Escape the Festival Traffic: Feast on Crab Roe, Witness Ancient Charcoal Kilns, Meet Salt Farmers, and Explore the Caves of Khao Luang in Phetchaburi

In late February 2017, I had the opportunity to photograph the Asia Hotel in Cha-am. I must admit that I had not been to Cha-am for a very long time. For this trip, I planned to take the Rama II Road and then use the Khlong Khon - Ban Laem - Cha-am Road. This meant driving along the coastal road and salt fields, following the GPS without getting lost. (No need to take Phetkasem Road at all, it's super easy!)

Before embarking on our journey, let's take a quick look at some interesting sights and photo opportunities along the way. These include:

• Ancient charcoal kilns: These kilns offer a glimpse into the region's traditional charcoal production methods.
• Delicious food at Kessorn Restaurant in Klong Khon: This restaurant is known for its delectable local cuisine.
• Salt farmers at work: Witness the fascinating process of salt production in the area.
• Capturing the light filtering through the cave openings of Khao Luang: This natural phenomenon creates a stunning visual spectacle.

Join us as we explore these captivating sights and more!

For this trip, I used the following camera equipment: Nikon D800 + 24-120/4G Nano + 18-35/3.5-4.5G + 28/1.8G Nano + 80-200/2.8d

(All images have been adjusted for light, color, and perspective using Photoshop and Lightroom. I will explain the photographic techniques used in the images.)

My initial route was along Rama II Road, heading towards Samut Songkhram Province. I continued straight until kilometer 72, where I saw a PTT gas station on the left (on the way back, we stopped to eat the original Khlong Khon fish noodles here). After passing the PTT gas station, there was a road to turn left to go to Ban Laem - Cha-am District. I continued straight on that road.

This trip, I was eager to try the steamed crab roe at Kesorn Restaurant in Khlong Khon (you have to get there early or they'll be sold out). So I left Bangkok early in the morning and stopped by the ancient charcoal kilns at Wat Khao Yi Sar for some photography. (It's on the Khlong Khon - Ban Laem route, not far from the entrance.) When I arrived, there was no charcoal burning; it was the period when the charcoal had been removed from the kilns. A worker was using a mixture of clay and water to plaster the walls of the ancient kilns. I asked him for permission to take some photos and we chatted for a bit. He told me that this was the time when they were arranging mangrove wood inside the kilns. Before closing and burning, it would take about 15 days to burn the charcoal. (If you come during this period, you'll get some great photos with the smoke billowing out.)

This is the period when charcoal is removed from the kiln and delivered to customers. I was told that some of it is exported, while some is sold retail to restaurants and barbecue restaurants.

Mangrove wood, abundant in the nearby mangrove forests, is cut down and burned to make charcoal for a living. Before burning, the wood is stacked tightly in the kiln, and then the kiln is closed before burning. It takes about 15 days to burn.

After taking photos until we were satisfied, we were hot, tired, and hungry. Around 10:00 AM, we rushed to have a hearty breakfast/lunch at the Kaset Klong Khon restaurant. I've been wanting to try the steamed crab here for a long time, but it's always sold out whenever I come. This time, I wasn't going to miss it. The restaurant is easy to find. If you drive from the PTT gas station at Klong Khon, after about 500 meters, you will see a left turn with a temple archway indicating the way to Wat Klong Khon. Drive straight for about 4 km, and the restaurant will be on your left. Oh, and the restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, I eagerly inquired about the availability of steamed crab with roe. The server confirmed, "Yes, we do." I exclaimed, "Great, bring it on! I've been craving this." The steaming crab with roe arrived, boasting sweet, succulent meat. Paired with the flavorful seafood dipping sauce, it was an absolute delight. My craving was finally satisfied. (This dish costs 700 baht and is sold by weight at 1000 baht per kilogram.)

For a refreshing and flavorful soup, I recommend the Tom Yum Goong with Coconut Milk (200 baht). This dish boasts a rich and aromatic broth infused with fragrant herbs and spices, including a generous amount of roasted chili paste. The highlight is the inclusion of large, succulent prawns with a firm texture, ensuring freshness and flavor. This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, leaving your family wanting more.

Every time I visit this restaurant, I order the stir-fried shrimp with chili peppers (200 baht). The name of the dish may sound spicy, but it is actually not. The restaurant uses fresh shrimp stir-fried with spices, mixed with chili peppers and garlic until dry. The taste is sweet, salty, and slightly spicy, making it enjoyable for the whole family.

The Exquisite Taste of Cha-Kraum Salad and Squid Stir-Fried with Shrimp Paste

The renowned Kesorn restaurant boasts a signature dish: Cha-Kraum Salad. This unique salad features Cha-Kraum leaves, a plant native to mangrove forests and capable of thriving in saltwater. The preparation involves meticulously removing the leaves' saltiness before tossing them with fresh shrimp, fragrant herbs, and thinly sliced, crispy fried shallots. This culinary masterpiece is a must-try for any discerning palate.

Equally delightful is the Squid Stir-Fried with Shrimp Paste. The squid, cooked to a tender and chewy texture, is infused with the rich and aromatic flavors of premium Kloeng Khon shrimp paste. This dish, served with steaming hot rice, is a true testament to the restaurant's culinary prowess, offering a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize both young and old.

The stir-fried acacia pennata on the right-hand side in the middle... I recommend ordering it. It's really delicious.

