Remember: You can ride/ drive direct there via Nha Be district (map here)or catch bus 75 – direct route to Can Thanh town (20.000 vnd/ pax, start from 7h30 to 16h30 in 23/9 park near Bui Vien street).
I’ve never taken part in the festival before. So much expecting!
I took a “red-eye” ride – roadtrip at night, from HCM city to explore Vung Tau at dawn and somethings interesting came up. Here is some facts:
1) How clean it is!
The first trial offered an exciting experience. I started the journey at 8PM, when the city was still very busy. However, 20 kilometers away from the center, on the highway, the traffic was not as dense as it’s on the day.
There’s no sunlight, no harmful fume and dust, even annoying people (if any), just you, your motorbike and the night landscape. It’s no need to wear mask like we usually do when moving around the city. Everything is quiet, clean and clear!
2) It’s scary, a bit!
Imagine just you, and maybe your partner behind, were riding alone, in the very dark cold night. Most of the time, noone were around. From time to time, you came across some people were on their way, some trucks were rushing to the port.
If you’ ve got flat tires, you must be very lucky to meet a guy who can help you fix that. Oh, one more thing, it’s believed that robbery usually happens at night. A lot of unknown dangers are out there, making night roadtrip become more thrilling.
3) And sleepy too
After a long long time riding, your body turn cold, the fairly cool atmosphere gradually get into your vessels, and it turns on the hibernation mode: you get sleepy. This is one of the reason why red-eye ride should be considered with caution.
You’re riding, but actually, it’s like an auto-pilot mode. Your reaction is slow, though you still handle it – turn left, right or keep straight- very well but should something comes up suddenly, you’re like to get into trouble.
In the first ride I happened to it, felt like I was watching TV, the scene pictured blurred landscape, fantastic motion, lights on and off somewhere as a thriller movie, you’re both actors and audience. The difference between the movie and your red-eye experience is that the ride is real. Everything is possible, and accidents should not be ignored.
4) Hot food is delicious
However, you will catch up with food vendors somewhere, with hot steam rising from the delicious-smelt soup. Park the motorbike and order a dish, wait for a while and the hot soup with rice noodle and well-done pork is served, you can ask for addition if you’d love to, adding spices and enjoy!
How delicious it is! The soup flows into your body, defrosting all the cell and soon later, you’re refreshed. Your eyes open wide and your mind become more conscious, the roadtrip should be safer than before.
It’s noted that there’s no 24h shops on the way to Vung Tau, though some food stores open overnight, the price ranges from 1-3 dollars, depends on the certain dishes and kind of stores. At that occasion, I have “Hu tiu” ( a clear rice noodle soup), which cost only 0.8 dollar. So much cheap. Hopefully you’re lucky enough to get one.
5) You’re free to do crazy things
I mean we can sing loud, do freaky poses, even… lying on the road (just kidding). At that night, we rode around the city first, the beaches were sleepless, people still wandered back and forth. Barbecue smelt delicious and looked tasty.
However, the city center looked like a ghost town, all the building, houses, stores were closed. We were two of the few people still outsite at midnight. It reminded me of “Inception” movie when the actors was walking across the street which he made himself. Sense of loneliness and freedom.
How to get in and around Hua Hin? What to eat and Where to go… My travel guide to Hua Hin will find out the best experience!
My friend, who usually visits Thailand as a hardcore-budget traveler, suggested me join his journey to Hua Hin, as he introduced “Thai King’s resort”. I and (maybe) many ones, have never considered the town as a must-go destination among Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi,… But my experience proves that you’ll hardly find anything new in old places.
Get in
He recommended me experience Thai train, which he said “very cheap”. Cheap is not always a comfortable option, you have to keep the mindset if you think budget travel is your choice. However, “cheap” option is likely the way ordinary people do, so you’re expected to live a very local life. For me, it’s worthy.
After landing, we headed for Don Muang train station, just few steps from Airport and you can easily access via skywalk. To get to Hua Hin, we would transit in Bang Sue station instead of Hua Lam Phong to save 30 minutes. Ticket to Hua Hin surprised me, just 44 baht, for 200-kilometer distance in 4 hours. Very cheap!
My friend pointed me to the ticket booth, and revealed a more incredible information: it was free to Thai. The key to receive the previlige is to behave or talk in Thai style, so that the officer think you are Thai and sell you Thai ticket. So it’s a advantage if you are Asian, especially look like a Thai. You can check Thai railway website for more details, notice that Ordinary train/third class is likely to be free for Thais.
Budget tip #1: Train is cheap, Thais are even free, only for third class of ordinary option.
Get around
Hua Hin is just 40 km in length to explore, so riding a bike is the best option to explore the town from north to south. The cheapest vehicle is old scooters, which are very popular used by foreigners, cost 150-200 baht/ day.
So if you’d love to ride in Hua Hin, as well as anywhere in Thailand, consider owning a IDP (license) and helmet to minimize the risk.
