(cont. from Page 14)........The DRC is just under 500 baht but all in all it’s a better plan. I can book my ticket from Chumphon to Bangkok here in Patiew. Now that things are settled I have lunch and make enquiries regarding other locations that could interest me in the afternoon. .
Haad Tahm Thong (or Coral Beach)……..Occasionally Thai translation comes up with something that doesn’t make too much sense. Haad Tahm Thong translates literally as flag cave beach but be as it may I’ve literally stumbled on it. Having received some directions in the town that weren’t too clear to me I headed in the direction of Chumphon Airport, my only reference point. Having turned off this road I lost my reference point and to confuse matters, found myself on a new or at least substantially upgraded road without markings. However by trial and error and some local advice I arrived at Haad Tahm Thong. Having seen a photograph of this beach in a local brochure pristine and inviting, one photograph I took did not have the same appeal revealing the usual debris washed up from the Gulf of Thailand. .
Tha Rua Hin Gohp (frog stone ‘fishing’ port)……..I seem to be heading back along the airport road past a bay containing a fishing community without a river estuary. Refuge for small boats has been obtained by creating a dyke to hold back the silt. Sometimes it is just nice to observe life without tourists. But I just charged that!
Ao Bo Mao……..I didn’t manage to get a logical translation of this bay but it deserves a mention. The airport road leads back to Patiew and this bay occupies a good several kilometres with sea views. I can’t help wondering if this is not a beach location for future development. Presently there are a few small resorts and restaurants but seaward is mostly occupied by coconut and sea pine trees. With few facilities and lack of transport I guess this is Robinson Crusoe style: Tempted to try it myself! .
Tha Rua Ao Leam Son (fishing port at Leam Son bay)……..This is a fishing port off the Chumphon/Patiew main road reversing my route taken in the morning. The pier is off to the left of the village immediately before the river bridge: Another photo opportunity.
Tha Rua Saphli……..As mentioned before, Saphli is just a couple of kilometres from Haad Thung Whua Laen. Before returning to Sea Beach Bungalows I walk down to the seafront in the village which has its own pier and beach. However it’s late afternoon and the night market is already geared up for custom. Instead of taking an evening meal at my restaurant near the resort I buy something from the street vendors. By bed time will regret it........ (cont. on Page 16)