Back to the Journey with the 4 Travel Companions

We're back with our 4 travel companions, this time exploring our own country. We've set our sights on Nakhon Si Thammarat, one of the must-visit cities promoted by the TAT. We must admit, this province has truly won us over. In just one trip, we were able to experience the sea, mountains, waterfalls, and the city center. It was an absolute delight!

Unfortunately, our fourth companion couldn't join us due to prior commitments. So, it's just the 3 of us, the 3 travel companions. But don't worry, we'll be sure to eat, explore, and capture stunning photos for all of you! (We're not laughing maniacally or trying to make you jealous, really! High-pitched voice)

With plenty of vacation days left (envy us!), we decided to take a five-day weekday trip from August 2nd to 6th, 2016. We set a budget of no more than 5,000 baht per person, excluding airfare. We booked our flights three weeks in advance with Lion Air, paying 1,400 baht per person for a roundtrip ticket. This price was comparable to bus fares, but offered significant time savings.

The reason we chose Nakhon Ratchasima was because everyone unanimously agreed that they wanted to visit "Khiriwong," the village with the best air quality in Thailand. To be honest, if we were just going there, 3 days and 2 nights would have been more than enough. However, since we had already taken a long weekend and booked our tickets, we decided to make the most of it and see everything we could (a very logical reasoning, hahaha). We roughly planned our trip 2 days in advance, and our (original) plan was as follows:

Day 1 - Khao Wong

Day 2 – Afternoon visit to Khao Luang National Park

Day 3 – Afternoon arrival in Nakhon Si Thammarat city.

Day 4 - Afternoon to Khanom

Final day – Afternoon return to the city

Stay tuned for the new plan, and get ready to pack your bags!

Note: Photographed with a Lumix GX8 camera and a 12-60 mm lens.

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Day 1 Khanom

The trip was filled with suspense from the moment we boarded the plane. With only 20 minutes left before the check-in counter closed, our friend was still nowhere to be seen. We called her repeatedly, our voices growing increasingly frantic, but the only response we received was, "I'm stuck in traffic, I can't move!" Determined to make it work, we checked her in ourselves. Finally, with just 5 minutes to spare, she arrived, breathless and flustered, but just in time.

"Where are you staying?" the taxi driver, who looked like Barack Obama from the top half of his face, asked in a southern accent. "We don't know yet, we haven't booked anything!" So we asked the taxi driver to take us to an area with a lot of accommodation options so we could walk around and have a look. But in reality, even though there were a lot of places to stay around Khanom Beach, they were quite far apart, unlike Pattaya or Koh Lan, where you could walk around and look. As we drove past "Tal Khu Beach Resort", which we recognized from reading about it on Pantip, we told the driver to turn in and have a look. It turned out that the rooms were nice and the price was right, so we decided to go for it! For 900 baht a night, we later found out that it was right on the beach and even had a swimming pool! It was amazing!

Our first mission after settling into our accommodation was to find lunch. There was a restaurant by the beach attached to the resort, so we ordered a large (very large) seafood fried rice and tom yum soup. While we were waiting for our food, it started to drizzle. If I had been with a man, it would have been the perfect romantic setting. But as soon as I realized I was with my girlfriends, everything changed! Hahahaha. When the food arrived, one of my friends was stunned by the size of the fried rice and asked if we could finish it all. Who was it? The ultimate foodie, of course! Don't forget! And then everything disappeared in the blink of an eye.

After recharging, I went for a walk and took some photos. I then relaxed on the beach, enjoying the cool breeze and waiting for the sun to set before taking a dip in the sea and jumping into the pool. The beach was incredibly peaceful, with hardly anyone around, except for a few foreigners. #Overall, it was incredibly charming. #The more I look, the more charming it gets. #Just to clarify, I'm talking about the beach, don't get the wrong idea! 55555 It felt like the entire beach was mine. I recommend just lying down and doing nothing, as one of my friends suggested.