For food photography, I use the 28/1.8g Nano lens because it is convenient for shooting in low-light restaurants. The lens can focus close to food quite well.

After a satisfying meal, we continued our journey on the Khlong Khon - Bang Taboon - Ban Laem route. Along the way, we saw salt fields on both sides of the road. We found some beautiful spots and even saw people carrying salt, so we stopped to take some fun pictures.

I parked my car, got out with my camera in hand, and walked into the salt field. I smiled and greeted the salt farmers, asking for their permission to take pictures. The salt farmers are accustomed to photographers, so there was no need to worry. We were free to take pictures as we pleased, as long as we didn't stand in the way of their work.

Before getting on the bus, I asked my uncle to let me try carrying the salt basket. Let me tell you, it was incredibly heavy. I was deeply impressed to see both children and women carrying the salt baskets with ease. They are truly strong.

I am currently using the 24-120/4G Nano lens.

The journey began with a scenic drive along the Bang Taboon - Ban Laem - Cha-am route, guided by the GPS. The coastal views were breathtaking, and soon enough, I arrived at the Asia Cha-Am Hotel. Prior to my arrival, I had researched the hotel online, but the information was outdated, causing some concern. However, upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised to find a newly renovated hotel with impeccable cleanliness and exceptional staff service. Ample parking was available, accommodating 50-60 vehicles comfortably. The hotel's beachfront location provided direct access to the beach, just a short walk across the road.

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For hotel photography, I mainly use the 18-35/3.5-4.5G lens on a tripod. Then I process, adjust the light, color, and correct the perspective in PS+LR.

For this trip, I stayed in a spacious and stylishly decorated Pool Villa on the 4th floor, room 108. The room was located at the back of the building, with direct access to a small swimming pool that stretched the entire length of the building.

Inside the room.

The back room on the ground floor is right next to the swimming pool.

Look out the door, please.

The restrooms are clean and well-partitioned.

Let's take a look at the suites.

These are perfect for large families or groups of friends who want to gather and relax together. The first picture shows the central living room. There are two bedrooms, one on each side.

The living room features a bar area for preparing light refreshments.

From this angle, you can see another bedroom.

Let's take a look inside.

Another room, spacious, airy, luxurious, feels very comfortable.

The bathroom is luxurious and features a jacuzzi.

Let's take a look at another suite, perfect for large families to relax and have fun together.

The room is luxurious, clean, and spacious.

The bathroom is spacious, clean, and comfortable.

The 17th floor features a swimming pool, offering stunning views of the Cha-am coastline while you take a refreshing dip.

The facility also includes a fitness room for exercise.

It's getting late, let's take a picture in front. I'm staying in the Pool Villa building on the ground floor... It's convenient to park near the room... There is plenty of parking space. You can park from the entrance of the guard post, along the beach road, all the way to the front of the hotel on both sides. Plus, you can also park behind the hotel.

This photo was taken from the swimming pool (3 swimming pools) facing the sea. The first building on the left is a banquet hall for meetings, seminars, weddings, etc.

Here I am, standing by the hotel's swimming pool, taking a picture. You can enjoy a swim while admiring the view of the Cha-am sea at the same time.

The hotel is conveniently located on the beachfront road in Cha-am, offering direct access to the beach (as seen from the swimming pool in front). For late-night cravings or urgent grocery needs, guests can easily walk to the 7-Eleven convenience store located right in front of the hotel.

After finishing taking pictures and having dinner, it was almost 9 pm when I entered my room. I had to go to bed early. I woke up early and had breakfast. I walked up to the second floor and found the Jade Restaurant for breakfast. The room was spacious and the food was very diverse, including rice, fried rice, rice porridge, noodles, salad, and American-style breakfast. It was a full spread.

The food was incredibly delicious and diverse. I ate so much that I almost burst! The dining room was spacious, airy, and comfortable, which made for a pleasant dining experience.

After a hearty breakfast, I took a stroll along the beach with my camera. Later, I will head up to the banquet hall and capture some aerial shots of the pool area in the morning light.

The hotel is located directly on the beach, just across the street.

The Asia Hotel in Cha-am offers a variety of function rooms suitable for conferences, academic seminars, wedding ceremonies, and other special events.

For those who have plenty of time and are not in a hurry to go home, you can visit Wat Tham Khao Luang to take pictures. For this picture, I used an 18-35mm lens at 18mm, 16 vertical frames at F8, placed the camera on a tripod, metered the light, and then moved the camera slightly and took pictures continuously. Then I stitched the images together in LR + PS. (This picture was taken on April 14, 2016, so you can see the direction of the light correctly.)

After checking out of the hotel around noon, I took the same route back to Khlong Khon (I didn't want to drive on Phetkasem Road). I thought I would drive slowly, with few cars, enjoying the breeze and the scenery along the way. If I saw villagers fishing, drying seafood, or beautiful corners, I would stop and take pictures. Finally, I had lunch at the Khlong Khon fish noodle shop in the PTT gas station at Km 72 (I have been eating here for almost 30 years. Now it has moved to the food court in the PTT gas station. I asked and confirmed that it is the same shop).

I can confirm that this restaurant is truly delicious. I ordered the tom yum fish noodles with everything, including grouper fish, fish noodles, fish dumplings, and fish balls. Everything was delicious. Chewing and sipping the tom yum soup was refreshing and satisfying. It was a delicious and affordable way to end my trip to Bangkok.

Thank you all for watching the images and reading the story until the end.

Wishing you all good fortune and financial prosperity.