The mobile phone rang one evening. The voice of a senior on the other end of the line spoke briefly, saying:
"Young man, are you going to take photos in Hua Hin? Would you like to go together?"
The answer is not difficult to guess: "Go". Even though it was raining heavily in Bangkok that evening, I wondered if it would rain in Hua Hin this weekend. But it didn't matter, because my heart had already traveled there.
Hua Hin: A Timeless Seaside Escape
Hua Hin, a coastal haven in Thailand, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, adapting to the evolving preferences of its diverse visitors. From young children to seasoned adults and international tourists, Hua Hin caters to all demographics with its plethora of modern amenities, rivaling even the bustling metropolis of Bangkok.
Despite its modernization, Hua Hin retains its quintessential charm as a seaside resort town. The gentle sea breeze, the abundance of picturesque rock formations, and the invigorating atmosphere have captivated generations, from grandparents to the tech-savvy Gen Z, who flock to Hua Hin for a myriad of reasons.
In this instance, the provided text is already in English. Therefore, no translation is required.
However, I can offer a revised version of the text in a more formal academic style, while maintaining the original meaning and context:
My recent visit to Hua Hin was a serendipitous experience, driven by a whimsical impulse. Despite its reputation as a bustling tourist destination, I discovered pockets of timelessness, where the atmosphere evoked a nostalgic charm reminiscent of bygone eras. It was as if I had stepped into a time machine, transported back decades into the past.
A short distance from the Cicada Market, after turning into Soi Hua Hin 23, I came across "Vorabura Hua Hin Resort & Spa," where I had arranged to meet a senior colleague for a photoshoot. How can I describe it? Well, the scene before me was like stepping back in time to the reign of King Rama V. The colonial-style architecture was everywhere. Some people call this style "Western buildings" with a significant Thai influence.
Immersed in the pleasant ambiance, I was unexpectedly greeted with a courteous "Please take a seat in the lobby...sir." I was taken aback (haha). Not out of fear, but rather amusement at hearing such archaic language in this day and age. I followed suit and entered the lobby. At the front desk, the young ladies greeted me with a melodious "Hello, what name is your reservation under...madam?" Wow! Both the men and women spoke in a bygone era style. It then dawned on me that this must be part of the concept of Wora Bura, which aims to transport guests back to the mid-Rattanakosin era...a 5D experience encompassing sight, taste, smell, sound, and touch.
While waiting to check in, I couldn't resist exploring the lobby. The atmosphere was infused with the spirit of the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The dark oak sofas, tables, and chairs perfectly captured the era. The pillars were adorned with images of the king's achievements, offering a glimpse into history.
"Mr. Chalermchai, your room is in Nonthaburi...Ma'am," the receptionist said politely, handing him the key card and a refreshing glass of chilled tamarind juice. I believe that good service is the key to a pleasant stay anywhere in the world. This is why tourists from all over the world keep coming back to Thailand. And, of course, Worabura is one of them.
The journey from Bangkok to the outskirts of the city on Rama II Road towards Pak Tho was arduous, especially during the heavy afternoon rain. By the time I arrived at the Voraburi resort, it was already dark, leaving me with little time to explore beyond the lobby (the photos I've included were taken the next morning). Despite the late hour, the staff member who escorted me to my room remained cheerful and energetic. During the walk, she explained that the resort has a total of 77 rooms, each named after a province in Thailand, with one exception: the 77th room is named after the Hua Hin district. As if anticipating my next question, she continued, "…Voraburi has been open for 11 years, and at the time, Bueng Kan was not yet the 77th province. Therefore, the resort only had 76 rooms." This explanation cleared my initial confusion. However, I remained curious about why I was assigned the Nonthaburi room, almost as if they knew I lived in Nonthaburi. With a slight smile, the staff member simply replied, "…Indeed."
Upon inserting the card into the wall panel, the room's lighting system activated, illuminating the space. The ambiance was incredibly inviting, with a spacious and airy layout. The bed was plush and comfortable, and the sturdy wooden floorboards emitted no creaking sounds, unlike some other accommodations I've encountered (despite my best efforts to tiptoe). The bathroom was generously sized, featuring a bathtub with a window that allowed for simultaneous bathing and television viewing from the bedroom. As I continued describing the room's amenities, I began to feel thirsty. After consuming both bottles of water provided in the room, I was pleasantly surprised to learn from the staff that complimentary water was available 24/7.
