From my road trip round Phatthalung province in Feb 2025
Sampao Thai: A Creative Landmark in the Heart of Patthalung
“Sampao” is an ancient Thai word meaning “cargo vessel.” Traditionally, Sampaothai referred to Thailand’s large, beautifully designed cargo ships that transported goods from one place to another.
One of the most striking features of this place is the giant King Kong, a character beloved by many—especially children, who are sure to be thrilled by its towering presence. The creativity behind this attraction is truly impressive. The owner has built both a massive wooden Sampao and an enormous King Kong made entirely of straw, depicting the giant ape in the act of pulling the vessel across the lush green rice fields.
Visitors can climb onto the Sampao and the King Kong structure, offering a fantastic opportunity for up-close photos while enjoying a breathtaking panoramic view of the endless green fields and majestic mountains in the background.
It’s a one-of-a-kind experience—fun, artistic, and full of imagination.
From our road trip to Phatthalung district in December 2024
Pa Phai Sang Suk Market (ตลาดป่าไผ่สร้างสุข) is a unique cultural and recreational market in Khuan Khanun District, Phatthalung Province, Thailand. Located within the Kwanjai Bamboo Garden, this area was once used for bamboo cultivation, breeding, and charcoal production, with an attached learning center.
Opened in January 2017 through the collaboration of the Kwanjai Bamboo Garden and the Kin Di Mi Suk Network, the market was designed around the concept of “enjoying food and simple happiness in a modest way.”
The market is divided into five zones:
Pa Phai Sang Suk Market – A vibrant marketplace offering local food, rare desserts, fresh vegetables, fruits, and handmade products at reasonable prices.
Relaxation Area – A peaceful space for visitors to unwind.
Children’s Activities Zone – A family-friendly area with interactive activities for kids.
Learning Zone – A section dedicated to the educational aspects of bamboo cultivation and traditional practices.
Pleasant Bamboo Forest – A green space that enhances the natural beauty of the market.
With its emphasis on local culture, sustainability, and community engagement, Pa Phai Sang Suk Market is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the authentic charm of Phatthalung.
Discover the Untouched Serenity of Hula Beach
Nestled in the tranquil Ko Kho Khao region of Thailand, Hula Beach is a breathtaking sanctuary for travelers yearning for pristine beauty and unspoiled tranquility. Stretching for several kilometers, this serene beach boasts fine, golden sand that feels luxuriously soft underfoot, while its crystal-clear waters invite visitors to take a refreshing dip.
Hula Beach offers a range of simple pleasures. Whether you’re basking under the tropical sun, strolling along its peaceful shoreline, or sharing a quiet picnic with loved ones while gazing at awe-inspiring ocean views, every moment here feels like a step into paradise.
However, Hula Beach’s charm lies not just in what it offers but also in what it intentionally does not. Visitors will find few modern conveniences here: no lifeguard services, no bathroom facilities, and a strict no-dogs policy. This minimalistic approach preserves the raw, untouched beauty of the landscape, making it the perfect escape for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.
A Hidden Gem Worth Exploring
One of Hula Beach’s most fascinating aspects is its status as a hidden gem within Thailand’s extensive collection of beaches. Unlike the more commercialized destinations that often draw crowds, Hula Beach has retained its charm and tranquility thanks to its secluded location. This isolation has allowed the beach to become a haven for wildlife, attracting ecologists and nature enthusiasts alike. The pristine environment also offers a unique opportunity to experience Thailand’s coastal beauty in its most natural state.
If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat where the only sounds are the gentle lapping of waves and the occasional rustle of palm fronds, Hula Beach is your ideal destination. Just be sure to plan ahead and pack accordingly—this slice of paradise invites you to embrace its simplicity and leave the modern world behind.
Beach Walk Experience on Ko Kho Khao 🌅
Stunning Scenery – The island’s beaches stretch for miles, offering soft golden sand, gentle waves, and breathtaking sunsets.
🐚 Seashell Hunting – The quiet shores are perfect for collecting beautiful shells, as the beaches are relatively untouched by mass tourism.
🦀 Wildlife Encounters – You might spot crabs scurrying along the sand, migratory birds, and even dolphins offshore if you’re lucky.
🌴 Peaceful Atmosphere – Unlike the crowded beaches of Phuket, Ko Kho Khao offers solitude, making it perfect for meditation, photography, or a romantic stroll. 🏝 Local Charm – Along the walk, you may encounter small fishing boats, beachside cafés, and traditional wooden houses nestled among the palms. These are some of the things I saw on my walk!
