(cont. from Page 9)........This of one of three main beaches nearby. I hope I’m not disappointed having made some effort to get here.
Sea Beach Bungalows ……..Near the marketplace the only local transport appears to be a yellow songtheaw already overcrowded but this is heading for Haad Thung Whua Lan. This service, just 30 baht, will have to do as I note at least 15 bodies occupying this standard flat-bed pick up. Certainly does feel homely. I later find out that the taxi rate to the beach from the bus station is 600 baht! When my odd-looking taxi arrives on the beach road I’m not sure where to get off. This time I don’t have an advisor so I just have pace it till I find something suitable. Finally near the end of the beach road I find a bungalow for an acceptable 600 baht with usual facilities of air conditioning, hot shower and fridge. Oh! the TV doesn’t work but that’s no problem. Finding no major reason for disapproval I book this for three nights. I later find out that this room is only available because of the non-arrival of guests calling by phone. On the face of it this resort could do with some TLC, most of the shortcomings merely cosmetic.
Haad Thung Whua Laen……..After a rest from my journey I venture out around 5pm. I make a preliminary assessment of my surroundings tempted by the comparison with Ban Krut Bay. Basically Chumphon is quite mountainous all the way to the coast which, unlike Prachuap Kiri Khan, means the coastline is quite rugged and the beaches smaller and compact. The beach road unlike Ban Krut is narrow and lacking pavements. It is therefore easier to feel cramped particularly this weekend with more visitors. The beach itself is littered with debris. I understand that this area including Ban krut suffered from storms last week but unlike the latter no attempt has been made to clear up the beaches. In other respects the local authorities impose almost draconian measures to ensure this area is no repeat of Cha-Am which permits deck chairs and umbrellas on a grand scale with its food hawkers and vendors of other goods. Most people, undeterred, simply bring beach mats. On the plus side the beach itself looks quite shallow and more accommodating for families. As at Bang Krut there are many foreign visitors. It seems, these days, no place is inaccessible courtesy of the internet. In fact while searching for information on this area I read a review stating that Haad Thung Whua Lan has no atmosphere. I just wondered how the reviewer would describe Ban Krut Bay and what it is that brings people so far to this part of Thailand. I find a restaurant nearby. It’s another plus. As I have already explained this beach is more compact. My final chore for today is to enquire about motorbike rental. The going rate is 200 baht making the total cost of my stay here cheaper than Ban Krut. (cont. on Page 11)