Budget tip #2: not riding means not taking risk of being fined and traffic accidents, so you can save money and maybe your life, as well.
Accomodation
So you have checked hostel/ dorm in booking, agoda, traveloka,… and find most of the price ranges 300-400 baht. Don’t be fool, just take a walk around backpack town, especially Nares Damry Alley, to see the real room price. Much cheaper than internet booking, just 100-200 baht/day.
I suppose the websites are likely to hide the cheap option, so when you walk and choose a certain hostel in town, check if it’s available booking through above website, which sometimes can save a bit more money via promotion program.
My experience in a hotel offering dorm room option in Hua Hin: Traveloka platform run a deep promotion, but when I searched in the app, it didn’t show anything cheap. Just when I found a cheap dorm in Agoda, then I typed directly in Traveloka search box, then the hotel showed up.
There’s no fan dorm room left, so I had to unpurposely book the air-con option, which was more expensive. I thought that the room was likely to be full occupied when I check-in.
I was wrong, I was the only one in the room. In fan room, my friend was also a sole dreamer that night. So in my opinion, hardly is there not available rooms in Hua Hin, get in the town and find a true bargain yourself.
Budget tip# 3: consult online booking, but prefer traditional booking to save even more money.
Eat
I love Hua Hin because it offers very reasonable price range and food tastes very good and cook by unique recipes. In the morning, I ate in a local food stall at hua hin 74 (หัวหิน 74) which only costs you 30 baht, full of energy and local smells.
Some street foods are even more cheap and very delicious. I really enjoy a food that I cannot name it, it includes some crispy pieces, sliced steamed rice rolls, sweet soya sauce and decorated by scallions and coriander. Just around 10 baht. I love it.
My another love is roasted marinated fish. The flesh was soft, fresh and sweet, well-roasted so it completely smelled good. Just 35 baht for a fish. I and my friend, we had it mostly, except for bones.
All the ingredients, spices, skin, marinating herbs, flesh,.. can be eaten all. I’m quite sure this is a must-eat food in Hua Hin. There are also some roasted dishes in vendor cart: chicken, pork, cake,… buy one by one to enjoy all because they are all cheap. I think they just costs you 70-100 baht in total.
You can find the couple vendor I met, who usually wander around the backpack street. This is how they look like.
Another choice to find cheap food is school neighborhood. There’s a very insight that ordinary pupils are not rich, so the food serving them is possibly reasonable and in some case, very colorful.
Drinks are from 10 baht, foods are from 20 baht. I love wandering and enjoy view when the class dismiss and kids get out of their school and crowd at vendors, yelling for their food or drink in very childish manner.
There’s indeed a food court near backpack street, it looks like picture below, but the price is really for tourists but locals. And as usual, beach is the rip-off heaven. But lying in a beach chair and have a coconut in sunset view. Admittedly, it’s worth spending some money for a tropical experience.
There is a HUGE night market in Hua Hin and it’s very easy to locate in Hua Hin 72 street, not far from clock tower. Various foods are displayed, price is not deeply cheap as other local food store but it’s not really expensive compared to other destinations in Thailand.
You should notice that food is quite salty and spicy and will be likely to make your stomach cry for help and your asshole be in hell. Be ready!
Budget tip #4: school, street vendors are budget-heaven while beach and backpacker town are likely to be rip-off hell. Night market is a good place to spend some money.
Things to do
There’s a photography spot in Hua Hin 61 alley – Phetkasem road intersection, where hundres of starling perching on electric wires, making it look like a note sheet when you look up. They cry aloud so it’s quite annoying when you get close.
Hua Hin beach is also a great place to swim and sunbathe. Clear water, nice sand and coconuts decorating along beach. My friend said that it is as beautiful as Pattaya but living cost is much more cheaper.
There are some amusement parks nearby in Cha-am, I visited Santorini park, Swiss Sheep farm, Venezia,… built up to serve the people who wish to be in Europe once. The structures are duplicates of Europe ones.
On top of that, I love PlearnWan market and recommend it for the successfully vintage style. Venezia is most expensive, Swiss Sheep farm is more reasonable while Santorini is just 150 baht for foreigners and PlearnWan offers you free entrance.
Budget tip #5: Europe parks are most suitable for ones who love artificial Europe scenery, If you’d like to get there or Europe-born, consider ignoring them.
Best Places to Visit
Hua Hin is listed as one of the most all-time favorite destinations in Thailand by both locals and travelers. Exotic beaches, ancient temples, impressive palaces, numerous shopping areas make Hua Hin become more lured and worth trying to visit once. Therefore, with Hua Hin attraction guide right below, you will know best places to drop by when coming to Hua Hin for the first time.
King Mansion (Maruekhathaiyawan palace)
This palace is also called “the palace of hope and love”, first built by King Rama VI in 1923. It wows all travelers coming to this spot with such gorgeous buildings painted in yellow and white. There’s a long and straight corridor stretching to the beach where you can take some beautiful photos. The Maruekhathaiyawan is located between Hua Hin and Cha Arm for your information. According to Hua Hin attraction guide, this spot deserses a visit right when coming to Hua Hin because you will learn a lot about the history as well as the unique beauty of the palace.
