Day 8, Wednesday 22nd March - Bangkok
Memories....... It's been over 10 years since I last visited Ban Krut Beach and a lot has changed since then in terms of new resorts, hotels and restaurants. However, it's still a relatively quiet area compared to many tourist destinations in Thailand. The beach is one of the best on the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand. One drawback is that it's relatively difficult to get to and quite far from any major town. The best option is now by train. It's the sort of place you need to stay for a minimum of three nights but of course for us it's only being used as a stopover. As we depart Nanicha Ban Krut Resort all I can afford is a drive along Ban Krut Beach before we continue our journey north to Bangkok, still 375 kilometres away.
Ban Krut Railway Station....... As we leave, I have no stops planned on the way except of course I need to visit Ban Krut Railway Station. Progress on Thailand's southern line railway upgrades, one of the six lines to be improved over a seven-year timespan, is of special interest to me. Currently on this line work is progressing between Nakhon Pathom and Chumphon. From what I have observed so far, work is progressing at all stations between these two cities with many being completely rebuilt. Six contracts were awarded for completion. At each there will be raised platforms and foot bridges. Where a road crosses the railway via a level crossing, that will be replaced by bridges or underpasses. As I arrive at Ban Krut station, I note much of the infrastructure is already in place and consistent with work on other stations along this section. From here I must leave the tracks and make my own tracks heading north along Hwy 4.
Pranburi Dam....... It was almost inevitable that on our way back we would find a distraction. Leaving Hwy 4 in Pranburi District heading into the mountains to the west, we locate Pranburi Dam. This is an earth dam blocking the Pran Buri River causing a large lake. It is some 9 kilometres long and around 2.5 kilometres at its widest point. This major dam is a tourist site, where tourists can view the beautiful scenery of a valley with a peaceful atmosphere and cooler air. The reservoir is also popular with fishermen. On the way, a herd of goats can be seen grazing along an asphalt road on the crest of the dam. The scenery is best viewed on a drive-through. Currently in the hot dry season (March to June) it is less attractive.
Chai Le Seafood, Cha-am Beach....... This detour has taken less than an hour, but we must press on and consider what to do about lunch, deciding that this should be taken at Cha-am in Phetchaburi province. Cha-am Beach is popular as it can be reached from Bangkok on a day trip. It's a place I know well and instinctively I head for the fishing port at the northern end of the beach. Here there are several popular seafood restaurants and as it's probably going to be a while before I get the opportunity again, we indulge in more seafood despite the strain on my budget. On the plus side there is a glorious outlook right on the beach. As things stand, I've no more plans to visit the coast of Thailand. So, let's make the most of it now.
Traffic Chaos....... Still in the belief that there is plenty of time left in the day, instead of taking the main highway we head along the coast but eventually turn inland towards Phetchaburi where we immediately hit traffic. This is partly due to the Phetchaburi Phra Nakorn Khiri Festival currently under way. I soon regret that we didn't take the main road as it takes ages to reach the railway station which, of course. I would like to visit as part of my progress report. Reaching the station, I am not disappointed, witnessing substantial construction work with new station buildings, tracklaying, raised platforms and a footbridge. The station is currently restricted to just one platform which must be a great inconvenience to the State Railway. During the course of my visit two trains pass through the station further delaying my return to Bangkok. However, this silver lining comes with a big cloud. The delay has put us right in the window for folks setting up street markets and stalls for the festivities. We get completely clogged up in traffic. By the time we reach HWY 4 again what promised to be an easy run to Bangkok it is now anything but. We finally reach the residence at 8pm encountering more traffic, not at all ideal but the inconvenience is only temporary as I can reflect on another amazing tour.
Conclusion.
Memories....... It's been over 10 years since I last visited Ban Krut Beach and a lot has changed since then in terms of new resorts, hotels and restaurants. However, it's still a relatively quiet area compared to many tourist destinations in Thailand. The beach is one of the best on the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand. One drawback is that it's relatively difficult to get to and quite far from any major town. The best option is now by train. It's the sort of place you need to stay for a minimum of three nights but of course for us it's only being used as a stopover. As we depart Nanicha Ban Krut Resort all I can afford is a drive along Ban Krut Beach before we continue our journey north to Bangkok, still 375 kilometres away.
