When solitude sparks introspection: A solo journey to Hua Hin

When we find ourselves alone, lost in the depths of our own thoughts, a unique opportunity arises for introspection and self-discovery. This introspective state often leads to a yearning for escape, a desire to break free from the confines of our solitude. For me, this yearning manifests in the form of travel, and this time, Hua Hin emerged as the perfect destination for a solo journey.

While I have visited Hua Hin on numerous occasions, my previous trips were primarily focused on popular tourist attractions like The Cicada Market, Wat Huay Mongkol, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin Sam Phan Nam Floating Market, Plearnwan, Rajabhakti Park, Rerik Hua Hin, Venezia, Suan Son Pradipat, and many others. These excursions, while enjoyable, were largely confined to the convenience of my car, limiting my exploration to predetermined locations. This time, however, I opted for a different approach, embracing the comfort and security of Thailand's State Railway. This decision not only provided a convenient and safe mode of transportation but also allowed me to embark on a solo adventure, a familiar yet liberating experience.

This time, I traveled on the express train number 171, departing from Bang Sue Junction Station at 13:33 and arriving at Hua Hin Railway Station at approximately 17:14 (according to the ticket). The seat class was 2nd class fan, with a ticket price of 150 baht. I obtained travel information from the website of the State Railway of Thailand, which is easy to search and allows you to specify your destination and travel date. The price is also reasonable.

While waiting for the journey, I gained some weight with a popular menu, minced pork with basil leaves served with rice and a bottle of cold water. Note: No fried egg or omelet. I don't really like eggs. For the taste of this dish, it's a pass. Not because I'm hungry, but it's really delicious. I ate rice while enjoying the view at the intersection near the MRT entrance. It's a different atmosphere. Oh!! The total price for this meal is 55 baht.

And so, the journey with the State Railway of Thailand began, filled with new experiences. The carriage we boarded was almost full, as it was the train heading to the southernmost point, Sungai Kolok. There were many foreign passengers, both Asian and European, including Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.

While traveling through Ratchaburi province, I came across a vendor selling Ratchaburi noodles for 10 baht per box. I decided to try two boxes to see what they tasted like. The noodles were thin and dry, topped with two pieces of fish balls and fish cake sliced crosswise. They were sprinkled with chili, ground peanuts, and sugar. The flavors blended well together.

After a comfortable four-hour journey, I arrived at Hua Hin Railway Station. As I mentioned earlier, the trip was convenient and stress-free, with plenty of fellow passengers to keep me company.

While traveling, I searched for accommodation options through Booking.com, a service I frequently use. Booking.com offers a convenient search function, detailed room reviews, and affordable prices. It allows for spontaneous bookings, enabling you to find and check into a room immediately if it's available. The hotel I stayed at, located behind the train station, was called Huahin Euro City Hotel. It offered a bunk bed in a shared male dormitory with a fan and shared bathroom for 199 baht per night. On the day of my stay, I was the only guest in the entire room, making for a comfortable experience. (Note: A 200 baht key deposit is required, which is refundable upon check-out.)

After checking in at the hotel, I went for a walk to enjoy the breeze at .. Hua Hin Beach ... I bought some props to take pictures. The weather was cool and comfortable because I went for a walk around 6 pm until almost 7 pm. The white sand and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore were very relaxing.

Most visitors are young people who stay until the evening. Horseback riding is available on the beach, but I don't have information on the price. Please inquire directly. The beach has signs displaying the prices of food, such as 45 baht for papaya salad with salted crab and 150 baht for papaya salad with horse crab. This allows customers to know the prices in advance and ensures transparency in the pricing of food vendors.

Upon returning, I noticed a noodle shop near the intersection close to the entrance of my accommodation. I decided to try a bowl of noodles for 30 baht, which was quite affordable. The vegetables were unlimited, and although the broth was plain, I could add condiments to enhance the flavor.

After freshening up, we headed to our next destination: the bustling Hua Hin Night Market. The market is a culinary paradise, offering a wide variety of seafood options, including large prawns, squid, and other marine delicacies. Choosing what to eat can be overwhelming, but I recommend starting with a visit to the famous Auntie Ni's ice cream shop. This popular spot has been featured on numerous pages and is known for its long queues. During my visit, I joined the line and ordered a two-scoop rum raisin and one-scoop coconut ice cream with caramelized bananas and sweet potatoes for only 30 baht. The ice cream was delicious, not overly sweet or rich, and paired perfectly with the caramelized toppings. I highly recommend trying it if you visit the market.

Continuing our exploration of the bustling night market, we stumbled upon another popular spot frequently mentioned in online reviews: .. Kapi Wan Mae Sali .. This stall offers a unique selection of pickled gooseberries and mangoes. While the sight of these tangy treats made my mouth water, I hesitated to try them. However, I couldn't resist purchasing some for a friend who had specifically requested them. Despite my initial uncertainty about their flavor, I made a second trip to the market after checking into my accommodation to fulfill my friend's request. Fortunately, the market remained open until midnight, allowing us to continue our leisurely stroll. The pleasant weather, characterized by a refreshing breeze, made the walk particularly enjoyable.

After spending the night alone, I returned to my room to rest. When I woke up at 9 am, I got up, showered, packed my bags, and checked out. I received a 200 baht key deposit refund from the lobby. Don't forget! I left my luggage at the accommodation and continued my search for a coffee shop.

.. Osot Place .. was the coffee shop I chose this morning. The ease of finding information and news online led me to this coffee shop, where I felt an indescribable sense of comfort. The friendliness of the staff, the service, the taste of the coffee, and the atmosphere of the shop, though small, made me feel right at home. I was truly impressed. If I ever have the chance to visit Hua Hin again, this will be my go-to spot for morning coffee.

The next morning, I returned to the beach in Hua Hin. As it was a Sunday, there were fewer people around, as some had to return to work. The atmosphere was serene and refreshing, with a gentle breeze and beautiful views. The solitude was a perfect match for the tranquil setting.

Subsequently, as the battery began to run low, we stopped by McDonald's Hua Hin to recharge.

While waiting, I tried the corn pie. It was decent for 42 baht and helped to satisfy my hunger.

Around 1 pm, I went to pick up my luggage and then went to get my train ticket to return to my duties. This return trip was on a free train .. Ordinary train number 262 .. departing from Hua Hin Railway Station and arriving at Bangkok Railway Station. The train departed at 2:10 pm and arrived in Bangkok at 7:00 pm.

And so our journey has come to an end. With technology, things in our lives have become easier. But let's choose to live our lives according to the times and changes. Then we will feel that our lives are not always lonely. If we accept and embrace new things in our lives, we will feel that our lives are not always lonely.

.. H u a H i n 2 0 1 7 ..

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Thank you for the information from the State Railway of Thailand for this trip.