Hua Hin Railway Station
Hua Hin railway station was also constructed in Rama VI majesty but it lies quite far from the heart of the city. The most outstanding feature of this railway station is its designs and decoration which give off feelings of Victoria majesty and Thai architectural styles. Though being colorful, vibrant, this place still remains some ancient, solemn factors inside. That makes it not only more mysterious to discover but also one of the most favorite destinations highly appreciated by a lot of travelers.
Hua Hin night market
Hua Hin night market is a must-go destination in the list of Hua Hin attraction guide. Lying in the center of Hua Hin, this night market draws a great number of travelers to it everyday. From 6 pm onwards, the market suddenly turns alive with lights, stalls and flocks of people. By walking around for a while, you can find a variety of goods sold such as crafts, handmade items, delicious Thai food,… Other than that, Hua Hin night market also owns so many restaurants that serve best seafood dishes you’ve ever tried. If you’re in Hua Hin, don’t forget to give this night market a try!
Plearnwan shopping village
This is also another spot for those wanting to buy some stuffs and taste Thai dishes. It’s just been built recently with special architecture and decoration bringing images of ancient Hua Hin villages. If you are in Hua Hin. Furthermore, Plearnwan village also has many game booths, a ferris wheel, an outdoor cinema… to help all travelers feel more entertained. That’s why Plearnwan village’s very preferred in this Hua Hin attraction guide.
Phraya Nakhon Cave
It takes about 40-45 minutes driving from Hua Hin to one of the most magnificant and mysterious caves in Thailand. This cave belongs to Khao Sam Roi Yot national park and quickly becomes a favorite destination to many travelers from all around the world.
The cave is really huge and owns a lot of amazing stalactites. It receives light from a big hole up above and that makes this cave give a vibe of hidden charming paradise and bring you a lot of excitement when seeing this scene.
Hua Hin Hills vineyard
No one should leave Hua Hin without visiting this interesting tourism spot. It’s located to the west of Hua Hin, approximately 35km driving. On the way to this place, travelers are taken aback with such idyllic and vibrant countryside landscapes.
Here in this vineyard grows many kinds of best quality grapes. These grapes are usually grown and used to provide for some wine labels as Siam winery, Monsoon Valley… So don’t forget to take this Hua Hin attraction guide and drop by Hua Hin Hills vineyard when staying here.
Santorini park
For a change of air, you can pay a visit to Santorini park where can bring you to a paradise of stone-paved road, domed towers, colorful windows, white constructions… reflecting exact the images of Greek island with the same name.
In this area, you can also find out many restaurants, shops, stalls, amusement park… to spend your whole day relaxing and entertaining. From here, travelers are given wonderful cliff-top sights of the beachfront and the sea that make this park worth a visit right away.
Hua Hin floating market
According to Hua Hin attraction guide, it’s a big mistake if lacking one of the most popular destinations like Hua Hin floating market. On the man-made banks of river, you can see a lot of shops displaying all kinds of goods. These shops owns an attractive retro-style design that brings you back to Hua Hin’s old days.
One special thing of this market is you can buy some unique handmade souvenirs that you can’t see them elsewhere. If you feel interested, you can take paddle or Thai boats to discover many other corners of this floating market. To visit this market, you should head to the south of Hua Hin on the way to Khao Takieb.
If you are looking for a Con Dao hostel in budget style, I recommend Uyen’s house for its very relaxing and romantic experience.
As the only one hostel in the island, I loved its wooden style at the first sight. There’s a mid-size signboard “Uyen’s house – Bed & Room” at front with some bird-house-like props on.
The house looks like a garden in a-style-of-no-style, various plants, put in various places, along with some art installation. The typical materials are woods, glass and metal mainframe.
the ceiling at lounge
There are many plants in both exterior and interior details. A rolling bench is put at front, with a table made from a timber block, a wooden ashtray on, watching small fish pool. If you’d like to do some fitness, there’s a weight lift and a horizontal bar at the corner of the hostel yard.
The hostel is a two storey building. Downstairs is dorm room while upstairs is private room. When standing by the balcony, I felt it shaking a bit because of the wind blows. I thought it needs to strengthen the structure a bit while still reserves beautiful aspects.
Yard Top-down view from balcony
The lounge is more attractive, most of furniture are wooden, from the long bench, wall covers to plate shelf. It’s also decorated with a dry creepers hanging on ceiling, some lights on. That’s for looking up, if you look down, a various cement tiles would amaze you.
There is a kitchen with full of tools and spices to make meal. I was impressed by the fact that the nearby Infinite coffee and the hostel belongs to the same founders, which are said to be cooks in Six Sense resort.
the timber table
The dorm is designed very nature-friendly with brown tone of woods and forest leaves hanging up. I sense that every things above my head were hung artfully: fans, lights, private lamps,… Books are piled up right beside your head bed, so no worry if you are a book digester.
