We grabbed a train down south to Hua Hin. A real train, not the subway.
We officially travelled every way possible in Thailand. Flight, taxis, boat, tuk-tuks, subway/transit, bus, and train. Tuk-tuks are still my favorite, but the train was definitely an experience. Someone told us “if you want to be a local, travel like the locals” and this was definitely it.
I will say taking a shorter train trip like this (5 hrs) on the train was ok, however we also took one to and from Chiang Mai... and no. But we will get to that later.
Trainride From The Past:
Back to the train at hand, it was like we step back into the past. No AC, only silver rotating fans overhead. Food vendors get on at every stop trying to pedal various snacks and meals. No Cheetos here, all homemade Thai treats. It is so funny to see a tray full of chicken wings being carried down the aisles.
Over all day training experience was pleasant, probably mostly due to there being puppies on board! I even got to bottlefeed one!!
We arrived in her hand at about 11 PM at night. Got off one stop to early and it was a costly taxi ride to get to our hotel, due to their not being any traffic where we were dropped off, only unmarked cars offering rides (which is never recommended in Thailand, but honestly we didn’t really have another choice)
Only having a couple days to explore and make the most of the seaside city of Thailand. And that we did.
What's the Gulf Like?:
At first glance we were a little disappointed in this little beach town due to there being a large noticeable increase in tourists here; mostly Russians.
We were trying to avoid the touristy areas, but I think anywhere with a beach will inevitably be more touristy. However, first appearances can be deceiving...
Best Coffee and Vegan in Town:
First thing first- to track down the best coffee in town aka Osot Coffee (a little beach-garage turned coffee shop, owned by 2 brothers where they serve dope coffee and blare old Def Leppard) This place was awesome.It used to be an old-school traditional medicine pharmacy ran by their family. Where they used to mix herbs and do rituals to heal what ailed you. The old cabinets are still there!
After we went for lunch at Hua Hin Vegan SOOO good. If you go here you have to go. All fresh, all vegan, all delicious. Smoothies, kale mango wraps, black rice vegan maki, and cauliflower wings!
Get Your Hair Done For Cheap!:
I found a hair salon where 2 ladies braided my hair; Cleve inevitably went next-door to get another massage. (At this point I was honestly massaged-out) Hair salons are all over here- mostly advertising braiding. You can get the full Bo Derek if you want!
I didn't go tht route, but I did endulge in the braid fad!
First time having boxer braids put in and I'm obsessed! I want my hair done like this all the time, but I need to find a place that will do it for 8 US bucks like in Hua Hin! haha
Takib Mountain/ Wat Takib:
In the afternoon we made the hike to Wat Takib... Ahh this is where the awesomeness is hiding. You just have to get off of the main roads filled with Russians sunbathing and drinking their pina coladas... and there are wonderful hidden areas filled with old wooden fishing boats and cottages where the fishermen live.
Wat Takib is at the top of Chopstick Hill, so we climbed the mountain roads filled with fresh local seafood markets – anything you could want, locals shopping for their families or neighborhood restaurants. Some of the stalls also have little seating areas attached where they would cook up whatever you wished to right there!
We didn’t eat here unfortunately, because we were already so full from the vegan place we found in town.
Still though, the fisherman‘s market was an exciting visual feast for me as we hiked closer and closer to the top of the mountain.
A few monkeys sightings later we found ourselves of the base of Wat Takib.
Hundreds of steps up towards the sun love the way to this temple.
We climb...
At the top we find the temple itself, one solitary monkey, and a view. From this site you can see all along the coast of Hua Hin. Oceans for miles and miles. The breeze kisses my baby hairs...
We spent a lot of time up here just sitting on the steps, enjoying the breeze, and trying to befriend the monkey who kept getting shooed off of the main temple level by the monk.
He eventually gain interest in my bag which he just knew there was a treat hiding in. The mischievous little fellow went to digging but when he couldn’t find anything he started nine a hole to search more thoroughly. The laughs were totally worth the bag damage.
On our descent we were surprised with an overwhelming amount of monkeys! I guess they were napping when we climbed up, but on our way down we realize why this is also known as Monkey Mountain.
Monkeys monkeys everywhere!!!
We had a lot of laughs here and spent time enjoying their mischievous behavior and expressive faces. They are truly like little humans... but way cuter.
We took a much needed afternoon siesta, then headed to the local night market.
NIght Market:
Walking distance from the large Cicada Night Market, is a smaller market.. I actually can't remember the name, but I think it started with a T.
THIS where is where all of the good Thai food was hiding! Wow!
We tried multiple foods each one more delicious than the last. The traditional desert of toddy palm cakes and steamed coconut puddings were my favorite. I found these harder to find throughout the rest of Thailand, but if you find them being freshly steamed you have to get them!!!
Local music, fresh food, and trinkets this was one of the smaller and BEST night markets we found in Thailand.
And for such a short stay, this was one of my favorite stays for sure. 🖤
Hua Hin Video below, not to be missed! Monkeys!! :
Stay Tuned!!!
xoxo,
Vox