As the sun began to set, we strolled along the beach in search of seafood. Little did we know, the restaurant was much further away than we had anticipated. Our hunger pangs grew stronger with each step. Determined to indulge, we ordered a feast fit for a king, or rather, three hungry women. Six dishes graced our table, a testament to our insatiable appetites. We joked that we were stocking up for the long journey back, but in reality, we simply couldn't resist the temptation. The final bill came to a grand total of 980 baht.

We came to Khanom to see the stars, as we read online that it was one of the top 10 places to go stargazing. However, the sky was cloudy and we couldn't see anything. We'll try again tomorrow and hopefully catch a glimpse of the pink dolphins, another highlight of Khanom.

If you plan to visit this location, renting a car is highly recommended. Public transportation is limited, making it difficult to get around without a vehicle. Even simple tasks like getting food or groceries can be challenging. Despite the lack of activity today, it was still an enjoyable day thanks to the company I was with.

The world is vast, making the people around us all the more important.

Day 2: Pink Dolphin Watching + Nakhon Si Thammarat City Tour

Of course, the highlight of Khanom is a boat trip to see the pink dolphins. To be honest, at first I was indifferent, thinking it was optional and even expensive. The package at the hotel cost 750 baht per person. But since we were already there, we didn't want to miss anything. So, we woke up early in the morning to hunt for pink dolphins. After breakfast at the hotel, we took a hotel van to the boat at Laem Pratap, the spot with the highest concentration of pink dolphins.

The weather was perfect earlier, but as soon as we boarded the boat, clouds rolled in. The guide said, "With the sky overcast like this, it's unlikely we'll see anything." I was devastated. We could only pray for a glimpse, as the strong winds, murky water, and high waves made the boat rock violently. I sat stiffly, not daring to move, even though I knew how to swim and was wearing a life jacket. My friend, on the other hand, declared, "I can't swim, but I'm not afraid at all." Really? The feeling of the boat losing its balance and capsizing was terrifying. I truly understood the saying, "Small boats should avoid leaving the shore," especially on this occasion!

The tour guide consoled us by saying that if we didn't see the pink dolphins today, he would take us again tomorrow for free. But we have to leave Khanom this afternoon, right? At the same time, I gathered my concentration, focused my mind, and prayed to the sacred things in the sea that I would see the pink dolphins. Finally, we saw them! At that moment, everyone on the boat screamed. The moment the dolphins jumped and spun was the most exciting. It was very impressive. And then they kept popping up. And before we left, the pink dolphins swam close to us. We saw them up close. It was so much fun! Mission accomplished!

The guide explained that the pink dolphins are actually Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins that turn pink as they age. When they are young, they are the usual black color. This species is native to the area and is considered a symbol of Khanom Bay. They enjoy swimming in and out of the water, chasing schools of anchovies for food.

After watching the dolphins, we took a boat to see Khao Pab Pha. This is another landmark that should not be missed. Not only is it known as the "Magic Rock", but tourists from both Thailand and abroad have said in unison that it looks exactly like Pancake Rock in New Zealand! Khao Pab Pha is a high cliff with a long stretch extending into the sea. It is characterized by stacked rocks, which were formed by the movement of the earth's crust and erosion by seawater. We haven't been to Pancake Rock in New Zealand yet, so we don't know how similar it is, but it's definitely very beautiful.

The Enigmatic Freshwater Well of Koh Nui: A Sacred Oasis in the Sea

After cruising further, we arrived at Koh Nui, an island renowned for its legendary freshwater well amidst the salty sea. According to local lore, this well marks the spot where the revered Luang Pu Thuat miraculously transformed seawater into freshwater, imbuing the site with sacred significance for both seafarers and islanders. This hidden gem of tourism, however, reveals its secrets only during low tide, when the footprint-shaped well carved into the rock beneath the waves becomes visible. Intrigued by the well's mystique, one of our companions couldn't resist tasting its waters, discovering a brackish flavor that hinted at the well's unique position between the freshwater spring and the surrounding seawater.