At the lounge, near receptionist, there’s a map of national park which provides a lot of useful information of the wild life in the island. Remember to consult it before go out for a wild day.
Dorm room at night
The hostel is at the town center, so you’re likely to walk around to visit all historic building, complex at very relaxing pace. In the morning, it’s great to shoe up and take jogging along the shoreline pavement.
Once I requested some food but there’s nothing, even instant noodle available. However, you can buy anything in the nearby grocery at very reasonable price. Uyen’s house is also very close to Con Dao market, so it’s ideal to collect some ingredients for cooking.
For the price range, it’s quite high compared to the average dorm in Vietnam, but it’s still very budget compared to the hotel, resort in the island. That’s why I chose it for the first time visiting Con Dao.
You think you’re born to solo travel? I don’t think so! Here are the reasons
You’re always busy
It sounds not right but solo travel demands a greater time to prepare before trip. You have to read alot, about the destinations, what’s cool, what food you should try, how to travel from A to B, where you should live,… to build up a Itinerary, so that you make sure there’s no time to be wasted when you’re there.
The budget travel is requiring much heavier work loads, you have to compare prices among many booking platforms (some of budget flight will conflict so you’re rearranging), read deep to know where to locate a local market with nice prices, even learn some local phrases to communicate with the local (rule of thumb: speak local to receive local responses, in this case, is price).
With tons of research and booking need to do beforehand, and you’re playing solo, there’s likely to be no one doing for you. You have to do-it-yourself and if you’re stuck in work, then booking tour is better.
I usually travel solo, but truth to be told, sometimes I don’t have enough time to research thorough destinations I would visit. It results in I just wander around the city to sip coffee instead of taking bus around to explore points of interest.
You’re not well-prepared
There’s some similarities between a solo traveler and a scout: you have to prepare well or you’re getting trouble when it comes.
Before making a solo trip, always ask yourself kinds of question “what if…” and fill it up with bad situations like stomachache, passport loss, being unable to communicate with the local in emergency case,… then store in your backpack helpful stuff.
For instance, I always have some spills helping me when my stomach got problem because when it comes in public areas, no one would take care of my belongings, or worst case: there’s no toilet nearby.
You’re afraid of being alone
Solo travel – that phrase suggests the life of a person, whose only friend, most of the time is his/ her backpack.
When you travel solo, you’re still making friend on road easily, but it’s not all the time. You know a guy in dorm, you would like to accompany him but his itinerary is not appeal you, you see it wasting your time, so you decide to follow your own plan, which means, you’re alone.
Loneliness happens not only when there’s no one around you but also whenever you feel like you’re not belong to where you’re standing. Trust me, it’s not romantic at all.
You’re in deep sorrow
I’ve met many ones who choose a solo life after a shock in their life, maybe love hurts, family conflicts or have no idea what to do,… list can last forever.
Some solo traveler do a extreme trip, like the guy in the work “into the wild” did: go to alaska to achieve something he even had no idea what it was, but a strong belief.
However, the situation of human absence and being alone for too long will be likely make your sorrow more severed when your mind have nothing to do but dig deep into the pain.
My suggestion for someone’s sadness was not only to travel alone to have more time but to read good books to guide their mind through. Solo travel just gives you time of loneliness, use it wisely or it will kill you silently.
And for the last, Solo travel is not for you, if you feel so after doing once. I encourage you to live it for a time, maybe It’s my life, maybe it’s not yours.
The prologue of my Con Dao travel story covers how I manage to get onboard a ship at budget price and first glance of the beautiful Con Dao
Getting onboard
I had few days off and a plan for Con Dao. There are 2 options to get to the island: flight or boat. Airline is not a budget choice, there’s no cheap ticket at all, so it must be getting on a boat for more reasonable price.
When I got to Vung Tau, I thought that the port routing to Con Dao and HCMC was the same. I was wrong. They are two places independently, and 10 kilometer away from each other. It’s was late afternoon so I rushed to the port, in hope of the tickets were still available.
It’s not a large-scale port. On the contrary, the ticket station was very small, divided into 3 sectors: ticket booth, passenger lounge and goods transfer ticket booth. Though, I highly rate the restroom for its neatness and cleanliness.
When I asked for ticket, the ticket seller requested my ID card, which I was surprised at first. I didn’t think it must be strict like that. But it’s OK, I gave her my ID and soon she provided my the ticket, 85000vnd. Nice!
The next task, buy another ticket for my motorbike. At first, I was down when I was told that it cost 50000vnd, more than the number I’d researched before, only 30000vnd. He pushed me to bring my bike to the docking bay in hurry because it was nearly departure time.
