Ya Nui is a beautiful beach located on the southern end of Phuket Island, Thailand. It is a small beach compared to other popular beaches on the island, but it is known for its crystal-clear water and stunning views of nearby islands.
Ya Nui beach is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The water is calm and clear, which makes it perfect for underwater exploration. The beach is also surrounded by coral reefs, which are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even octopuses.
While Ya Nui beach is not as crowded as some of the other popular beaches on Phuket Island
St. Raphael Cathedral, also known as Surat Thani Cathedral, is a Catholic church located in Surat Thani province, southern Thailand. The cathedral was established in 1932 and is named after St. Raphael the Archangel, who is considered the patron saint of travelers.
The cathedral is known for its distinctive architecture, which features a mix of European and Thai styles. The interior of the church is adorned with colorful stained glass windows and intricate carvings, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
St. Raphael Cathedral is an important religious and cultural landmark in Surat Thani province. The cathedral serves as the seat of the bishop of the Surat Thani diocese and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
Visitors to St. Raphael Cathedral can attend Catholic mass, participate in religious ceremonies and events, and explore the history and architecture of the church. The cathedral is also surrounded by a beautiful garden, which is a peaceful and tranquil place to relax and reflect.
Overall, St. Raphael Cathedral is a unique and important religious site in Surat Thani province.
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
Suan Son Pradiphat is a sand beach in Tambon Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand. Suan Son Pradiphat is regarded as another popular and well-known marine attraction in Hua Hin, it is about 9 km south of town of Hua Hin.
Khao Takiab hill bisected between these two areas. Its name literally translates as "oak pine garden", because there are many this species of pines in the area.
The beach is located in a military zone under supervision by Infantry Center, Royal Thai Army, therefore, it is a quiet and less crowded beach compared to other beaches of Hua Hin or Prachuap Khiri Khan.
There are restaurant, food court, coffee shop, restroom, and bathroom service. Along the beach is shady with oak pines. A Bryde's whale skeleton is displayed at the entrance to the beach.
In February this year (2021) I was able to take a short break to the beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi, not that I would say that hoards of tourists packed over every inch of sand is beautiful, BUT there are no tourists at this present time, except for local Thais from the mainland and those of us who are expats here from working or in my case retirement.
So back to the beautiful Phi Phi, one of the few Islands still running ferries. This video is from the day I took one of my obligatory, walkabouts, and I was struck by two things, the intense colour and beauty of the sea around this area, and the sadness of so many boats tied up and not working. The streets empty and most businesses closed and shuttered up. There were a few places open and serving food and taking guests, but at this present time it is a shadow of it's former self. Still a Jewel of an Island and even more stunning with less crowds.
One thing we did love seeing were all the cats, no dogs are allowed on the Island, but there were many cats, and friendly ones. The locals feed them as do the few tourists that come to visit, bags of kitty cookies are available in most stores.
Tonsai Bay is the bustling heart of Phi Phi. The bay hosts Phi Phi Island's main village, and it is the main arrival port in Phi Phi. Here, there are no cars or roads, only footpaths. The village is located on an isthmus, for which Phi Phi is famous, with Tonsai Bay on the south side and Loh Dalum (Dalum Bay) on the north.
Before 14:30, when the last ferry leaves, the streets are busier with day-trippers and people arriving/departing. After that, the island is more relaxed and the difference is tangible. In the evening the streets fill again with diners looking for a place to eat. Additionally, as most business is done at night, the tour shops, dive shops and every other kinds of shop come to life. Later on, some isolated nightlife areas heat up; especially on the east side of the village and of the bay.
Phi Phi is a very bohemian type of place; after all, bicycles and long-tail boats are the only alternatives to walking.
Music credit to :The Future Ancient Now by Nathan Moore Free under creative commons licence from You Tube music library