Upon reaching the shore, the tour guide led us to the Coral Pagoda, situated atop Khao Tha Tu. The pagoda, constructed from coral stones, has stood for over 700 years, dating back to the reign of the king who founded Nakhon Si Thammarat. It is believed to have served as a navigational landmark, given Khanom's historical status as a port town. Notably, this pagoda served as the prototype for the Phra Borommathat Chedi in Nakhon Si Thammarat city.

Our plan for the next day was to sleep in the city for one night and then find a car to Khao Kiri Wong, which would be easier than finding one from Khanom (as suggested by our guide). By the time we left the hotel and reached the city center, it was already late afternoon. We still didn't know where to stay, so we consulted Google (as usual). A Pantip thread recommended the @24boutique hotel, and we were not disappointed. The hotel was new, beautifully decorated, and only 850 baht per night. It had even been featured in Barefoot magazine! This is not an advertisement, but we were so impressed that we wanted to share our experience.

After packing up, it was time to wander around the city. The atmosphere was completely different from yesterday. The city was bustling with life, with plenty of 7-Elevens and restaurants. Without further ado, we headed to our first stop, "Go Phee." We ordered roti, bak kut teh, and coffee to our heart's content, fueling ourselves for more sightseeing.

As we walked towards the city pillar shrine, we passed by graffiti walls and several trendy spots, stopping to take photos along the way. Soon, everyone was wondering aloud, "Will we ever reach the city pillar shrine today?" As we continued our serious photoshoot, locals and students occasionally glanced at us with curious eyes. But we didn't care! 55555555555

We finally arrived at the City Pillar Shrine and discovered that it was the annual City Pillar Shrine Festival! What a fortunate coincidence! Everyone at the event was dressed in white, which matched our "white-jeans" costume theme perfectly. We were able to seamlessly join the festivities and share in the blessings. Amen. We wish everyone good fortune.

Outside the event, there were food stalls selling almost everything you would find at a Bangkok market. We decided to save our appetites for a big meal later. When evening came, it was time to eat again. This time, the mission was to find a restaurant that served stir-fried fiddlehead fern with egg and stir-fried stink bean, as everyone was really craving them. We wanted to try authentic southern Thai food, so we looked for the nearest restaurant that was within walking distance. That's how we ended up at "Chaw Reua" restaurant. The atmosphere was amazing, and the food was incredibly delicious and spicy, just like southern Thai cuisine is known for. The prices were reasonable, and everything was devoured in no time. Even then, everyone still felt like they hadn't had enough stink bean! 55555555555

After a savory meal, there's nothing better than a sweet treat, and "Auntie Nom's Roti" is the perfect place to go! It's seriously the best, trust me. Dessert lovers, you have to stop by. I recommend ordering the tissue roti, it's super thin and crispy. It pairs perfectly with their jasmine tea, which is incredibly fragrant. You'll be in dessert heaven for days!

The Perfect Weather for Strolling

The current weather is ideal for leisurely walks. While it doesn't rain, the sun isn't scorching either, making it comfortable to explore on foot. For those who prefer not to walk, there are readily available two-wheeled motorbike taxis and regular taxis. Taxis here operate on meters, starting at 30 baht. However, unlike in Bangkok, hailing a taxi on the street is not possible. Instead, one must call a taxi center, incurring an additional 20 baht call fee. Fortunately, the meter rates are slow, so there's no need to worry about inflated fares. For trips to the airport, an additional 50 baht surcharge applies.

In summary, just seeing the pink dolphins today was worth it. It was another day filled with both excitement and relaxation, which is what a vacation is all about, right? : ))

Day 3: Nakhon Si Thammarat City + Khao Kiriwong

A Delicious Start to the Day

Waking up to a delicious breakfast at the hotel was a real treat. The buffet offered a wide variety of options, all of which were incredibly tasty.