I showed the vehicle ticket for an officer who was in charge of loading goods onboard. He said I had to pay 30000vnd for loading fee, so my bike cost total 80000vnd, mostly as same as my ticket price. The officer then used a big bottle and plastic pipe to draw fuel out and reminded me to keep the ticket to take my bike, along with fuel, also. I was regretted a bit when my bike was full fueled, it’s quite wasting.
16:30, I was embarking, just like other people. There were 2 conductor guarding the only way to the ship. They requested the boarding ticket along with ID card. There was a old man stuck with the problem that he didn’t have ID card. He insisted so much, I thought he was successful, because I saw he sitting on deck and chatting with the other later. So it seems the procedure was not completely strict.
A night on the ship
Passing the ticket gate, people were walking in queue to the basement. It was very noisy, the engine roared every time. But the cabin was very clean, I spotted no trash on the ground. There are 3 room for beds but only one room equipped seats.
I heard some one suggested hanging hammock for more comfortable night. It was perfect truth. The desk performed up-and-down while the basement make you sick with left-right-swinging, the hammock will keep you balance, which is nice if you are a seasick guy.
I seated a while, but the closed atmosphere forced me to go out for fresh air, so I staired toward deck. Wind flows welcomed me, I saw the last light of the day, a blend of orange-red and blue color, it was beautiful, simply.
On the second time, the ship was on water, not far from the shoreline, it got darker, the lamp posts were lit and city was drown in warm artificial orange light. People gathered on deck to chit-chat, enjoy windy ambience, photography, or just have dinner. The canteen offered hot soup with scallions, a boiled egg, a slice of pork bologna roll. They only sold purified drink. I think the next time I would bring some cooler beverages.
The third time I’d reached the deck, there was no one there, the city was far far away, the ship was swinging strongly with stronger winds and higher tides. It’s resting time.
I came back to my seat then, and tried to sleep. But it was not a comfort night, though my room was not air-con equipped, the cold flew from the next room. The whole night turned completely hell when I had to manage to keep body warm.
The ship was swinging continuously. Some one had seasick, I heard the sound of vomiting in the next door, then a guy had seat at the center line with some ones like his parents. They used medicated oil to ease him, which the smell even made me possibly turned to vomit as a crowd affect. It’s hard to hold on.
Having toilet in the ship was more terrified, your body remained frontward-and-backward making it extremely difficulty to do the job.
My sleeping was interrupted sometimes. When I opened my eyes, and looked at the watch, it showed 1:30, 3:30 and the last time at 5:30, I decided to go on deck to watch sunrise. It was the cloudy sky, winds blew powerfully, twilight sea. Few people there, but soon after, more ones joined.
The island finally appeared. When the sun was high and everything was clearer then it’s time to disembark. I stepped down and few minutes later, my bike was brought out of the ship. I paid loading fee (30000 vnd) and guided to the barrier station to refuel.
First glance of the island
The landscape was astonishing. Ben Dam port was a large area, covered by several islets, making it still enough to be perfectly docking. The distances from the ship disembarking location to the refuel place was around 500m. I loved that 500m, giving me a glance at how beautiful the island was.
At the barier station, I showed the vehicle ticket to a man, and he was back to the room, then brought out a big bottle of gasonline, he poured into my bike just one litter, which was enough for a journey to the town center, where I should do a full refuel.
The road was rough, some holes appeared accidentally, requiring my full attention. However, the weather was great. Sunlight on everything, green lines of tree, lamp posts with linking wires, free ride on a coastal road, where I was excited by what I see.
I stopped near a monument, where the best view on the turquoise beach and wild shorelines, somewhere mountains meeting the sea in stunning shape. That was amazing! A sense of adventurous blood run in my heart.
Many ones travel from Bangkok to enjoy a Hua Hin day trip. To be honest, among 5 destinations total, I love only one. What about you?
For my reason to book a Hua Hin day trip. Actually, I and my friend didn’t expect this until the last morning in Hua Hin. He ran into me and pushed me pack up in hurry to join the tour. Originally, a young beautiful chinese girl bought the tour online, but there’s some trouble between her and the driver providing the tour. My friend heard of the conversation and with an intentional mind, he suggested the girl share ride.
So that’s why we had a chance to visit King’s mansion, some Europe style parks and a vintage market at the end – a highlight option for those who love Europe but don’t have a chance to visit.
The tour is only the ride and costs 800 baht in total for a person. We shared ride so we paid 100 baht/ person additionally.
King’s mansion
The first destination in Hua Hin day trip is to visit King’s mansion. This is paid spot, including outdoor or indoor pass, which you can choose to wander around the garden or put your steps on King’s Stilt house.
The fee for outdoor is 30 baht and plus 30 baht if you’d like to Stilt house. You should get dress formally or be requested to wear more appropriate clothes, for me, it’s a black suit, the one usually used in funeral (we were in Thailand during King’s national funeral).
The atmosphere was quiet and green, like a park with a big tree at the center, a green wall rounded a fountain with a chair, a sight that we usually see in Western park.
There’s a Thai band playing traditional instruments with their great dexterity. However I hardly enjoy whole show because they played as if it was a rehearsal instead of a real performance.
