of not having picked up a few items that interests me, for I wouldn't think they would have been found any where else. Ish!

 

While in the district, we had put up at Fun-D Boutique Hotel, a cosy and lovely place situated next to a paddy field. Although the place is located about 30 minutes drive from Hua Hin town and a little secluded, it was definitely worth the stay. Imagine lying on a hammock with a view of the sun shining across the green paddy field and storks hovering around lazily. Surely beats the conventional high rise hotels in cities. Not to mention, we were upgraded from a superior room to a deluxe room with no extra charge!

 

We did leave out a couple of other attractions due to time constraints. We were more interested in where we were about to go next.....

Thailand - Part II : Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

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I dream...

I dream of a meadow, of yellow and pink daisies
I dream of mountains, of snow capped at its peaks
I dream of a valley, of a river gliding through it
I dream of a lake, of its calm and shimmering waters

I dream of a clear blue sky, of puffy clouds looming
I dream of the sun's rays streaming down onto the field
I dream of the soft breeze from a spring morning
I dream of birds swooping past, of their cheerful songs

I dream of a cottage, of bricks and wood
I dream of a hammock, rocking gently across the verandah
I dream of a steaming cup of coffee, of a rich aroma
I dream of a mongrel, laying lazily by the feet

I dream of rolling on grass,
I dream of catching a view from a cliff
I dream of paddling in a pristine lake
I dream of hiking through an evergreen

I dream of a carefree life
One that expands horizons

One away from civilization
One that could only remain in a dream...

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Leavers

It's always sad when someone leaves.

Just right into the new year and there have been a few leavers at the work place. There have been for various reasons - for relocations, for returning to home countries, even for being exited.

After having being colleagues for a couple of years now, it does feel kind of odd of not having them around anymore. There isn't the familiar faces to greet you when you get into the office in the morning. There won't be mails coming in from them. Their desks are all but empty spaces now.

What's left are the legacies and memories left behind. Although it was a relief to get rid of some, but there were others who have been great to work with. Superiors who have been understanding and fair, co-workers who have been supportive and fun. The office will not be the same.

Though not extremely close with them on a personal level, it was still with a heavy heart to see them leave. They will be missed. It has been a pleasure working with them.

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Nail Art II

And so, in a flash, I realized that I have been at this for over a year now. Without fail, I have been following a monthly routine to the nail parlour. I don't do these things back then. Here's why it all started - Nail Art


There have been mixed reactions to my latest craze. Yeah, changing nail colours and designs every month is not acceptable to some. And to others, it is an expensive fashion, that only those rich brats who have nothing else better to do in the world would go after. It is considered to be a show-off statement, that only the "atas" society has the means for it. So, I'm being labelled as "atas" now eh?


Nevertheless, the services at NailzBlink Professional had not wavered a single bit. I am still being bestowed very pleasant treatments from the moment I step in to the moment I leave. Just a short note here to extend a sincere thank you to Amy, my manicurist, who have been all the gentle with my nails in the past year. And not to mention, her splendid skills in nail designs that have caused mine to be the subject of envy of many (including those disapproving ones). Now what would I do without her? No. Now what would my nails do without her?

"Atas" or not, as long as I feel good having lovely nails, who cares?

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