Due to the late arrival in the city center yesterday, it was already late afternoon by the time we reached our accommodation. The hotel staff informed us that it would be impossible to visit Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, also known as "Wat Phra That" by the locals, as it closes at 4:00 PM. Therefore, we decided to visit early this morning (the temple opens at 8:30 AM). Wat Phra That is a renowned temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat, and visitors often stop by to pay respects for good fortune. Unfortunately, the main stupa was undergoing renovations, so the photos did not turn out as well as we had hoped.

Every year during Makha Bucha Day and Visakha Bucha Day, a procession of offerings to the stupa is held. This is considered an annual merit-making event where people from all over the country come together to participate in this great act of making merit.

One of the wonders of the Phra Borommathat Chedi is that it casts no shadow on the ground, regardless of the angle of the sun. The reason for this phenomenon remains a mystery. Due to this wonder, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has designated this chedi as one of Thailand's "unseen" attractions.

Before leaving the temple, we happened to participate in the "Phra That" wrapping ceremony, which was invited by the locals. I'm not sure if it's a common practice here, but I felt incredibly fortunate to have participated in another significant local event. One of my companions even remarked, "I bet we must have participated in merit-making ceremonies together in our past lives!" Well, whatever makes you happy!

According to legend, those who offer fabric to the chedi and make a wish will see their wish granted, whether it be for healing, childbirth, or success in work or studies.

After checking out of the hotel, we headed towards Khao Kiriwong. We asked the staff how to get there and were told to walk about 1 kilometer to catch a shared taxi. As we were walking, the same staff member drove up, honked, and offered us a ride to the bus stop, as he was heading there for an errand. We were incredibly grateful and thanked him profusely. Before getting out of the car, we learned that he was not originally from Nakhon Si Thammarat but had met his wife there. (Is there a connection? Haha!)

Throughout the trip, when I asked the locals for directions, many said that it was only a 1 kilometer walk. Let me tell you, don't believe them!!! It's far!!! And that 1 kilometer that the guy said I could walk from the hotel, man, it was super far!!!

After a 40-minute ride on a shared taxi (25 baht per person), we arrived at Kiree Wong Village. Lush greenery greeted us on both sides of the road, and a light drizzle added to the welcoming atmosphere. Unsure of where to go next, we decided to stop at a nearby coffee shop, "Baan Nai Thang," for a caffeine boost. While enjoying our coffee, we had the opportunity to chat with the owner, "Nai Thang," who kindly offered us advice on accommodation and even gave us a discount on bicycle rentals at his shop.

Tonight, we stayed at "Ruen Mai Kaen Homestay" for 200 baht per night (no air conditioning, but there were 3 fans, plenty of extension cords, and 2 decks of cards). Auntie Iad, the owner, was incredibly kind and gave us the whole house to ourselves, even though there were only three of us. It was like renting the entire house for 600 baht! And the best part is that there's only one room, so it's perfect for a small group. Plus, Auntie Iad gave us recommendations for places to visit. If you're coming to Khao Kradong, I highly recommend staying here! It was amazing, and we loved Auntie Iad!

After settling into our accommodation and satisfying our hunger with a delicious stir-fried parkia speciosa, we set off on a cycling adventure around Khao Kiri Wong. Our mission for the day was to find a suspension bridge for a photo opportunity, which our companions had seen online and deemed aesthetically pleasing. We readily agreed to embark on this quest. Upon inquiring with local residents, we were instructed to cycle along the stream. However, to our dismay, we ended up cycling on the wrong side of the stream. We later discovered that the stream had two parallel paths. By the time we realized our mistake, we had already cycled nearly 3 kilometers uphill. Needless to say, we were exhausted! Had we not stopped to ask for directions again, we might have ended up cycling into the forest in search of parkia speciosa. Fortunately, amidst our misfortune, we stumbled upon a stunning location with breathtaking views. We couldn't resist snapping numerous photos.