Ban Krut Railway Station....... As we leave, I have no stops planned on the way except of course I need to visit Ban Krut Railway Station. Progress on Thailand's southern line railway upgrades, one of the six lines to be improved over a seven-year timespan, is of special interest to me. Currently on this line work is progressing between Nakhon Pathom and Chumphon. From what I have observed so far, work is progressing at all stations between these two cities with many being completely rebuilt. Six contracts were awarded for completion. At each there will be raised platforms and foot bridges. Where a road crosses the railway via a level crossing, that will be replaced by bridges or underpasses. As I arrive at Ban Krut station, I note much of the infrastructure is already in place and consistent with work on other stations along this section. From here I must leave the tracks and make my own tracks heading north along Hwy 4.
Pranburi Dam....... It was almost inevitable that on our way back we would find a distraction. Leaving Hwy 4 in Pranburi District heading into the mountains to the west, we locate Pranburi Dam. This is an earth dam blocking the Pran Buri River causing a large lake. It is some 9 kilometres long and around 2.5 kilometres at its widest point. This major dam is a tourist site, where tourists can view the beautiful scenery of a valley with a peaceful atmosphere and cooler air. The reservoir is also popular with fishermen. On the way, a herd of goats can be seen grazing along an asphalt road on the crest of the dam. The scenery is best viewed on a drive-through. Currently in the hot dry season (March to June) it is less attractive.
Chai Le Seafood, Cha-am Beach....... This detour has taken less than an hour, but we must press on and consider what to do about lunch, deciding that this should be taken at Cha-am in Phetchaburi province. Cha-am Beach is popular as it can be reached from Bangkok on a day trip. It's a place I know well and instinctively I head for the fishing port at the northern end of the beach. Here there are several popular seafood restaurants and as it's probably going to be a while before I get the opportunity again, we indulge in more seafood despite the strain on my budget. On the plus side there is a glorious outlook right on the beach. As things stand, I've no more plans to visit the coast of Thailand. So, let's make the most of it now.
Traffic Chaos....... Still in the belief that there is plenty of time left in the day, instead of taking the main highway we head along the coast but eventually turn inland towards Phetchaburi where we immediately hit traffic. This is partly due to the Phetchaburi Phra Nakorn Khiri Festival currently under way. I soon regret that we didn't take the main road as it takes ages to reach the railway station which, of course. I would like to visit as part of my progress report. Reaching the station, I am not disappointed, witnessing substantial construction work with new station buildings, tracklaying, raised platforms and a footbridge. The station is currently restricted to just one platform which must be a great inconvenience to the State Railway. During the course of my visit two trains pass through the station further delaying my return to Bangkok. However, this silver lining comes with a big cloud. The delay has put us right in the window for folks setting up street markets and stalls for the festivities. We get completely clogged up in traffic. By the time we reach HWY 4 again what promised to be an easy run to Bangkok it is now anything but. We finally reach the residence at 8pm encountering more traffic, not at all ideal but the inconvenience is only temporary as I can reflect on another amazing tour.
Conclusion.
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province
Nanicha Ban Krut Resort, Ban Krut,
Bang Sapan District
Ban Krut Beach, Ban Krut,
Bang Sapan District
Ban Krut Railway Station, Ban Krut,
Bang Sapan District
Iron Railway Bridge near Ban Krut Railway Station, Ban Krut, Bang Sapan District
Pranburi Dam, Khao Chao, Pranburi District
Phetchaburi Province
Chai Le Seafood Cha-am, Cha-am District
Cha-am Harbour, Cha-am District
Petchaburi Railway Station,
Mueang Petchaburi
Bangkok Metropolis
Rama IX Bridge, Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expy, Bang Phong Phang, Yan Nawa