Day 7, Tuesday 21sth March - Ban Krut Beach

Buffet Style....... The breakfast we were promised yesterday turns out to be buffet style and quite appreciated it is too after days of coffee and snacks. Our attention now turns to the order of the day but is certainly not written in stone as we consider our options. The first option would be simply to return to Bangkok 6 to 7 hours away. However, I decide to do a little more exploring of Chumphon's coastline as we head north. A reasonable aiming point would be in the next province of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Despite studying the maps and making enquiries our searches regarding accommodation prove inconclusive. We'll just have to proceed and see what turns up. A few notable attractions lie just north of the city of Chumphon but first I have some checking to do.
Chumphon Railway Station....... Chumphon Railway Station on the State Railway of Thailand's Southern Line is the last station on a section of track that starts in Nakhon Phathom being currently upgraded to dual track. It is one of six lines being upgraded that will bring high speed rail to Thailand.
Arriving at the station I note considerable construction activity concentrating mainly on building raised platforms which is a key feature of all stations being upgraded under the project. Currently there is little activity at Chumphon railway station but there are some locomotives here that I can photograph and add to my database.
Apart from the station there are no visits in the city planned so this will be another destination on my wish list for future visits. It's time to head out of the city.
Nong Yai Area Development Project Under Royal Initiative....... Resulting from a raging storm some 20 years ago the late King Rama the IX visited Chumphon and worked relentlessly to develop a flood protection scheme. As a result of his efforts there is now a vast lake which not only provides flood protection but is an appealing wildlife refuge in a park noted for its scenery and natural beauty. The park has a few attractive features.
a) Nong Yai Tang Chang Public Park....... a recreation park where it is possible to walk all the way round the lake on a made path or use the cycle path at its side. Two observation platforms allow you to get a good view of the area. Depending on which day you go there are places to eat and rent boats.
b) Deer Suspension Bridge....... a wooden suspension bridge and walkway leading to a pavilion on the lake. The bridge is decorated featuring the deer that roam in the park.
c) Resak Tembage Wooden Bridge....... a wooden bridge crossing the lake offering an additional walkway to view the lovely scenery.
Wat Khao Chedi - Phra Yai....... Into Bang Son in Pathio district a winding road takes you to Wat Khao Chedi on the top of a hill where you will find a large golden Buddha standing image, an old chedi from where the temple gets its name and a small viharn. From this elevated position there are nice views across Pathio district towards the ocean. The temple was created by a pair of wealthy believers.
Pak Khlong....... From here we continue north into Tha Sae district and then towards the coast of Pathio district, the last before we enter Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The most attractive feature of Pathio district is a headland at Pak Khlong with its picturesque bay ringed in by an uninhabited island. Pak Khlong itself has an interesting pier while the headland has stunning views. The north shore of the headland creates shelter for a small fishing fleet. From here there is a golden sand beach, really quite attractive except that there are no resources to keep the beach clear of rubbish washed up.
Noen Sai Chumphon....... Still inside Pathio district is Noen Sai Chumphon (Grand Sand Dune). Sand dunes are unusual on Thai beaches but quite common in other parts of the world. The dunes have been provided with a splendid viewing platform to view them and the ocean, but the area is quite isolated with few visitors and not the best place to visit in the afternoon of the hot summer.
Royal Coast Road....... Royal Coast Road. At this point I should mention the Royal Coast Road which is still under construction in places. The idea is to create a coastal road for the benefit of visitors which will help improve links between coastal communities in an otherwise sparsity populated area of Thailand. I've mentioned a number of times the distances involved between Bangkok and Thailand's southern provinces. For example, between the two provincial capitals, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon, the distance is 217 kilometres or 3 hours driving. Finally, we enter Prachuap Khiri Khan province where there is soon another attraction.
Fang Deang Cliff Viewpoint....... Fang Deang Cliff Viewpoint is located at Sai Thong in Bang Saphan Noi district. While a sandy bay lies to the north of the viewpoint, the red cliffs are located where high ground meets the ocean. The red colour of the cliffs comes from iron oxide in the rocks a common property of laterite which is known to form in tropical and subtropical regions where the climate is humid. Laterite was used extensively in the Ayutthaya period for building temples.
Ban Krut it is....... Moving into later afternoon we have to make a decision and decide to stick with our original plan which is to head for Ban Krut Beach despite the fear that accommodation there will be rather expensive. I always thought I would like to return to Ban Krut Beach ever since we visited there over ten years ago. In those days we were restricted to public transport or renting a motorbike. Arriving here now we've noticed it's expanded considerably with resorts, hotels and restaurants. It's obvious our second impression is going to be much different. Establishing our bearings, we start looking around for accommodation and fortunately get success at the first attempt. Nanicha Ban Krut Resort is a three-story apartment building. At 800 baht it's not too bad but there isn't that great breakfast to look forward to tomorrow.
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