After recovering from the fatigue, we cycled back along the same path for almost 3 kilometers. Then, we cycled another 2 kilometers to find the suspension bridge on the correct route. Our calves were bulging, looking like the legs of a pool table! (It's better to suffer alone than with others, right?) During this time, it rained intermittently, so we had to find a roadside pavilion to take shelter. It was like a scene straight out of a drama, except there was no male lead. By the time we reached the bridge, we were a sight to behold, with our faces smeared and foundation flaking off. But what was more heartbreaking was that when we arrived at the suspension bridge, everyone said in unison, "Why doesn't it look as beautiful as in the pictures?" We ended up sitting at a coffee shop to rest and plan our trip for the next day, but in the end, we couldn't agree on a plan, so we decided to just go with the flow. We cycled back, figuring we'd plan later. I told you, trips with me are always chill (haha).

The next mission that Comrade Nang One wanted was to visit a community group that tie-dyed fabrics. However, by the time they arrived, the group had already stopped working. On top of that, it was raining heavily, so they had to wait for the rain to stop and come back the next day. They returned to their base, lay down at home for a while to rest, before continuing to play in the village waterfall.

Let me tell you, if you don't play in the water at Kiriwong, you're missing out! The water is crystal clear, cool, and you can see the fish swimming around. It may look shallow, but the current is strong! It's incredibly refreshing.

The group was unsure of their plans for the next day. Visiting Khao Luang National Park seemed impossible due to time constraints and lack of transportation. Renting a car was expensive, and staying another night in Kiriwong wasn't appealing. They had already explored the town thoroughly. As the clock neared 10 pm, their frustration grew. Suddenly, a stroke of luck arrived in the form of "พี่ราชัย," the nephew of their host, "ป้าเอียด." Pี่ราชัย offered to drive them, and they agreed on a reasonable price within their budget. Relief washed over them as their plans finally fell into place.

After everything was settled, we sat on the balcony, sipping beer and playing cards. It was the most relaxing moment ever. The cool breeze was so refreshing. Just this simple moment was enough to make us happy. It was a stark contrast to the day, which was filled with alternating rain and sunshine, making it unbearably hot. What tomorrow will bring remains to be seen, but it will surely be an interesting day!

Day 4 Khao Kiri Wong + Khao Luang National Park - Surat Thani

The night air in Kiriwong is incredibly refreshing, eliminating the need for air conditioning. Natural air conditioning is truly the best! (Don't believe it? Come and experience it yourself!) As a result, our friends slept soundly under their blankets, reluctant to wake up. However, we had a mission this morning: to explore the morning market and find some delicious food. There was an abundance of food available, including southern Thai curry, generous portions of chicken biryani, and spicy stir-fried dishes. People were buying rice salad in large quantities, with prices ranging from 20 to 40 baht. The highlight, however, was the banana cake, which cost only 1 baht per piece.

After stocking up on supplies for our battle, we didn't forget yesterday's mission: tie-dyeing. The villagers explained the process, which involves tying wet fabric with rubber bands and wood to create patterns, then boiling it with natural dyes made from leaves grown in their garden. For example, the brick orange color comes from boiling mangosteen peels. To ensure the color sets, it needs to be boiled for over two hours. After boiling, the fabric is washed and dried. It's the perfect souvenir, with options like shirts, pants, skirts, shawls, bags, and more. My comrades and I had a blast shopping until our bags were full.

On the way back to the accommodation, I stopped to buy grilled durian from a street vendor. I asked the vendor for a taste, and I bought it immediately after tasting it. It was very delicious and had a fragrant grilled aroma.