In this slideshow, you’ll get to explore the full breadth and beauty of Sunset Beach. From its expansive sandy shores to its serene atmosphere, Sunset Beach showcases the quintessential charm of Ko Kho Khao, where stunning views and vibrant sunsets create an unforgettable experience.
Ko Kho Khao, nestled in Thailand’s serene Phang Nga province, is a tranquil and picturesque island that offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of more crowded destinations. Located just a short ferry ride—less than ten minutes—from the mainland near Takua Pa, this idyllic island is easily accessible yet retains an atmosphere of peaceful seclusion. Despite its proximity to the mainland, Ko Kho Khao exudes a quieter charm, with fewer crowds and a laid-back vibe that makes it perfect for those seeking relaxation amidst nature.
The island of Ko Kho Khao (with “ko” meaning “island” in Thai) is defined by its diverse natural landscape. At its heart, you’ll find flat, grassy sand flats, while the east coast is lined with sprawling coastal mangroves and intricate natural canals. The true allure of Ko Kho Khao lies along its north and west coasts, where stunning, seemingly endless beaches beckon visitors. These serene stretches of sand, paired with breathtaking sunsets over the west coast, create a magical setting that captivates anyone who steps foot on this tranquil island.
Wat Thepnimit in Phuket is a serene monastic residence that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Patong Beach. Its iconic white pagoda, though small, can be spotted from the beach if you know where to look. Perched on Doi Thepnimit, this modest yet beautifully decorated Thai temple is a hidden gem. With its stunning views and tranquil atmosphere, it’s well worth a visit, whether you’re arriving at or leaving Patong Beach.
The chedi (a Buddhist stupa) at Wat Thepnimit is a masterpiece of artistry, adorned with vibrant seven-headed Naga sculptures (mythical serpent-like creatures) and other intricate representations of Thai mythology. Each sculpture and carving showcases exceptional craftsmanship, making it a true pleasure to admire. While the pagoda area is not always open to visitors, you can still explore its surroundings. The chedi’s design reflects the Pra Tat Phra Nom style, originating from northeastern Thailand, adding a distinctive touch to this cultural gem.
Southern Thailand
During my road trip to Ranong district in December 2024, I had the pleasure of visiting Wat Ban Ngao, a truly stunning temple adorned with intricate decorations and numerous buildings. I was captivated by the intricate details and the pictorial carvings that beautifully told stories around the temple and its surroundings. The artistry and craftsmanship left me in awe. Exploring Wat Ban Ngao was a remarkable experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my visit to this amazing temple.
This temple, situated at in Petchkasem Road Ranong, features a spacious area with a distinctive Ubosot (ordination hall) surrounded by a wide courtyard. The Ubosot has two levels and is adorned with stone carvings depicting the story of Ranong. It enshrines the principal Buddha image, Luangpho Dibuk, a tin-crafted Buddha in the subduing Mara posture, reflecting Ranong’s historical connection to tin mining.
Behind the Ubosot is a 300-step cement staircase on a hill, built for the Tak Bat Devo tradition. This staircase also offers a vantage point for panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
Ranong -Southern Thailand
The Kra Isthmus Canal, Thailand
The Kra Isthmus, also known as Kho Khot Kra in Thai, has recently become a hot topic in discussions across Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. This is due to revived talks about the potential construction of the Kra Isthmus Canal, a project akin to the iconic Suez Canal or Panama Canal.
What Makes the Kra Isthmus Unique?
The Kra Isthmus marks the narrowest point of the Malay Peninsula, spanning just 53 kilometers from the Gulf of Thailand (to the east) to the Andaman Sea (to the west). This natural feature makes the region a prime candidate for a man-made canal that could transform global shipping routes.
The Kra Isthmus Canal Project
The idea of constructing a canal here isn’t new—it dates as far back as 1677 and has resurfaced repeatedly over the centuries. The Kra Isthmus Canal is envisioned as a “land bridge” for ships, allowing them to bypass the heavily congested Straits of Malacca, which runs between Malaysia and Indonesia.
If realized, this canal could save shipping vessels two to three days of travel time, providing a direct shortcut between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. However, the project also raises economic and geopolitical concerns, particularly for countries like Malaysia and Singapore, whose economies rely heavily on traffic through the Straits of Malacca.
Our Visit to the Kra Isthmus
On one of our driving trips, we had the opportunity to visit this fascinating part of Southern Thailand, located in Ranong Province. If you’re driving from Chumphon to Ranong, you’ll pass right by the Kra Isthmus.
Despite its historical and geographical significance, the area itself is quiet and understated, with only a few signs and informational displays marking the spot. The simplicity of the setting is striking—if you look across the river, the land on the opposite bank is Myanmar, and it’s said that you could easily swim across to reach it!