The complimentary bottled water was a pleasant surprise, demonstrating the hotel's attentiveness to guest needs. Unlike most hotels in Thailand, which typically limit bottled water to two bottles per day and charge for additional bottles, this hotel provided unlimited complimentary water. Another unique feature was the "local specialty" gift in each room, representing one of the 77 provinces in Thailand. In the case of Nonthaburi, the local specialty was pottery from Koh Kret. While I was tempted to visit every room to see the different gifts, it was late and I decided to rest for the night.
A Luxurious Beachfront Escape at Warapura
This five-star Warapura resort boasts a stunning beachfront location, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the nearby Khao Takiab mountain. Early mornings are particularly romantic, as the sun rises over the mountain, casting a warm glow on the surrounding landscape.
For those seeking a spiritual experience, Warapura offers a unique opportunity to participate in a traditional alms-giving ceremony every Sunday. Guests can receive a prepared set of offerings and witness the arrival of monks by the sea, creating a truly serene and memorable experience.
While the weather during my visit was slightly overcast due to the transition from the rainy to the cool season, the resort's "Chulalongkorn" breakfast room provided a bright and welcoming start to the day. Open from 6:30 am to 10:30 am, this impressive buffet offers a wide selection of both Thai and Western cuisine, including award-winning pasta dishes. Japanese food enthusiasts can indulge in a variety of sushi and rice bowls, while local favorites like freshly fried "pathongko" (deep-fried dough sticks) and hot soybean milk are also available. For those who prefer a heartier breakfast, a noodle station is ready to satisfy your cravings.
The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor area boasts a beautiful English-style garden, complete with a large central fountain, creating a serene and lush atmosphere. After breakfast, guests can climb the stairs to the upper level for a bird's-eye view of the garden, transporting them back in time to a bygone era. Such gardens are rare to find in modern Hua Hin.
Upon closer inspection, one can notice the unique "kite" tiles used on the building's roof. These tiles are arranged diagonally, creating a beautiful, colonial-style pattern. The building itself is only three stories high to avoid obstructing the scenic views of the surrounding sea and trees. While there is no elevator due to the limited height, guests needn't worry about carrying their luggage and belongings, as the friendly staff is available 24 hours a day.
Okay, here is the translation of the text you provided:
Despite its vintage appearance, the amenities here are top-notch. I informed my senior companion that I had changed my mind about taking photos elsewhere and would instead prefer to leisurely explore Worabura. After completing our business, we will check out together.
In simple terms, I requested to explore the hotel to make up for my late arrival the previous night. This colonial-style accommodation is rare in Hua Hin, as most modern hotels now adopt modern, minimalist, loft, Mediterranean, or other styles. Therefore, if you have time, it's worth staying here and exploring like I did. You can walk around and enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel or relax by the pool overlooking the sea. The atmosphere is quite pleasant. Bicycles are also available for free, and there's a small but well-equipped fitness room suitable for light exercise and relaxation. This room is located on the same side as the spa, which offers a wide range of packages to choose from. Families with children can visit the playroom, which is filled with toys. For those seeking solitude and quiet, there's a library with desktop computers available.
The rumbling in my stomach signaled another round of hunger pangs. I inquired from the staff where I could grab lunch. "The Raksa Talay Restaurant, by the sea…your ladyship," came the courteous reply. Honestly, I felt like asking them every question just to hear them say "…your ladyship…" repeatedly. It made me feel like a lord (haha). But before reaching my destination, my eyes were drawn to three houses near the sea. Technically, they're called villas, but I prefer to call them houses because it sounds more fitting.
The first house or villa is "Bangkok", the largest room in Worabura. The unique feature is still the good things of the province, which is the swing pole. Inside, there are 2 bedrooms and a living room, suitable for large families. It's very comfortable to stay. There is also an outdoor jacuzzi for stargazing at night. Next, head south to "Phuket", a villa decorated in Sino-Portuguese style. The interior is painted in blue, like relaxing by the sea. It is fully equipped with amenities and has a small mini-bar for parties.
The final section, the "Chiang Mai" suite, is ideal for honeymooners. In addition to its full Lanna-style design, this villa is the closest to the sea. It also features a luxurious jacuzzi that faces the ocean, offering stunning views throughout the day, from morning to evening.
For those seeking a seaside ambiance, villa accommodations are highly recommended. Alternatively, the building offers a variety of room types, including spacious suites, comfortable deluxe rooms, and compact yet cozy superior rooms, all of which provide a home-away-from-home experience. Choose the option that best suits your preferences and prepare for a delightful stay.
