Introduction.......There are times when I must remind myself why I spend so much effort and time in keeping my travel blog. I never did in the past which is something I regret given the amazing opportunities I've had to travel around the world. It's a record I can look back to sometimes but also a story of my travels which others might find interesting in the future. These others could be family or friends but equally I've endeavoured to include some quality content within the blog which relates to the multitude of sites I have visited in Thailand.
It's interesting to note that the word blog is derived from a log or record for example a ship's log was essential to maintain during sea voyages. Personal logs or diaries were also kept by individual people who wished to record daily events especially during times of emotion. These emotions can include the real joys of life, but they can also record times of deep sorrow. Against this background I have not attempted to segregate these emotions while keeping my blog.
I mentioned that while I am undertaking another extended stay in Thailand the first priority was not to immediately engage in travel but to complete a project involving building work at the residence. Accordingly, there has only been three days providing any opportunity to put pen to paper.
As I approach the end of week three in Thailand, I've also noted that I have suffered some health issues which are mostly associated with hypertension. For most of this period I have had to obtain medical assistance and obtain the necessary medication to keep the situation in check. It's interesting to note that while there are many factors that can create hypertension, one might be simply that I've been so inactive over the last few weeks. But now as this building project has come to an end, the door is now flung open and precisely three weeks after I arrived in Thailand it's time to dust down the cobwebs and get traveling again.
Day 1, Wednesday 15th March - Hua Hin
Uncertainty.......We depart with as much uncertainty as ever there's been. Issues over health and finance dominate which is preventing me from making ambitious plans. We have an initial aiming point but it's not in an area where we can break new ground. If ever there was a time to improvise it's now.
Departure.......As ever in our direction of travel there is an awkward route through Bangkok Metropolis itself. Fortunately, the toll roads are quite clear, and we are able to make good progress crossing the Chao Phraya River via the Rama 9 bridge. As I noted at the end of last year, there is amazing construction work going on to complete a parallel bridge such is the demand for traffic in this area. Once we make our way onto the western side of the river the route links in with the Rama II highway also known as Route 35. From this point on, there is an elevated highway being constructed with engineering work I note as far as out 40 kilometres from the city. Hwy 35 has been notably busy over the years, so some relief work is overdue. Today our route will take us through Samut Sakhon Province, Samut Songkhram Province, Phetchaburi Province and finally on to Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. As we make our way westwards our attention turns to lunch. A suitable location soon presents itself. I've noted before an interesting scenic route on the provincial border of Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi provinces near the Bang Tabun River.
Scenic Route.......The A4102 Scenic Route contains an interesting and diverse habitat with lakes, klongs and mangrove forest, with picturesque villages and an abundant selection of restaurants offering seafood. It's at one of these beside a small klong that we take lunch, an amazing prawn curry and crab fried rice. As we continue through Ban Laem, we could continue along the coastal road yielding further scenic wonders, but we have a time restricted appointment and make our way to the main Petchkasem Highway passing through Phetchaburi and on to Cha-Am.
Banking on It.......Cha-Am was a place where many years ago I had a holiday home and where I did my banking. I still have an account with Bangkok Bank opened at the branch in Cha-Am. However, my bank card expired years ago meaning I cannot draw cash at any other branch until I get a replacement card. Fortunately, the process of obtaining a new card at the Cha-Am branch is straightforward albeit at a cost of 400 baht. This update also allows me to make transfers from the UK which may prove necessary by at the end of my current stay in Thailand. With the conclusion of this business, we can now proceed to our pre booked accommodation in Hua Hin about 20 minutes away.
Within Limits.......Hop Inn in Hua Hin is part of a national chain and a favourite of my companion for its comfort and convenience. However, for me its comparatively expensive and not so convenient on account of its not having its own catering facilities. Nevertheless, it is conveniently located in the city with plenty of dining options and shops nearby. We don't have to walk far to find something for dinner. It's time to retire and consider options going forward.
Further Afield.......Hop Inn is fully booked the following night which means we have to look further field. In any case there's no obvious reason to stay in Hua Hin. We would like to head south within comfortable driving distance and soon find accommodation in an area not well covered on previous travels. At around 450 kilometres south of Hua Hin, it's on the limit of what I would call a reasonable day of travel. However, it's well within budget compared to accommodation in Hua Hin and in an area with plenty of natural attractions.