The Future of the Kra Isthmus Canal
While there’s little more than signage at the Kra Isthmus today, the ongoing debates about the canal’s construction keep it in the spotlight. Should the project come to fruition, it could significantly alter global trade dynamics, making this serene stretch of land one of the most strategic corridors in the world.
Ranong -Thailand
A war-themed museum is located just a few minutes’ walk from Baan KhaoFaa Chi. This unique museum showcases old locomotives from World War II, as the area was once home to the Faa Chi train station. Originally part of a railway line branching out from Chumphon station, the route spanned over 90 kilometers. Construction began in June 1925 and concluded in early 1945, but the railway suffered extensive destruction from bombings during the unsettled political climate of the war.
After World War II, the railway was preserved as a memorial. However, the British dismantled the tracks, repurposing the railway sleepers in Malaya. Today, the sole remaining artifact from that era is an old locomotive, standing as a silent witness to history.
You know that feeling when you’re exploring somewhere new, and you’re searching for a place to eat? You’re not sure where to go, and you just drive, hoping something catches your eye. And then, out of nowhere, you find it—a little gem that looks like it’s worth stopping for, even though you have no clue whether the food will be amazing or if you’ll regret your decision.
Well, that’s exactly how we ended up at Narakorn Restaurant on Ko Kho Khao Island, during one of our road trips this Christmas holiday. And let me tell you, this place was everything.
A Hidden Paradise with More Than Just Great Food
Narakorn Restaurant is tucked away on this stunning island, surrounded by coconut plantations and wildlife. It’s not just a restaurant, it’s an experience. Picture this: lush greenery, the gentle breeze from the trees, and the distant sounds of nature, all setting the scene for an unforgettable meal. We stumbled upon it, unsure of what we’d find, but the peaceful setting immediately told us we were in for something special.
Why I Won’t Forget Narakorn Restaurant
This wasn’t just a stop to grab a bite. It was a moment of serendipity—an unexpected delight that left a lasting impression. From the cozy, rustic interior to the amazing food and the heartwarming hospitality, Narakorn Restaurant is a hidden treasure that I won’t forget anytime soon. If you ever find yourself on Ko Kho Khao Island, do yourself a favor and stop by this wonderful spot. You’ll be glad you did.
Bang Niang Beach is indeed a unique and captivating destination in Thailand. Located in Phang Nga province, it’s known for its distinct landscape and scenic beauty. The beach’s southern area features a wide stretch of golden sand, perfect for relaxing or enjoying a beach stroll, while the northern section becomes narrower, adding to its character and charm. The clear, turquoise waters make it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities, providing a serene and idyllic environment. Its relatively untouched atmosphere, compared to some of Thailand’s more famous beaches, adds to its appeal as a tranquil and beautiful getaway.
Suan Son Pradipat Beach is a popular destination located in Hua Hin. Known for its natural beauty, the beach is characterized by its long stretch of soft, powdery sand and clean waters.
The beach is not typically crowded, making it a peaceful spot for visitors to enjoy a swim or a relaxing day by the ocean. The beach is easily accessible by tourist train and is connected to another beach, Khao Takiab.
It is situated on property owned by the Thai military, and there is a nominal entry fee for private cars. Parking is readily available, making it convenient for those who choose to drive. The beach is well-equipped with amenities for visitors. There is a park area that includes a cafe, a Thai restaurant, and a food court. Beach chairs are available for rent, and vendors occasionally pass by selling local delicacies like grilled squid, roti, and ice cream.
Large trees by the beach give ample shade, adding to the overall comfort and enjoyment of the beach. Despite its popularity among locals and tourists alike, Suan Son Pradipat Beach maintains a tranquil atmosphere. It is a place where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the ocean and the relaxation of a beach day without the distraction of water activities like banana boats and jet skis.
Suan Son Pradipat Originally under the responsibility of the Royal Forest Department, it was later transferred to the Royal Thai Army for use in military affairs as the Army Staff School. Suan Son Pradipat is a picturesque beach in Hua Hin which gets its name from the lush forestation of oak pine trees that grow here. Because it is located in a military zone under the supervision of the Royal Thai Army’s Infantry Center, the beach is quiet, calm, and less crowded than others. Stop and savor the skeleton of a Bryde’s whale displayed at the beach entrance. It is one of the popular destinations covered by the Thailand Railway’s weekend train excursions. You can avail of the train on Saturdays and Sundays from Bangkok and enjoy a lovely 5-hour trip taking in the beautiful scenery on the way.
Journeys From A Small Room 