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
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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