This afternoon, we have an appointment with P' Ratchai, who will take us to Khao Luang National Park - Krung Ching. However, in the morning, he asked to collect some "sator" (Parkia speciosa) first. In the meantime, we went to relax at "L叔叔咖啡店", which we had been eyeing since we arrived in Kiriwong. The shop is cute and quirky. At first, we read the shop's name as "L叔叔咖啡店" because of the handwritten font that the owner used for the sign, which led to a misunderstanding for quite some time. The cool thing about this shop is that they have brown sugar available for you to add sweetness to your liking.

Looking out from the shop, we realized that the sky was very clear today. The sun was shining brightly, so we decided to take another picture with the Khao Kiriwong Bridge landmark. This time, we got some beautiful pictures (of course, after taking dozens of shots). After tagging the picture and checking out of Khao Kiriwong, we cycled back to Mr. Thang's house. Then we checked out of the accommodation. Before we left, Aunt Iad (the owner of the homestay) gave us another big bag of stinky beans. We were so touched that we almost cried! Why is she so kind? It made each of us want to stir-fry them right away! #Wait a minute, everyone calm downnnnnnnnnnn

As we drove to Khao Luang-Krung Ching National Park (a journey of about an hour and a half), we chatted with P' Rajai intermittently. After exchanging stories about our lives for a while, he turned on some music to liven up the atmosphere. Some of the songs, I realized, dated back to my sixth grade days (decades ago!). He played hits from artists like Sek Loso, Kala, Big Ass, Silly Fools, and more, spanning entire albums. One of my companions enjoyed the music so much that she could sing along as soon as the intros started. Most of the songs were huge hits during her teenage years (admitting you're old now, aren't you? 5555).

The closer they got to their destination, the more winding the road became, appearing desolate and unlikely to have any visitors on an ordinary weekday like this. P' Rajai even suggested, "It's not too late to change your mind and go back." Wow! We've come this far, P'! The mission to conquer the Krung Ching waterfall awaits us!!!

In the end, P' Rajai drove us to the park office and waited until we had arranged our accommodation. He then asked to leave, so we thanked him and took the opportunity to take a selfie with him as a souvenir. P' Rajai also said, "If you come to Khao Laem again, you can call me. You have my number, right?" Oh my god! I already have it! : ))

The park only has a convenience store, which doesn't sell much and closes at 4 pm. There are no other shops. Fortunately, we bought supplies (instant noodles, cup noodles, and boxed rice) from Kiriwong in advance, otherwise we would have starved. After replenishing our energy, while waiting for the staff to prepare and clean our room, we went for a 4 km hike (we had to start before 3 pm) to see the Krung Ching Waterfall. Many people from Nakhon Si Thammarat recommend this waterfall and agree that it is a must-see because it is so beautiful.

After walking just 500 meters, I was already exhausted. The path was quite steep, and I still had several kilometers to go. I wasn't sure if I would make it. (There were tears hidden in the number five.) Fortunately, the path became less steep after a while. The forest was very quiet, as there were no other tourists today. It was just the three of us. Along the way, we shared our life experiences with each other, including our careers, studies, lifestyles, thoughts, beliefs, families, and even our dogs and cats. However, most of the conversation revolved around the love life of one of our friends, who is incredibly popular. (We also stopped to take some hipster photos in the forest from time to time.)

Butterflies fluttered around me as I walked, tempting me to capture their beauty with my camera. Alas, they vanished before I could. Some things, like love, can only be cherished in our hearts and minds. #love #sigh #thecompanionsremainedsilent

After a grueling hour and a half trek, we finally arrived at the cascading Krung Ching Waterfall! We were drenched in sweat, our faces pale and dripping, but the sight before us was undeniably breathtaking (to a certain extent). Unfortunately, swimming was prohibited due to the considerable depth. Ah, how refreshing a dip would have been at that moment! The sight brought back fond memories of the crystal-clear waterfalls of Khao Kiri Wong.