There’s a beach rocked to view the horizontal line, sea is even so it’s quite peaceful feelings walking along the tree lines, but it’s not as excellent as Phuket An old well nearby is quite impressive with its mechanic design.
The premises was under construction, an overhaul, so you’d see beams everywhere. On the way to house entrance, we encountered a banyan tree which there were many pieces of paper look like incantations hanging on.
There’s a prohibition on camera, and you have to put your shoes into a bag and carry it whole the journey around the house. The bag was cute. I really would like to take some home as souvenirs
The house was very airy and clean. It wasn’t really impressive for young people except for the historicaholic. If you’re not interested in history pieces, or royal daily life, so the place is not for you. It’s quite boring.
Santorini park
The second place and a lovely spot of Hua Hin day trip is Santorini park. Actually, this is a commercial complex which there are many many shops inside and features tiny water playground. The ticket costs you 150 baht for only a walk around. The ambience was make very colorful, young – a kind of gorgeous western-style background.
I think this is an ideal place for photography: Using white tone, various color – most of them are bright. There are some hand painting on the wall, which is great for selfie. In Hollywood sector, you’ll see more cartoon, dracular or monkeys from movies. I love hulk most, he seems very “handsome” and muscular.
For shopping, the price is quite reasonable compared to other park in Thailand. The normal visit takes you 30 minutes, but posing and shoping may require more time.
Venezia
Venezia complex in Cha-am was modeled on Venice, Italy with all of sophisticated relief, statues and buildings. However, it’s just like other park – nice place to take pictures. No more.
In my opinion, the tourism spot is quite expensive compared to its value. The owner even splits it up into many sectors and sell tickets which the more you pay, the more places you can visit. But the cost makes us agree to just take a look, get some photos and go next.
It’s double or triple the ticket price of Santorini. Yeah, we were quite shocked when receptionist showed us the price list.
Swiss Sheep farm
To hug a sheep, you have to pay 120 baht (Adult) or 80 baht (Child) for entrance ticket. Open everyday. The ticket booth is quite fashionable, but I didn’t get it. Why designers put many not-related items on the walls?
This is an other photography option for ones who love western lifestyle or in case you truly love sheeps.
Plearnwan
I love this most – vintage style market – the final destination in Hua Hin day trip. Free entrance – so budget-friendly. All you have to do at door is open your bag and prove there’s no food/ drink inside. You can obtain a pocket guide-map at desk, offered by a local resort.
The market offer reasonable price with a lot of street food/ drink available. Vintage coffee shops are ideal for sipping a coffee. Plants are put agreeably, harmonize among one another.
The market is small complex, two levels and painted in deep brown tone, along with wooden walk and plus some pieces of old metal roofs, make it more vintage style. There’s a long couch so no worry finding places to get your legs rest. You can book a room and fully enjoy night market (until 9 PM).
In south-east asia region, many of my friends wish one time touching Europe, not only for the modern lifestyle but also gorgeous Roman buildings. After a walk around Intramuros in Manila, I came up with an idea: No need to visit Euro for old buildings because Manila is truly an amazing destination for those who love old European architecture. If you backpack Manila, why not take an old Manila walk tour and you’ll see
Fort Santiago
I bought a ticket to Fort Santiago when it was 4PM. The sunset was so beautiful, reflecting its charming on the water, through tree shades and old buildings. The ticket booth was decorated in Christmas style. It was still New year days.
The Fort was under construction, a lot of steel walls were set up, blocking your sight but creating a clear path for visit. You first see a coffee, then a souvenir shop and the visitor center at last. You can go inside and pick a free tourism map of Manila and Philipines. Nice!
After that, few steps will take you through a picnic area. A ruined building plays as a landmark, with some statues depicting the Spanish missionary men and a wall of memory.
I quickly processed through the sector, followed the path leading directly to Fort Santiago (and Rizal statue also). You’ll cross a bridge and see a pool of lily pads floating peacefully below, glowing in sunset light.
The atmosphere is very astonishing. A rocky gate welcomes you, a signboard explaining the destination history, a bronze-step line guiding you to the center. But you can choose to go along walls to take a clear seeing how good Pinoy preserve the historical sites like this.
I first chose to follow the walk on walls, there were some buildings closed, which was a bit pity. I just enjoyed the exterior while the interior remained still unknown. I really loved the ambience and how ruins were maintained perfectly, offering a credible experience.
Price is 75 php/ pax.
The Manila Cathedral – Basilica
Not too far from Santiago Fort is Manila Cathedral – an beautiful gothic-style church, which have been rebuilt for … eight times. What you see is eighth version.
I was impressed at first sight. It’s so religiously charming and somehow, sacred also. I entered through an arch gate. There was a guard but he looked like very sleepy (it’s nearly evening), so though there’s a sign telling the visitors to claim their baggage, he just yawned and gave me passing waves.