Next Page.
It's interesting to note that the word blog is derived from a log or record for example a ship's log was essential to maintain during sea voyages. Personal logs or diaries were also kept by individual people who wished to record daily events especially during times of emotion. These emotions can include the real joys of life, but they can also record times of deep sorrow. Against this background I have not attempted to segregate these emotions while keeping my blog.
I mentioned that while I am undertaking another extended stay in Thailand the first priority was not to immediately engage in travel but to complete a project involving building work at the residence. Accordingly, there has only been three days providing any opportunity to put pen to paper.
As I approach the end of week three in Thailand, I've also noted that I have suffered some health issues which are mostly associated with hypertension. For most of this period I have had to obtain medical assistance and obtain the necessary medication to keep the situation in check. It's interesting to note that while there are many factors that can create hypertension, one might be simply that I've been so inactive over the last few weeks. But now as this building project has come to an end, the door is now flung open and precisely three weeks after I arrived in Thailand it's time to dust down the cobwebs and get traveling again.
Day 1, Wednesday 15th March - Hua Hin
Uncertainty.......We depart with as much uncertainty as ever there's been. Issues over health and finance dominate which is preventing me from making ambitious plans. We have an initial aiming point but it's not in an area where we can break new ground. If ever there was a time to improvise it's now.
Departure.......As ever in our direction of travel there is an awkward route through Bangkok Metropolis itself. Fortunately, the toll roads are quite clear, and we are able to make good progress crossing the Chao Phraya River via the Rama 9 bridge. As I noted at the end of last year, there is amazing construction work going on to complete a parallel bridge such is the demand for traffic in this area. Once we make our way onto the western side of the river the route links in with the Rama II highway also known as Route 35. From this point on, there is an elevated highway being constructed with engineering work I note as far as out 40 kilometres from the city. Hwy 35 has been notably busy over the years, so some relief work is overdue. Today our route will take us through Samut Sakhon Province, Samut Songkhram Province, Phetchaburi Province and finally on to Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. As we make our way westwards our attention turns to lunch. A suitable location soon presents itself. I've noted before an interesting scenic route on the provincial border of Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi provinces near the Bang Tabun River.
Scenic Route.......The A4102 Scenic Route contains an interesting and diverse habitat with lakes, klongs and mangrove forest, with picturesque villages and an abundant selection of restaurants offering seafood. It's at one of these beside a small klong that we take lunch, an amazing prawn curry and crab fried rice. As we continue through Ban Laem, we could continue along the coastal road yielding further scenic wonders, but we have a time restricted appointment and make our way to the main Petchkasem Highway passing through Phetchaburi and on to Cha-Am.
Banking on It.......Cha-Am was a place where many years ago I had a holiday home and where I did my banking. I still have an account with Bangkok Bank opened at the branch in Cha-Am. However, my bank card expired years ago meaning I cannot draw cash at any other branch until I get a replacement card. Fortunately, the process of obtaining a new card at the Cha-Am branch is straightforward albeit at a cost of 400 baht. This update also allows me to make transfers from the UK which may prove necessary by at the end of my current stay in Thailand. With the conclusion of this business, we can now proceed to our pre booked accommodation in Hua Hin about 20 minutes away.
Within Limits.......Hop Inn in Hua Hin is part of a national chain and a favourite of my companion for its comfort and convenience. However, for me its comparatively expensive and not so convenient on account of its not having its own catering facilities. Nevertheless, it is conveniently located in the city with plenty of dining options and shops nearby. We don't have to walk far to find something for dinner. It's time to retire and consider options going forward.
Further Afield.......Hop Inn is fully booked the following night which means we have to look further field. In any case there's no obvious reason to stay in Hua Hin. We would like to head south within comfortable driving distance and soon find accommodation in an area not well covered on previous travels. At around 450 kilometres south of Hua Hin, it's on the limit of what I would call a reasonable day of travel. However, it's well within budget compared to accommodation in Hua Hin and in an area with plenty of natural attractions.
Next Page.
Bangkok Metropolis
Rama IX Bridge, Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expy, Bang Phong Phang, Yan Nawa
Rama II Road Construction, Hwy 35
Phetchaburi Province
Lunch at Bang Tabun
Prachuap Khiri Province
Hua Hin Beach after Dark, Hua Hin