3 Days 2 Nights with the Gang: Bangkok - Hua Hin - Chumphon

A 3-day, 2-night trip with a group of friends from Bangkok to Hua Hin and Chumphon.

Embark on a 3-day, 2-night southern cruise with your friends. This trip primarily utilizes car transportation due to the large group size, offering significant cost savings and opportunities for sightseeing along the way.

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Day 1

Our Journey South: Exploring the Wonders of Chumphon's Aquarium

Our journey south took us to the charming coastal town of Chumphon, where our first stop was the captivating aquarium. Despite its unassuming exterior, the aquarium boasts a diverse array of local fish species.

The highlight of the experience was undoubtedly the large aquarium, where a winding staircase led us down into a mesmerizing underwater world. As we descended, we were greeted by a kaleidoscope of fish, both large and small, swimming gracefully around us. The aquarium also featured a tunnel that allowed us to walk beneath the water, offering a truly immersive experience.

We then set off on our journey to Chumphon province.

We opted for a homestay experience to immerse ourselves in the local way of life. The homestay, known as "Baan Mai Chaiy Klong," charges 800 baht per person for one night's accommodation and three meals.

Upon arrival, the homeowner welcomed us with delicious "Khanom Chak" (a traditional Thai dessert made from palm fruit). The dessert was generously filled with sweet and savory ingredients, leaving us wanting more. After indulging in the "Khanom Chak," we ventured out to gather fresh "Luk Chak" (young palm fruit) directly from the trees. The "Luk Chak" had a delightful aroma and a unique texture, both chewy and crunchy. We then embarked on a kayaking adventure, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the surroundings.

After finishing, we took our belongings to the wooden house in the garden, where the owner is a relative of ours.

It was time for our dinner, and the seafood feast was truly impressive. The abundance of dishes was so overwhelming that we couldn't finish everything.

A mischievous cat likes to come and cuddle while we eat. We know what you're thinking, hehe.

Evening Activities

In the evening, visitors can enjoy a boat ride to see the fireflies. If there are many people, there will be a boat towing a raft to take large groups to see the fireflies. It's a lot of fun. Sometimes there are also plankton that glow in the water. It's a shame I didn't get to see it.

Day 2

Waking up to a bright morning, fueled by a delicious fish porridge breakfast, and ready to dive into the crystal-clear waters of Koh Kai.

We boarded the boat at Hin Khop Beach and sailed for about 20 minutes before reaching our destination. We immediately donned our diving gear and plunged into the water. The visibility wasn't great, and after a while, it started to rain. We decided to head to Khai Island and explore the beach instead.

Returning from Koh Kai, we stopped by the Horseshoe Crab Bank to help increase the horseshoe crab population. Local fishermen bring their catches here, where the crabs are sorted. If a female crab is carrying eggs, she is kept in the bank to allow her to release the eggs and hatch healthy baby crabs, boosting the horseshoe crab population. Crabs without eggs are sold. This project is a great way to support the local horseshoe crab population.

The contents of the glass are crab eggs. If you look closely, the shape is very similar to a tiny crab.

Upon returning to our accommodation, everyone was famished. The lunch that awaited us was a local southern Thai cuisine. Due to our extreme hunger, we did not take any pictures. However, southern Thai food is truly exceptional.

With full bellies, we set off for our next destination: Khlong Waan, where we sought seaside accommodation. Our chosen lodging was the aptly named Baan Rim Talay Resort, literally translating to "House by the Sea" Resort.

The beachfront resort is perfect for group trips, offering spacious rooms for four guests. Additionally, the resort boasts communal areas with stunning ocean views, ideal for relaxing and socializing.

Day 3

Breakfast at Ao Manao:

Just a short distance away, we had breakfast at the Ao Manao food court (Food Center 2). We ordered seafood fried rice, which was incredibly generous with its portion size. It was packed with shrimp and squid, all for just 40 baht – an amazing deal!

For dessert, we indulged in fried ice cream. The ice cream was wrapped in a crispy batter and then deep-fried. It was absolutely delicious, offering a unique combination of textures and flavors. The warm, slightly toasted exterior contrasted perfectly with the cool, sweet ice cream inside. It was a truly delightful and visually appealing treat.

With full bellies, we set off for Bangkok. However, our journey wasn't over yet. Along the way, we stopped at the Royal Park Rajapruek for a quick photo op. Despite the sweltering heat, the surroundings were breathtaking. The sculptures and meticulously landscaped gardens were a sight to behold, creating a harmonious and visually pleasing environment.

We continued to Khao Takiab to pay respects to the Buddha. There are two ways to reach the temple: by car or by climbing the stairs. After visiting the temple, we headed to a seafood restaurant, conveniently located near the entrance to Khao Takiab. The restaurant, called "Chaw Reua Seafood," serves fresh and delicious seafood at reasonable prices. We ate until we were full and then went for a walk on Khao Takiab Beach to digest our meal. The beach is peaceful and perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sunset.

Continuing from our seafood feast, we headed to the bustling Huahin Night Market. Here, we browsed through an array of goods, from charming trinkets to delectable snacks. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with both Thai locals and international tourists. Interestingly, we even spotted a fish spa!

Our trip has come to an end, but the fun doesn't stop here. Stay tuned to find out where we'll be exploring next time!

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