Hua Hin ~Royal Resort Town~

Actually more like a retiree town!

Thais have described Hua Hin as the opposite of Pattaya, a much quieter and relaxed town on the west coast of the Gulf, about 200 km from Bangkok.

The drive to get there is interesting a lot of traffic in the Bangkok core but once you actually get out of the city, driving is pretty similar to that, once again, of driving from Toronto to Niagara Falls. I decided to take a private car than risk the train or bus. With Thailand reopening more, the chance to travel feels, for me at least, possible once again.

I decided to stay at the Holiday Inn Vana Nava as it was attached to a large water park. I had seen a YouTube video about it and decided I wanted to have some fun while visiting Hua Hin. The cost of the hotel gave you unlimited access to the water park, which was cheaper in the long run than paying separately for the hotel and park admission.

The excitement I felt as we approached the hotel turned to trepidation. The hotel is on the edge of town and what I thought was a path to the main road turned out to be blocked, first by a high fence, then a moat(with monitor lizards) and then a fence blocking the train track. A 70-80 baht taxi ride would solve that problem though. So, my trepidation was eliminated.

The hotel, although a Holiday Inn definitely wasn't your typical motel beside the highway deal.

(yes, I know there are various levels of Holiday Inn that rival the finest 5-star hotels to the cheaper ones while travelling through) A grand entrance and an elevator ride led to the lobby on the second floor. On the 20th floor awaited my sea view room. It did not disappoint. A large comfortable bed, desk and sitting area with Papasan chairs on the balcony. I couldn't wait until sunrise!

That could wait as my first order of business was the beach!! Having not been on actual sand since my visit in July to Pattaya, I was craving a walk on the beach and feeling sand between my toes.

The beach did not disappoint. A shopping street leading to the beach with hawkers selling food, floaties and fun paraphernalia was a welcome attack on the senses. The promise of a pony ride on the beach loomed in the distance. (the poor thing would run the other way if it saw me approach). Umbrellas crowded the beach in spots where food establishments were. You could get a beach chair and food and drinks for reasonable prices. Emerging from lockdowns and restrictions made the plea to "eat here" all the more heart-wrenching for not choosing one location over another.

I decided against sitting today. A walk was what I craved. Instagram ready, please!

The poor girls called into photography duty were somewhat shy at first, but giggles assured me it was okay. At least they were polite.

I did wander through the beachside road and found a Spanish seafood place that was holiday perfect. Fresh seafood, Spanish tapas and drinks with a deck over the water. Sit back, relax and enjoy life as it goes by!

A small group of Europeans arrived (accents-British, continental and Thai). they avoided eye contact---I to them was apparently American by the look of disdain on their faces. The Continental lady demanded more attention by her presence and attitude than actual mood and tone. After finishing my drinks (don't judge!) and tapas I kindly thanked the proprietor in Spanish and claimed it most delicious and that I would return. The chins of the small group were then picked up off the floor as I left!

I had noticed The Chocolate Factory on the way to the beach and decided to have a sweet treat. I must say for the cavernous dining space, it was quiet and the dessert, although pretty in pictures was a disappointment on the palate. The price tag was even more so for such "meh" fare.

It was off to Cicada and Tamarind Markets, both only open on weekends. cicada did not disappoint, they had live music and vendors selling art, trinkets, paintings and foodstuff. One promising stall was selling African waxed print fabric. I have kicked myself since for not getting some. The Tamarind Market is 50 metres away and is an open-air food court selling everything Thai and western that one would want to eat. Although both were busy, there were few actual foreigners.

**It has since been on the news that Hua Hin has not seen many tourists since the reopening. The local businesses are still suffering and continue to hope that tourism picks up.**

It is seen as more of a retirement town, than a party town. After the markets, I decided to end the day with a drink on the rooftop bar. I was told the bar does not serve alcohol. I'm off to the 7-11 to stock up in the morning!

The morning brought breakfast and a trip to Monkey Mountain.

Now for the cry of NO tourists, the breakfast buffet was BUSY!--- WITH CHILDREN! The attached waterpark brought many families out for a night or two to enjoy the weekend. Now granted, 99% of the children were either placated with a screen or food or both while adults hovered and fed the awaiting tummies and chatted amongst themselves. the 1% were excited to see their friends and play amongst the tables and dodge the coffee-carrying, food ladened adults.

I wanted to go to Monkey Mountain, a temple situated on the top of a hill at the south end of the beach.

The taxi was hesitant as the monkeys who inhabit "Monkey Mountain" can be a bit overzealous at times and like to attack cars, climb in them and wreak havoc. They seemed to be eyeing the possibilities as the taxi climbed to the top in first gear. (hills are meant to be driven straight up, at a 75degree angle whenever possible here in Thailand). The views from the top were stunning and I made merit while there. The walk down to the beachside Buddha was a bit daunting as the shifting eyes of some of the locals (monkeys---remember I'm

on Monkey Mountain) made me carefully pass by with a side glance to ensure it was okay to continue. Most of the monkeys were busy helping friends get the lice off of them, so there was little fear after a while.

After this I decided to walk to the main road, passing a small fishing village on the river and then noticing another hilltop temple.

making merit

Always a sucker for punishment, I decided to do this temple as well. I did get my steps in for the day, needless to say.

After a bit of a break in my room, I decided to go for my first foray into the waterslides and pools of the water park. Travelling alone, the waterslides you can do are limited to actually go down. The 60-metre high slide at an 85-degree angle, the 70-metre drop at 90 degrees or the 2 big tubes sliding down on a rubber ring. Since I was pretty much the only foreigner, I felt shy to ask to join some of the groups for the bigger tubes requiring more people. I discovered alcohol was available at the various bars dotted around the park.

Thus refreshed and my inner child satiated for the day, I retired to my room for a nap.

I like this waterpark. The excited squeals of the children caused me to blink back a tear or two, remembering school trips and events. The dads were just excited as the kids to be playing in the water and sliding down the tubes and having fun. Moms sitting poolside watching anxiously to see if the little ones would like their experience in the wave pool and grandmas sitting by with towel in hand to dry off the drenched family members.

I did go to the Night Market for dinner and had delicious fresh seafood. Squid, clams, fish all with a Thai flair for the spicy. I've learned to breathe the spiciness in, (even the servers were coughing on the spicy fumes) not to actually ingest it and to leave anything small red or green on the side of the plate( the same for lemongrass-too woody, ginger/galangal -too woody and kefir lime leaf--too much like bay leaf, but apparently okay to eat.)

A repeat of breakfast from the first morning, without the hide and seek game going on. So breakfast was a bit quieter for the most part. I did discover a whole other room to the buffet. Most of the buffet was western style breakfast foods and quite an array to choose from. I asked for the washroom and discovered another area with all Asian foods. Needless to say, I had to have a "little more", just to taste!

Another beach visit after a shopping excursion to Blupoint Shopping Centre--think $$$. there was a sale and I bought a Snoopy t-shirt and shorts from a local designer. I really like them and feel as though I am in pj's when wearing them.

I decided a beach umbrella and the lapping waves were needed along with lunch today and enjoyed more local seafood and libation. Another walk along the beach towards the main road and I was off again to the waterpark. Yes, another drink there too.

Don't judge me, I'm on vacation.

Stay safe!