After taking a break to rest and taking photos to our heart's content, we were finally ready to walk back the 4 kilometers. Just thinking about it made us not want to walk anymore. We pretended to faint. This forest trail was 8 kilometers round trip, and it took us a total of 4 hours. We were exhausted and walked back to the house like we had just been through a battle. 555555555555 This park house can accommodate 2-3 people and costs 200 baht per person. The park entrance fee is another 40 baht per person. The officer told us that no one else was staying tonight except for the three of us. Yay! The whole park is ours! But hey!!! Now that I think about it..... it's kind of scary too. Oh well! We have our looks as weapons, and we're wearing amulets anyway, so what's there to be afraid of? 555555555

A refreshing cold shower was just what I needed. The pork mince instant noodles I had in the middle of the forest made the meal even more delicious. As evening fell, the atmosphere became quieter, and all I could hear were the crickets. But sometimes it was so quiet that it was scary. We would look at each other when we heard the slightest sound, but no one dared to say anything. 555555555 Let's think positively, it's just the sound of birds and squirrels.

With nothing to do, no TV, and no mobile phone signal (all networks), we had no choice but to sit around and chat. Time seemed to slow down, but it was a time for the three of us to get to know each other even better. I'm not trying to be overly positive, but it's the truth. One of my friends is a real chatterbox! (laughs) She was really pent up, so she had to let it all out. (laughs)

Although I personally do not enjoy hiking very much (as it is hot and uncomfortable, and I prefer the beach), I am happy that everyone is okay with hiking together like this.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

Today is a real day of rest, because I slept from 4:30 pm, which is normal, or I slept until midnight. 55555

Upon waking, I noticed a butterfly perched on the edge of my balcony. Approaching cautiously, I managed to capture a close-up photograph without it taking flight.

Day 5: Khao Luang - Nakhon Si Thammarat City - Bangkok

The morning air in the park was pleasantly cool. It was another night without air conditioning, as there was none available. The entire park accommodation had only one wall-mounted fan, but it wasn't hot.

The previous day, the park ranger informed us that the park superintendent would be arriving for an inspection in the morning. It would take until around 10:00 AM to complete, and we could hitch a ride with him to the park entrance (approximately 10 kilometers away). However, this morning, the ranger informed us that the superintendent would not be coming after all. We were stunned and bewildered! How would we get out? In the end, the ranger took pity on the three wide-eyed youngsters and drove us in his pickup truck to the point where we could catch a shared taxi. We contributed to the cost of his fuel.

While the two songthaews were parked waiting for customers along the road to enter the city, the driver bought a pack of Halls and shared it with us. He was very kind. Hmm, or maybe we have bad breath! I brushed my teeth this morning, but I didn't shower. 55555 Today's mission is to find a fresh rice noodle shop. #GottaEatWhatYouCrave Following the concept of a hungry traveler, I finally found a Khanom Jeen Muang Kon restaurant. It was delicious! (Or maybe I was just hungry.) They gave us a full tray of various vegetables and side dishes.

Another must-try snack in Nakhon Si Thammarat is "Mangosteen Pickled," which is unripe green-skinned mangosteen that has been peeled and skewered on a stick. It has a crunchy texture and is only available here in Thailand. It costs only 10 baht per stick, but we were tricked into buying it for 20 baht per stick. Oh, so frustrating! (It's recommended to buy from the cart in front of the Muang Kon Chinese Noodle shop, not from the vendors who carry it around inside the shop, as they are different owners.) We also helped the auntie by buying her "Khanom La" and "Fried Champakada." This was my first time trying Champakada, and it tasted like jackfruit dipped in batter and deep-fried, but it had a slightly bitter taste that I didn't quite enjoy.

We then carried our bags to the "Suchart Traphonsin Shadow Puppet Museum," which was nearby. The owner welcomed us warmly and even had his daughter, Noong Lukwha, guide us through the museum. This gave us an exclusive museum experience, as we were the only visitors. We even got to try our hand at making shadow puppets.

