What a difference it is from Bangkok to Hua Hin. The air is clear, we can see the sky, and it’s so quiet. We’re here during the off season, at the very end of the rainy season. The condo we’re staying in has around 300 units, but we’ve only seen about eight people. It is SO QUIET.
There’s a pool that winds through the property and ends at the unit just past ours. We’ve gone for a swim most nights and have only seen a few lights on. It’s almost creepy. The staff is busy cleaning the pools, sweeping the grounds, and tending to the gardens. It feels like they’re getting ready for the high season.
The beach is a short walk from our unit through the grounds. It’s beautiful. In the evenings you can see the blue glow from the squid fishing boats scattered across the Gulf of Thailand.
On Tuesday we ventured out with a tour guide for a six
hour tour of Hua Hin. Our first stop was at the oldest train station in Thailand. A new station was built about a year ago to handle two train tracks, but the original 1923 building still stands. The condition of the 100-year-old structure is astounding.
From there we went up the mountain to Khao Hin Lek Fai viewpoint. A quick hike from the parking area led us to the most amazing views of Hua Hin and the Gulf of Thailand. We even spotted a few monkeys hanging around the parking lot and along the road leading up the hill. It was so cool to see a monkey perched on the fence of a donkey pen, just hanging out.
Next we visited a local art gallery showcasing work from artists in the area. Ainsley found a pair of earrings she loved and was able to buy them directly from the artist. Then we continued on to Wat Huay Mongkol, a Buddhist temple. The massive statue of Buddha there is truly impressive. Our guide shared a little about Buddhist traditions of worship and pointed out the gifts people leave in gratitude when their wishes are granted.
After that we visited Rajabhakti Park, a huge parade ground lined with statues of seven former kings of Thailand: King Ram Khamhaeng (1279–1298), King Naresuan (1590–1605), King Narai (1656–1688), King Taksin (1767–1782), King Rama I (1782–1809), King Mongkut (1851–1868), and King Chulalongkorn (1868–1910). The bronze statues average nearly 14 meters in height and are striking to see up close. We think a ceremony was being prepared because Thai Royal Army soldiers were setting up tents, laying turf, and sprucing up the area.
We ended the tour at Monkey Mountain, which offered another incredible view of the sea and the coastline. We encountered more monkeys there, including one that followed us around and even posed for a picture. We were careful not to make eye contact or linger too long, though. On the way back we stopped at a roadside stand to pick up floaties for the pool and made a quick stop at 7-Eleven for something cold to drink.
We’ve found that taking a guided tour is one of our favorite things to do when we arrive in a new place. It helps us get a feel for the area and sparks ideas for where we want to explore on our own.
On Wednesday we dropped off our laundry to be picked up the next day, washed, dried, and folded. That night Jered, Ethan, and I went to the Hua Hin night market for dinner. We wandered until we found what we were craving. I chose Korean pork ribs, while J and E went for BBQ chicken with sticky rice. We wandered some more and found dessert. E discovered a dalgona cookie he was excited to try chipping away at, but it broke pretty quickly.
Thursday morning we had breakfast at the resort next door, enjoying the view over the Gulf. The rest of the day was mostly spent in the condo doing homework. Friday was similar, but that night we went to the Cicada Night Market, one of the weekend markets. It was touristy and a bit pricey, but after dinner I found a cute pair of sandals and the kids each got an airbrush tattoo. They watched a juggling show while J and I enjoyed a foot massage. Ethan was thrilled to be chosen to go on stage and help with the act.
Saturday was another quiet day at the condo until low tide, when we all went to the beach for some sun. The kids played in the waves for hours, searching for sea glass and shells. I think Ethan might be part fish because he’s always happiest after getting into the salt water.
We’ve decided we’re a little over this apartment. It’s small, and we’re all on top of each other all the time, but we’re not done with Hua Hin. We found a new Airbnb and will be moving inland, closer to downtown, on Tuesday. We’re excited to experience more of what Hua Hin has to offer.
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