The first chamber includes a Holy Marie statue and a Christ on Cross, lit up in warm yellow. I think that the major elements make it magnificent is colorful glass window. So gorgeous, so charming, so noble and you would accept my opinion: can’t take our eyes of them for the first time.
The walls are also made of big rock blocks all so they create successfully senses of everlasting. Statues of saints like Peter are set up on a base. It’s after Christmas for days so there are still a background with Holy family representing on the hall.
I followed the side-walk to explore the rest. The ceiling is very high, Archy and lit up on column. The benches are wooden brown, smells new.
The main gates are closed so you have to enter through side gate. This is a free-entrance destination but you can donate as your will.
San Agustin Church
The third place I suggest you to visit in Old Manila walk tour is San Augustin church. It is a Roman Catholic church located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila. When I reached it at 10 AM, it’s not quite crowded. The entrance fee is 200 PHP. There’s no guide map issued at the entrance so you’d better take a photo of maps in the walls. Just look up!
The ground floor is dedicated to exhibit the history of St Augustin missionaries while the upper one is to showcase the relics and other works generated once upon the time.
Here you see and very enjoy not only the Roman architecture but also the historical ambiance from rooms to rooms, along corridors and in main chamber.
The first room you encounter is installed a big ship at the center and walled with beautiful paintings. They tell the story of how Christ messages coming to Philippines. The room also features a movie corner where you can have a seat and watch documentaries. Quite useful and you can relax yourself in a dark air-conditioned atmosphere.
I do love the paintings on the walls, they are so historical and fantastic. You can have more materials to live in Catholic history for a while, especially the St Augustin friars lives.
There’s a garden at the center of the church, where a fountain continuously flows night and day, make it a bit noise intentionally. Indeed, friars use this place to communicate with God. I felt very peaceful there, really nice for a relaxation after a long walk around ground floor.
There’s a room displaying the statues made of woods and ivory. They are very delicate. Most of bodies are made of wood while hands and heads are crafted from ivory. Really impressive!
To get upper floor, you’ll step on stairs made of big rock blocks shipped from China, with some paintings depicting friar executions during their mission spreading God message in Philippines.
Once visiting the church, don’t forget to enjoy the ceiling because they are very worthy a look. The most beautiful is in main chamber, you can also see others in the stair to upper floor.
This floor is mainly to showcase the artifacts or relics collected in missionary journey from China, Europe to Philippines. It suggests the science aspects in church world, featuring Mendel and other priest doing science.
The sense of harmony between religion and science make me feel that, instead of fighting against each other, the two factions can have an agreement.
There’s a large garden at the back of the church. However there’s nothing significant to see.
First time to Chiang Mai and wanna check in Doi Inthanon at best price. My Doi Inthanon budget travel guide will hopefully help you well.
There are two Doi (mountain) nearby Chiang Mai, which is ideal for people loving trekking or nature-oriental mind. They are Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep. While the later is quite close by, the former locates 100 km far from Chiang Mai.
Doi Inthanon is a complex of 482 km square and 2565m in height, known as “the roof of Thailand” – the summit is the highest spot in pagoda country and “the tail” of Everest mountain, so it’s worth a visit.
This is a large area, so you’re likely not to cover whole the place in one day. 2-day trip is advised.
Travel to Doi Inthanon
There’s no direct bus to Doi Inthanon, so you have to choose one of four popular ways: 1. Rent a motorscooter for 200 baht/ day 2. Rent a sedan for 800 baht day (you’ll drive yourself) 3. Rent a songthaew that you have to bargain for the best price (usually 1500-2000 baht/ day trip) 4. Take songthaew to Chom Thong, then find another one routing to Doi Inthanon headquarters, which is the most challenging options, but budget-friendly. I chose this one, with a bit change.
Starting point from Chiang Mai, I located yellow songthaews at the southern gates. You should just speak “Doi Inthanon” loud (don’t speak anything else because few drivers can speak English, don’t confuse them). If they nod, then ask “how much”, they won’t say anything but collect money to show you how much you have to pay for the ride. For me, it’s 40 baht.
The ride will take you 3-4 hours, depending on how many times the driver collects passengers. The less he does, the more quickly you get to Chom Thong. You’ll see a T-junction heading toward Doi Inthanon, but remember do not jump off the songthaew, the driver will get you to the bus station, which you’re finding songthaew for Doi Inthanon more easily.
While I was asking for any songthaew to Doi Inthanon, kinds of hop-on-hop-off. Then I found a yellow pick-up running tourism package mode, which means they will offer you typical routes and destinations and price.
The more destinations you go, the more you have to pay. My Thai friends initially pay 1300 baht/ trip to 3 places and it’s only 200 baht charging me as addition.
Note: If you’d like to know more details about the vehicle taking us to the peak then: It’s a yellow songthaew, number 39, and the driver is a man forty-something, dark skin and short hair with a gentle smile. He parks his car right at the station in front of the central Wat (Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan).
