' Tired of studying, bored with exams, want to go out and have fun.


It's summer vacation, why don't I have time to move anywhere?

Life is too fast, I can't take it anymore.





After this idea came up, we messaged our close senior that

We want to take a train ride, enjoy the breeze, and relax. Would you like to join us? He immediately agreed (I was a little surprised, why did he agree so easily?).

After the exam, I honestly didn't think about it at all (I'm really sorry TT)

All I could think about was sleeping in and lazing around in bed, as someone who hadn't slept properly in several nights.

It turns out that he sent a message with a link to a Pantip thread, and I completely forgot about it.

I can't refuse, I was the one who invited him. At ten o'clock that night, the two of us agreed that



.... will go to be a beautiful woman of Photharam for one day ....



++ July 17, 2015 ++
We met at 9 am at Hua Lamphong Railway Station.
To take the Bangkok-Hua Hin train at 9.20 am, arriving in Ratchaburi at 11.23 am.



Today is quite crowded because Chiang Mai University is having a freshman orientation train.

We're almost tempted to change our destination to Chiang Mai.

Well, each freshman has a fresh face and a young age that is so captivating.



When we went inside, we chose an empty ticket booth and spoke confidently.

Go to Photharam. The result is to go to channel 12, sister.

Uh, how do I divide the channels? I don't know yet.

The two of us walked to the counter that the staff told us. This time we got the train tickets we wanted. Yay!!



Here's the picture. When I was at Hua Lamphong, I didn't take many pictures because I was in a hurry to eat and was afraid of missing the train.



This is the train we're going to take.

But !! What to do next? Where to look to see which platform to go to?
The two of us tried to look, but we couldn't figure it out, so we asked the staff.
(Actually, we like to do everything ourselves, we don't like to ask, but we have a history of taking our friends off the train.
We got on the wrong train, so we didn't want to risk it.) Platform seven over there, he pointed it out to us.

Upon entering, we found the Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep students about to board the train for the first orientation of the Boorachart Camp in Ratchaburi Province.


Get on the same train as us.



On our way, we bumped into a senior from our university club.

They were shocked that we went together because we are quite awkward.

The older sibling who came along is the same, maybe even worse (555)

We were bombarded with questions out of concern.

At that moment, we realized that we were unprepared.

If we miss the train, we don't know where the van is or what time it leaves. We don't know where to go.

(We haven't read the pinned threads yet, and we haven't looked for a map.)

We only know that we are going to Photharam. Isn't that enough?

Before we parted ways, my clubmates suggested that we visit Hua Hin instead.

There is nothing to visit in Photharam.





The wait is over.



.. The sound of the Bangkok-Hua Hin train arriving at the platform ..

True to its reputation, we arrived late. We and my brother hurried to find a seat, feeling excited.







++ 9:53 a.m. The train departs from Hua Lamphong Station ++



In the passenger compartment, every seat was occupied. We sat in a group of four. Opposite us were an uncle from Ratchaburi and an engineering student from Silpakorn University.

On the way, the uncle talked to us. When he found out that we were going to Photharam, he was surprised and asked why we were going there, as there were no tourist attractions there.

Wouldn't it be better to go to Hua Hin? My uncle said the same thing as the guy at the club. At that time, our doubts multiplied tenfold.

What's wrong with Photharam? If it's not good, why are there so many reviews on Pantip?

Our hearts yearn to reach Bodh Gaya soon. We long to see it with our own eyes.

But it's impossible. Slow life on the train next time, okay?



The atmosphere on the train





Still, still, still haven't stopped obsessing over the tickets yet.



Everyone has different hobbies. Some people like to sleep, some like to listen to music. I think I like the feeling of being on a train.


It brings friends closer, lovers closer, the eyes of parents looking at their children, all the things you don't see in other types of travel.



As for us, we read books and looked at the view. I don't know why reading books on the train makes me feel more immersed than reading in a square room.



The scenery outside the window was beautiful, but the air inside the train was quite stuffy. There was no wind at all on the day I went.



When we were bored, my brother and I went for a walk in another bogey to stretch our legs.



