April 2022

During my recent visit to Bangkok, just after Songkran, I made sure not to miss this colourful canal walk between Chinatown and Rattanakosin

If you know me, you must be aware of my fascination for colorful and fascinating street art. I love to visit places that are noted for their vibrant graffiti and murals. And I am always up for arty experiences. Trust me, it is a lot of fun when you turn around the corner and find a beautiful piece of art.

Every artwork has a different story to tell, which is what makes this street unique. If you too enjoy stumbling on random art in nooks and crannies of different cities, this street will leave you mesmerized for sure. I had a great time clicking pictures of the countless murals, made by some of Thailand’s best street artists. And if you are looking for photo-ops, this is the place to find some!

Huahin Railway Station
Some photos from my recent visit to Huahin Railway Station, felt like I was back home in the UK, in Leatherhead where I used to live and where there is a very similar railway station to this, or is it the other way round? without the grand royal pavilion of course!

A remnant of bygone times, the picturesque Hua Hin train station is one of the stops on the route from Bangkok to the South. The station is located in the center of town, in walking distance from attractions as the night market and the main beach.

Its main attraction is the Royal Waiting Room which was used by Thai Royals when they visited the seaside summer Palace. Pictured on postcards and t-shirts, the building is one of Hua Hin’s most recognizable landmarks.

A visit to Hua Hin railway station feels like a step back in time. The station is one of the oldest in Thailand and one of the few still in its original state.

The main building in Victorian style dates back to the mid 1920’s.
Old style light bulbs between the tracks are carried by mythological birds.
On the other side of the tracks stands an antique steam locomotive.

A little away from the main building stands the Royal Waiting Room, a beautiful teak wood building in bright yellowish and red colors.

Originally part of Sanam Chandra Palace in Nakhon Pathom province, the building was moved to Hua Hin to be used as the Royal Waiting Room.

The very well preserved building was once used by members of the Thai Royal Family when they visited the seaside Maruekhathaiyawan Palace. King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) built the teak wooden palace as a seaside summer retreat in 1923.

Music free under creative commons licence from you tube music library
Title:Orient by SefChol

Pran Buri Forest Park Walk
In this video you will see some of the mangroves but mostly the local colourful Crab population that has been allowed to thrive here.
Some were easy to see and some not so easy.......
Founded in 1982 under the majesty of Queen Sirikit, Pranburi Forest Park is located 25 km. south of Hua Hin and encompasses over 3.17 sq. km. of protected land. The park is known for its vast and dense forests of mangroves and twisty trails that lead visitors to all corners of the park. With its pristine views and natural beauty, Pranburi Park is the perfect escape from some of the urban centres in southern Thailand.

The nature reserve is an excellent day excursion from the Hua Hin area (and best of all, it’s practically free). Not only will you be surrounded by the tranquil and majestic scenery, but you’ll also get to see an abundant array of flora and wildlife, many of which are exclusive to Thailand.

The forest floor in the mangroves is covered by muddy sediments formed by the tides, densely covered by horizontally grown tree roots above and below the ground. This muddy habitat is an ideal place for crabs, mudskippers and shrimps. During the low tides, many crabs and mudskippers can be seen from the boardwalk.

Recently finished, Wat Bang Thong was built with donations from the locals who wanted a beautiful temple in which to worship closer to where they live. With its glittering golden central tower reaching almost 70 metres in height, Wat Bang Thong is easily seen from hundreds of metres away.

This Temple is just a beautiful on the inside as on the outside. Adorned with colourful paintings of Buddhas journeys. with a wonderful centerpiece focussing the worshipper on a magnificent Buddha statue.

Clearly a huge undertaking, with its various buildings and encircled walls with magnificent gates x4. Having all the features recognised for a Wat ; Ubost, Viharn, Sala,Prang, Mondop, Ho Trai and of course Kuti (where monks live). You can read more about them here, in an article I wrote: https://true-travels.com/2019/01/27/whats-in-a-wat/

Along with the beautiful grounds this was a great place to visit. I hope you enjoy it too!

Music free under creative commons licence from youtube music library
Title: Mer-Ka-Ba by Jesse Gallagher