As the rainy season ends and the cool season begins, many people may want to experience the cold weather in the north. However, due to time constraints, we chose to relax nearby in Amphawa, experiencing the Slow Life lifestyle along the Mae Klong River with a cool breeze. In this case, even if it's not Pang Ung, being close to Bangkok can still be enjoyable.

First, we chose our accommodation. We really wanted a place that was right on the river, not just by a canal or in a garden with a dug-out canal. More importantly, many of the beautiful places are often full, and it's even harder to find a beautiful place that's close to the floating market. So, we decided to move a little further out. I should also mention that we like to travel at our own pace and stop wherever we feel like it. Let's go see Kanan.

Our journey began a little late due to traffic congestion during the long weekend. We drove along Rama II Road towards Samut Songkhram. By the time we arrived, it was time to check in. We stopped at Don Hoi Lot to grab some food before heading to our destination. Upon arrival at Don Hoi Lot, the first thing we did was pay our respects at the shrine of Prince Chumporn Khet Udomsak (His Royal Highness the Father).

A Culinary Adventure in Don Hoi Lod: Exploring the Delights of Pla Too Thai Burgers and More

Nestled amidst the abundance of Don Hoi Lod restaurants, a culinary gem awaits: Khun Pao's Don Hoi Lod. This establishment boasts a unique guarantee: if their food is not fresh or the flavors are off, a full refund is offered. While this assurance is certainly enticing, our primary goal was to indulge in the delectable Pla Too Thai Burger.

Beyond the allure of the burger, Khun Pao's offers a tantalizing array of dishes that showcase the region's culinary prowess. The stir-fried Don Hoi Lod with its fiery kick, the flavorful Pla Too fish cakes, and the steaming Tom Yum hot pot are just a few examples of the gastronomic delights that await.

The Pla Too Thai Burger stands out as a testament to culinary innovation. This unique creation combines the traditional flavors of Pla Too with the familiar comfort of a burger, resulting in a taste sensation that is both novel and satisfying.

Khun Pao's Don Hoi Lod is more than just a restaurant; it is an invitation to embark on a culinary adventure. From the freshness of the ingredients to the boldness of the flavors, each dish is a testament to the region's rich culinary heritage. Whether you are a seasoned foodie or simply seeking a unique dining experience, Khun Pao's offers a journey for your palate that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

This place boasts a charming atmosphere with antique decor. It offers Japanese-style seating by the river and a rooftop terrace with stunning views. You can also enjoy dining here in the cool evening breeze. The food is guaranteed to be delicious and fresh, and it's reasonably priced. You won't be disappointed!

We then searched for the way to the accommodation. We had to rely on GPS for this task. The route was incredibly short, and we managed to reach the resort. It seemed like a small resort, but it was located by the Mae Klong River, near the Bang Kung Camp. This was the Ruen Panalee Resort. The atmosphere here was fantastic. We chose a room by the river with a private balcony, which was incredibly relaxing. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a delicious welcome drink, a whole coconut. It was so refreshing. As soon as we entered the room, the first thing we did was open the curtains to admire the beautiful view of the Mae Klong River. Then, we took a moment to appreciate the welcome drink and the room's decoration. The resort paid great attention to detail in the decoration and chose furnishings that blended seamlessly with nature and the garden-like riverside setting.

The sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the bustling market. The air was cool and crisp, a welcome respite from the summer heat. We strolled through the market, taking in the sights and sounds. The vendors were friendly and eager to share their wares. We sampled some of the local delicacies, and bought a few souvenirs.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we made our way to the river. We boarded a small boat and set off into the darkness. The boatman pointed out the constellations, and we marveled at the beauty of the night sky.

After a while, we reached a clearing in the river. The boatman stopped the engine, and we sat in silence. The only sound was the gentle lapping of the water against the hull of the boat.

Suddenly, we saw a flash of light. Then another, and another. The clearing was alive with fireflies! They danced and twirled in the air, creating a magical spectacle.