A must-have is taking photos, taking turns taking photos. I really didn't mean it (really?)



As we arrived at Ban Pong, my brother and I started preparing. We checked the map, our belongings, and collected any trash.


Can't seem to sit still, just chatting away. Should we rent bikes? Let's check the reviews again to be sure. Where's the van stop?

As we started to worry, we looked at each other. We're here to relax, so why worry about it beforehand?

And just like that, the atmosphere was lively again as usual (:

12:30 PM: Train Arrives at Photharam Station, Ratchaburi Province

After a roughly 2.5-hour train ride, we finally arrived in Ratchaburi, the province with the motto: "Beautiful women of Photharam, the most beautiful are the two of us" (just kidding).

The actual motto is:

"Beautiful women of Photharam, beautiful women of Ban Pong, City of dragon jars, Wat Khanon shadow puppets, Exciting beautiful caves, Damnoen Saduak floating market, Delightful millions of bats, Yeesarn area, good fish."

As I got off, the train I was on hadn't left yet. It was waiting for another train to pass first.





The two trains have passed each other.



Having come this far, how could we miss taking a picture with the sign? We had to do it. It's a pity there were only two of us.



Taking a selfie wouldn't work, we had to take turns taking pictures, so we don't have any couple photos.



The atmosphere inside the station is clean, comfortable, and inviting.



Inside the station, there is a map of Photharam city, recommending places to eat and visit. I looked at the map before arriving.


I thought each place was far apart, but when I actually came here, everything was connected. You can easily walk around.





The weather on the day I went, I thought at first that when I got off the train, the sun would be shining brightly and the blue clouds would be floating beautifully.

But in reality, that day was very cloudy. The sky was dark from afar. I was worried if it would rain or not.

It was difficult to take pictures because there was no light, but the advantage was that it was fun to walk and not hot.

++ Wat Photharam ++

This is the first place we will visit. The first reason is that this temple is very close to the train station.
We took the train and saw it. It's a two-minute walk, so you won't get lost.
Another reason is for good luck (we named our trip "May the Buddha Protect Us", haha)

As you can see from the picture, it is very close to the railway.





Inside the temple, it was very peaceful. There was no one there except the two of us. After we had prayed, paid our respects to the Buddha, and made our wishes,


After we finished, we walked around for a while, but soon our hunger took over. Let's go find something to eat.





The train tracks we entered were behind the temple. This time, the two of us walked out in front of the temple.

Since there's a market in front of the temple, let's go find something to eat at the fresh market.



On the way, I felt that there were not many people here, maybe because today is Friday, working hours.



The clock tower stands tall and majestic.





I ordered suki soup for lunch, but I got suki dry. But it doesn't matter, I'll eat anything now.





After we finished eating, of course, we were not full. So we decided to go to



++ Black Tofu Shop, Mae Lek, the first in Photharam ++



The shop is located on Ratchadaphisek Road. We have turned on GPS, so you can follow it (actually, it's not necessary).


Entering the alley, you will see a prominent yellow sign. You've come to the right place!



This is black tofu, it smells so good. This tofu can be boiled with five-spice water, the smell is just right.



The shop also offers tastings. The first bite was delicious, soft and smooth. I'm not usually a fan of tofu, but I really enjoyed it.



The kind-hearted aunt who was selling invited me to chat. At the same time, a man on a bicycle came to visit this place as well.


He said that this morning he went to Wat Khanon and saw the Nang Yai performance, which was very beautiful. He then suggested that if we wanted to sit in a coffee shop,

There are Do Nom shops and Kan Lanan shops in that area.



We bought one and shared it because we thought we would go out and eat more.



Eat while walking



The Guan Yu Shrine is located in the same alley as the black tofu shop, but we didn't go in. We were unsure whether it was a Chinese house or a shrine.


We both concluded that it was a house.



A kitten in front of the shrine

After our stomachs were satisfied, we felt like taking a leisurely stroll.
So we walked aimlessly, quietly soaking in the atmosphere.



Translation:



Most of the houses here are made of wood, giving it a classic feel.