The long-awaited journey finally led to "Ruk Talay Restaurant," aptly named for its stunning beachfront location. The restaurant boasts both indoor and outdoor seating, catering to every preference. For those seeking a truly unforgettable dining experience, an evening meal is highly recommended. Imagine savoring a delicious dinner while the gentle waves lap against the shore, the twinkling stars illuminate the night sky, and the distant fishing boats paint the horizon with their colorful lights.
A Taste of History: The R.S. 126 Crab Rangoon
Lost in contemplation, I was startled by the arrival of the menu and the gentle inquiry of the server, "What would you like to order, madam?" It was then that I realized the pangs of hunger gnawing at my stomach. (Laughter) My eyes were immediately drawn to the intriguing name "R.S. 126 Crab Rangoon." This, I discovered, was a reference to the year 1873, when King Rama V, also known as King Chulalongkorn, embarked on his historic journey to Europe. In the Gregorian calendar, R.S. 126 corresponds to 1907. With such a captivating backstory, how could I resist?
And resist I did not. The golden-hued crab rangoon arrived, looking every bit as enticing as its name suggested. The exterior was perfectly crisp, giving way to a generous filling of fresh crab meat. I highly recommend savoring the original flavor before dipping it in the accompanying sauce. Only then will you truly appreciate the exquisite taste of the R.S. 126 Crab Rangoon.
In the next menu, the students proudly presented "Tiger prawns with tamarind sauce". This dish was a visual masterpiece from the first glance. The fresh, perfectly sized prawns were coated in a mouthwatering tamarind sauce. The sauce was applied with such artistry that it resembled a work of art. I must commend the food stylist for their exceptional work. The dish was not only visually stunning, but it also tasted incredible. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the prawns were cooked to perfection. This dish was a true culinary delight.
This time, the younger sibling has prepared a generous set, including "ancient sea bass," which is not only satisfyingly large but also comes with a complete set of toppings. The fragrant aroma of Thai herbs fills the air, and everything is perfectly infused with the rich flavors. Glancing to the side of the table, I see a light smoke and a delicious aroma wafting in the air. That is the "crispy seafood yen ta fo hot pot." This is a different experience. We usually order tom yum to enjoy by the sea, but this time we have yen ta fo instead. All the vegetables are deep-fried and ready to be added to the hot pot. The taste is extraordinary… Oh, by the way, if you have a preference for any particular vegetable, just let the chef know, and they will prepare it for you right away.
Although I was already full, the children insisted that I try their signature dish, "Seafood Pad Thai Hua Hin." With its fresh, high-quality ingredients, including perfectly sized shrimp and mussels, and its beautifully decorated crispy egg with a traditional grid pattern, this dish was a culinary masterpiece. However, I couldn't resist taking a walk along the beach to digest my meal. As I strolled, I noticed a tempting dish at a nearby table. "Grilled beef with spicy dipping sauce," they replied. Despite not being a beef eater, I couldn't help but inquire about the flavor. "The beef is perfectly tender, and you can choose your preferred level of doneness. The spicy dipping sauce is also incredibly flavorful," they responded. Their description made me envious, so I snapped a picture to tease my taste buds. (Haha)
One of the unique features of Hua Hin beach is the presence of horses. As one galloped past me, I took the opportunity to ask the owner's permission to pet it. This encounter made me reflect on the interesting association between horses and Hua Hin. In the past, with limited water activities, leisurely walks along the beach were the main attraction. As fatigue set in, these majestic horses offered a welcome respite. Looking back at old photographs, it's evident that many young couples rode horses and posed for pictures at the heavenly Hua Hin beach.
This trip to Worabura was a rather spontaneous one, but it was an incredibly memorable experience. As I mentioned, it felt like stepping back in time to the Rattanakosin era. The abundance of colonial-style charm is truly hard to find amidst the modern landscape of Hua Hin. I must express my gratitude for the serendipity that led me to this place, further reinforcing the notion that every journey, even to familiar destinations, brings with it a fresh perspective and new emotions.
Like a time machine called Worabura--we'll meet again for sure...I assure you.
Warapura Hua Hin Resort & Spa
Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province
Head towards Khao Takiab, reaching Cicada Market.
Turn into Soi Hua Hin 23 for approximately 300 meters, arriving at Worabura.
Tel : 032 – 655 - 333
Website : www.worabura.com
Facebook : WoraBuraHuaHinResortandSpa
Note: This event offers a special promotion: "30% discount on room rates with breakfast included, off the regular price."
Book online at www.worabura.com using Promo Code: FANPANTAE14
**Booking period: December 8 - 31, 2016. Stay period: December 8, 2016 - February 28, 2017.**
Don't hesitate, let's get started!
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