When should we visit Doi Inthanon
In theory, we can travel to Doi Inthanon whenever we’d like to. However, if you’re looking for some true experience and better weather, then knowing which months are the best for your planning is valuable.
There are 3 period: – Dry season (December to April): Your trekking will be more safe and hardly cancelled because of the weather condition. – Rain season (May to November): dozen of rains make it ideal to watch waterfall in their full power and beauty. – Bird season (March to May): Various flocks of birds parade over the national park, your chance to meet and photograph them is high.
Get around
Map of Doi Inthanon National Park. Via chiangmai-chiangrai.com
You’ll see many places to visit in the map above. Let’s pick up something typical: 1. Wachirathan waterfall: a tall waterfall with high humidity. 2. Doi Inthanon summit: Cool breeze and a beautiful ancient wooden walk 3. Twin pagodas: Colorful pagodas with nice view spots and beautiful garden 4. Agricultural education center: A culture learner will love this place: living inside tribes, drinking traditional coffee, studying how King Rama VII – Bhumibol Adulyadej – help his people getting rid of drug farming.
First, you have to pay at Doi Inthanon #1 checkpoint, 50 baht for the local adult (Child for 20 baht) and 300 baht for foreigners (150 baht for kid). If you ride a car, it will be charged 30 baht, a motorscooter for 20 baht and bicycle for 10 baht.
Note: So my experience shows that if you’re an asian, South-east asian is far more better, and enable to speak Thai, or with a Thai friend’s help, you will easily get local tickets. But, this is black-hat method, so it’s not encouraged.
My tour including 3 spots: Wachirathan waterfall, Doi Inthanon summit and Twin pagodas. Most of them are free entrance. The only paid destinations is Twin pagodas, which costs you 40 baht/ person.
Stay in Doi Inthanon and nearby area
It seems there’s few dorm/ hostel options, so you’re likely stay in hotel in Chom Thong, which is quite costly. My choice at first was to sleep overnight at Doi Inthanon camp site. A tent for 250 baht/ night, night-share will only cost you 50 baht. You can also use your own tent, price is around 50 baht.
Other than that, the food is reasonable, so spend on tasty roasted pork, sweet potatoes or buy some souvenirs is advised. You’ll love the way produce are displayed. They look colorful, fresh and cute.
Travel from kota kinabalu to brunei by ferry is really awesome experience, and you can avoid most of annoying of bus route because of many custom borders between Borneo Malay and Brunei to reach the BSB.
Ferry Kota Kinabalu – Muara, Brunei
First, you buy ticket at Jesselton port, the ticket booth opens from 7AM to 4PM and the combo ticket from KK to Muara is 60 RM, you’ll also pay 3.8 RM as terminal tax in KK and another 5 RM at Labuan. So totally you spend 6.88 RM to travel from KK to Muara (Brunei).
You’re request to check-in 30′ before departure. So keep yourself in time. If you’re not sure about the schedule and what ship to board, kindly ask the officers, maybe they wear normal clothes, not a kind of uniform, but still bring a radio at bell.
The ferry is quite fast. It took me 3.5 hours from KK to Labuan (8AM-11.30AM) and 2 hour from Labuan to Muara (1.30PM-3:30PM) . Some people said that they arrived in Brunei port at 4PM, I think that it’s just in stormy day or rough sea. The better weather is, the more quickly you get to Muara.
When boarding, you have to show the conductor your ticket and passport also. When you’re boading in Labuan, you’re departing out of Malaysia, so it takes a little custom procedure.
When onboard, you receive a custom to fill in very basic information to summit custom officer. 5′ done! The officer will take the coupon and let you keep the rest, hold it carefully because it maybe in need when getting out of the country.
Though I read that you have to prove any evidence (flight tickets) of leaving Brunei then. But in my experience, they are not likely to ask. It’s so easy to get into Brunei.
Another important information is if you hold Israelis passport or have your passport Israelis stamped then you’re not eligible to receive visa. I didn’t have that chance, you can confirm, please do in comments below.
Ferry experience
Life vests are availably put under each seats so it looks professional and safe. The TV plays some films for entertainment. I saw a real-based movie “Eddie the eagle” to kill time, it includes English subtitle so no worries if you can’t read local language. Other travelers choose to put on earphone and enjoy their music world.
It’s very loud onboard, mostly from engine. My luck was bad because there was even a baby crying. So you’re advised to use earphone for more comfortable. I was listening to music while watching films and it seemed perfect.
The ferry (actually it’s a hydrofoil) is very steady. You just feel it dizzy a bit, so somehow people with seasickness can conquer it easily.
Because there’s no cabinet onboard so there are areas right at stair for your belongings if you mind. I don’t know whether the seat back is able to curve, so you’d better try with your seat for more comfortable (if any).
The crew will serve some food and drink after departure 15′, the price is a bit higher in land and they only do it once.
The toilet is quite clean, but going toilet in a swinging situation is likely to be very challenging. So you can do it at dock, more relaxing.