After that, we went to relax at the "Baan Phak Nitan" (not far from the museum). The front is a cafe, while the back is a homestay. The concept is that each room is decorated according to a fairy tale. There are 7 rooms, 7 stories, very cute. The aunt who was guarding the shop asked if we wanted to see the rooms. She would take us to see them. But before we could answer, she was already leading the way with the room keys. Each room was so cool and impressive. It cost about a thousand baht per night. After the aunt showed us the rooms, she took a picture of the three of us. Why is she so cute!!!

The Journey's End: A Farewell to Nakhon Si Thammarat

The time has come to bid farewell to the captivating province of Nakhon Si Thammarat and embark on the return journey to bustling Bangkok. This trip has woven together the serene beauty of Khanom, the vibrant cityscapes of Nakhon Si Thammarat, the historical allure of Khiriwong, the verdant expanse of Khao Luang National Park, and the bustling energy of Chumphon.

Among these diverse destinations, Khanom stands out as a place that truly captured my heart. Its tranquil atmosphere, serene beaches, and laid-back charm offered a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The presence of friendly and attractive foreigners added to the allure of this coastal paradise.

As I depart, I carry with me a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of experiences that Nakhon Si Thammarat has woven into my memory. The warmth of the locals, the stunning natural landscapes, and the unique cultural heritage have left an indelible mark.

Perhaps our paths will cross again, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Until then, I bid you a fond farewell.

The new plan is as follows:
Day 1 - Khanom
Day 2 - Morning: Pink dolphins in Khanom + Afternoon: Nakhon Si Thammarat city
Day 3 - Morning: Phra That in Nakhon Si Thammarat city + Afternoon: Khao Kiri Wong
Day 4 - Morning: Khao Kiri Wong + Afternoon: Khao Luang National Park - Krung Ching
Last day - Return to the city, wait for the return to Bangkok

In reality, local villagers who see us carrying large backpacks and walking around or trying to find our way to our destination are always willing to help and offer advice. Kindness is easy to find, and a word of thanks and a smile are all we can offer in return.

This trip is ours

This phrase expresses ownership and exclusivity over the experience described. The hashtag "#ทริปนี้เป็นของเรา" translates to "#ThisTripIsOurs" in English, emphasizing the personal nature of the journey.

The subsequent sentence reveals that the lack of crowds enhanced the experience, despite occasional feelings of loneliness. The exclamation "ดีย์" signifies enjoyment and satisfaction, indicating an overall positive assessment of the trip.

#SlowLifeTrip is the ultimate chill. We didn't look for accommodation or make any reservations. We just spent our days at coffee shops, wandering around, and taking pictures. It's already 10 pm, and we still have no idea where we're going tomorrow. 55555 But we believe that everything will work out in the end.

This trip was full of good luck!

Despite the bad weather, with dark skies and high waves, we were lucky enough to see pink dolphins up close. We also participated in the annual city pillar festival, helped to drape the main stupa, and met many kind people, including Auntie Iad, Brother Rajai (the owner of the homestay in Khiriwong), Brother Thang (the owner of the bicycle shop), the uncle who drove the songthaew, the park rangers, the hotel staff, Nong Luk Wawa at the Shadow Puppet Museum, and the auntie at the Baan Phak Nitan cafe. We found clean and comfortable accommodation, even though we hadn't booked anything in advance. And of course, I can't forget my two amazing travel companions who were so easygoing and made the trip so enjoyable. Thank you to my wonderful friends who made this trip a success, full of flavor and life-enriching experiences.

We shared the stinky beans we got from Auntie Eied in the middle of the airport. 55555555555

This all-female trip proves it: women are strong!

While it's true that today's world can be scary, having someone you trust by your side makes all the difference. So, let's encourage women to explore the world together!

Where to next after this trip? (I'm broke now, haha) Phu Kradueng, Yangon, Taiwan, Bromo, Malaysia, anywhere is fine as long as you don't leave me!

The world is vast, making the people around you all the more important.

This is the last picture. Hehe.