I feel like my walking pace is getting slower and slower.



The road is not very busy, with only a few cars appearing every now and then. It is very peaceful.







I don't know how we walked, but we came across a Do Milk shop.



In front of the shop



Let's see (they do) milk for real.



The seats inside the shop are available in chair and other types. Please see the picture for reference.



Translation:



The chairs behind the shop have a small garden where you can sit. The bathroom here is also clean.



Sleep comfortably. Choose your favorite seat.



This corner is right in front of the shop. Now, I'm starting to fall in love with Photharam too.





We chose the milk menu, so we came to this milk shop. But we think it's just okay, nothing special. We'll try other menus next time.



We've been at this shop for a long time, we didn't even realize it. We just let time slip away. Slow Life to the max. The shop is...


The sound of a small waterfall in the shop, like a break from a tiring walk.

The atmosphere is just like in the picture, making you want to just sit still and not go anywhere.

I forgot to mention that there are also free walking maps of Photharam available here.

++ Wat Sai Arirak Temple ++
Is the next destination

Walking together, we can go further, with many stories to tell each other.



Translation:



They stop to look at everything, take pictures, as if time has no meaning here.



Across from the temple, a group of young grandfathers from forty years ago were playing checkers. It looked like fun.


There are many bands too. Watching the grandfathers argue, the grandchildren couldn't help but smile.



The temple wall This temple is believed to be an ancient temple dating back to the late Ayutthaya period.



It is said that this temple was a Mon community in the past.





The front of the temple is a dam on the Mae Klong River.



We walked down to the bottom, which is right next to the river. The sky is very dark now. I'm afraid it's going to rain.



It's very gloomy. The weather isn't cooperating much.



Now there are many insects flying into my face and eyes.



Get closer to nature than ever before.



As we walk along the river, we will return to the starting point, the clock tower.



Seen from afar



Take a picture as a souvenir.



There is a fitness field in front of the clock tower.



In the evening, there will probably be a lot of people out running. The view is also good, with a view of the river.


I'm starting to envy the people of Photharam.

The last stop today is De Pain.
We're waiting for the train at this shop because it's very close to the station.
We can hear the sound of the train's bell and announcement.

Almost walked past the shop, was enjoying the view.



The first thing that came to mind when I walked in was that the shop was decorated very cutely.



The seats can accommodate a lot of people, but when we went there were no people.



Every item on the menu looks so delicious.



We ordered a banana crepe to share.





I didn't expect much at first, but when I took the first bite, it was delicious. The cream was overflowing and it was so good.



After the first menu was sold out quickly, we continued with the toast. At first, I was going to order one slice, but the shop sells them in pairs.



We ordered Ovaltine and strawberry jam toast. It was delicious, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. There were a lot of toppings.





Around four o'clock, we went out to wait for the same train at Photharam Station.

To get on the train line



++ Bangkok-Hua Hin Round 16.20 hrs. Arrive Bangkok 19.00 hrs. ++



Translation:



The train arrived at almost five in the evening, and we went up to reserve our seats as usual.

But this time the train was much emptier than on the way there, so I had the chance to enjoy the view and let the wind blow through my hair.



I didn't take many pictures, I just held my phone. I wanted to keep this image in my own eyes more than anything else. Haha (What kind of mood?)



The journey has come to an end. Some people might see this trip as a food trip (we agree).


However, we gained a lot from this trip. It might be because of the fast-paced life we face every day.

We fell in love with the slow life here, it's like we've regained our inner strength. (:



Translation:



.. Every place is beautiful in its own way, even if someone says there's nothing there.

But it is precisely this nothingness that is the charm that attracts people to come and experience it.

For example, Photharam, a city that everyone asks what Photharam has...




The first travel review is over. Yay! Feel free to comment.

Listen to all opinions (^^)



Summary of expenses



Translation:



0 Baht Train

Dry suki 30 baht

Black tofu 20 baht

Milk shake 40 baht

Banana crepe 99 baht (/2)

Bread 1 pair 35 baht (/2)



Total: 153 Baht

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