We watched in awe as the fireflies flitted around us. They were like tiny stars, twinkling in the darkness. We felt a sense of peace and wonder as we witnessed this natural wonder.

The fireflies continued to dance for several minutes. Then, as if on cue, they all disappeared. The clearing was once again dark and silent.

We sat in silence for a while longer, savoring the memory of what we had seen. Then, we started the engine and headed back to the market.

The fireflies were a reminder of the beauty and wonder that can be found in the natural world. They were a gift, a moment of magic that we would never forget.

After a romantic hour-long cruise through the firefly-lit waters of the Mae Klong River, we returned to the floating market where we had boarded the boat. As soon as we disembarked, our stomachs began to rumble, prompting us to search for a bite to eat.

We went to a famous grilled chicken restaurant. Let me tell you, the chicken was really delicious! We had to order it, of course. They also had grilled pork salad, mackerel omelet, shrimp in spicy fish sauce... and they even had free grass jelly! We're definitely going to be full until tomorrow. Haha.

Next, we indulged in a unique and delicious experience with flower-infused fruit ice cream. The variety was impressive, and we opted for the coconut-butterfly pea flower and passion fruit drizzled with honey. Other notable options included star gooseberry with chili and salt, mango with sweet fish sauce, and guava with pickled plums. This is definitely a must-try for adventurous palates.

The market was closing, so we headed back to the resort to relax on the balcony by the water until late at night. Then we went to rest.

.........................................................................Sweet dreams..............................................................................

At dawn, the cool air and the first light of day greeted us right outside our room. We then waited for the monks to collect alms by boat, a truly beautiful sight. The fresh morning air was invigorating, and we felt completely refreshed. After that, we returned to our room for a short rest.

Wake up to a delicious breakfast at the resort. Today's buffet offers a wide variety of dishes, almost all of which are delicious. The decor is inspired by nature, making you feel like you've traveled back in time to a traditional countryside home.

It was time to say goodbye to our beautiful accommodation with its relaxing atmosphere by the river. We must say, we really didn't want to leave.

After checking out, we headed to Bang Kung Temple and Camp, which is not far from the resort. The temple features the Prang Phothi, a former ordination hall now covered by the roots of large trees, including bodhi, banyan, and fig trees. From the outside, it appears more like a cluster of giant trees than a temple within. These roots help preserve the structure of the hall. Inside, a Buddha statue is enshrined, known as Luang Pho Nilmani. Visitors are required to dress modestly, or they can borrow a sarong provided by the temple before entering to apply gold leaf to the statue. Outside, a spacious courtyard features a monument to King Taksin the Great, and nearby, a statue of Mae Mai Muay Thai, a symbol of Bang Kung Camp Temple.

Continuing our journey, we arrived at Wat Chaloem, but along the way, we started craving coffee. So, we stopped at Neighbor Kitchen & Cafe, a charming little white cafe by the road near the PTT gas station, just outside the floating market. A large Snoopy statue greeted us at the entrance. Initially, we only ordered iced and blended cappuccinos, but then we remembered that the cafe was known for its delicious food and desserts. Since it was already past noon, we decided to indulge. We ordered spaghetti with mackerel chili paste, mackerel fried rice with herbs, and, of course, ice cream and banana-caramel pancakes served in a cute tuna basket. Everything was absolutely delicious! We highly recommend this cafe. It offers a wide variety of beverages, savory dishes, and sweet treats, all of exceptional quality.

We then continued to Wat Chong Lom, where a colossal statue of Luang Pu Thuat is enshrined in a magnificent pavilion. We paid our respects, offered prayers, and captured a final image of Luang Pu Thuat to conclude our trip. We were eager to avoid potential traffic congestion and an extended return journey.

If the opportunity arises, we will return to review other travel routes in the Once Slow Life style - simple, relaxed, unplanned, unplugged, and truly restful, allowing us to recharge and return to work with renewed energy.