I just came back from trip to Yunnan with my friends. Now another 2 friends from Guilin, China plan to travel to Thailand. They preferred to travel during this rainy season as I have told them that in the north of Thailand during rainy season is very beautiful even cannot compare with Yunna in China but it worth to visit.

They plan long trip during 23 August – 6 September with 5 days in Chiang Mai and the rest explore around Central Part and beach side of Thailand.

Since they are my close friend and I still have vacation leave quota so I take leave and be their local guide this time.

Besides of me and 2 Chinese friend I also have another 2 Thai friends joined this trip, they are Tanny and Marie. Tanny is expert around Central of Thailand so she planned this trip for us. And Marie also expert for Hua Hin so she joined us only in Hua Hin because she also busy during these days.

23rd August

Cindy and Rita arrived to Bangkok and I booked 4* hotel in the middle of Bangkok for them. From their hotel just walking distance to the new and popular street food area called “Banthad Thong” where there are lots of shops, restaurants, food stall and crowded every day (except Monday will be less” by tourist and Thai

They arrived late evening flight, so we let them relax at hotel on the first evening.

24^th August

I had urgent meeting on 24th. So, only Tanny took Cindy and Rita to see around Bangkok. 

Visit temples, Grand Palace and temple

Get on Tuk Tuk to visit China Town on the daytime. 

Tried some activity at flower market

Tanny also took them on long tail boat along the canal in Bangkok.

And in the evening, she took them out again to enjoy the famous street food which well known by tourist as China Town or Yaowarat

They end up the street food with a stunning view of Bangkok with a drink on the rooftop where we can see a nice view

Tanny sent them back to hotel to prepare for check out as the around Central of Thailand starting next day

25^th August

We decided to rent a minivan from Bangkok for the rest of the trip because we all want to spend time and enjoy the view along the way and minivan is more comfortable when we go for long distance especially outside Bangkok.

We picked up Cindy and Rita from hotel in the morning and head out from Bangkok directly to Kanchanaburi.

Actually, me and Tanny travel to many places in Thailand because we both love travelling

But we never get boring to repeating visit to some places as we always join with difference group of friends and got difference memories.

Both Cindy and Rita never came to Thailand before. So, they excited and enjoyed with everything

First place we took them to visit was JEATH museum about World War II and follow by Don Rak cemetery before got on the local train at the Bridge of River Kwai.

We booked train ticket with local agent so we got good seat then Rita and Cindy can enjoy the view.

Arrived to the Tham Krasae station. Tanny took Rita and Cindy to Tham Krasae cave while I was enjoyed taking photo from the bridge and the river.

Since the weather that quite hot so they spent around 15 minutes at the cave, and we took some nice shots then left the cave.

On the short distance we walked to the small but nice restaurant with river and railway view and enjoy lunch.

After lunch we continue to the pier.

Cindy and Rita preferred to stay on the raft hotel without air-con, so we booked one night for them at River Kwai Jungle Raft. 

Small but unique raft house.

And their welcome is unique

But since Tanny had problem with sleeping so she cannot sleep on the raft which moving during night as it floating on the river so I and Tanny stayed at small guest house not far from Cindy and Rita but located on the land

26^th August

I and Tanny took the long tail boat to pick up Cindy and Rita. Actually, resort provide free long tail boat transfer for their customer but I and Tanny just want to take a fresh air in the morning along the river so we join with the boat.

Along the river during rainy season is so beautiful and fresh. 

All trees are green, and the weather was great. 

Last night was raining so even Jungle Raft do not have air-con but the weather still cold, Cindy said.

Long tail boat took around 20 minutes then we reached to the pier and get on the van. Mr.Kaew was our driver, and he took us to visit Hell Fire pass.

We arrived around 10 minutes before they open (opening time is 09.00am) so we got a drink.

After they open, we got welcome from officer and gave us the brochure. 

And the brochure explains about this history of World War II and the Hell Fire Pass history.

We walked down to the old railway which was not finished build since World War II. 

Along the walk way, we saw some flags, flower, photos. There were some foreigners came to visit their family member who died during the war.

Walked till the end of the railway and then return to the van. 

And continue to visit Sai Yok Noi waterfall.

We were lucky because rainy season and it was raining last night made the waterfall is so beautiful

This waterfall on the limestones mountain so the surface is not slip. We walked up to the middle of waterfall and got some nice photos.

Around 20 minutes we came down from waterfall and left to another waterfall, Erawan Waterfall.

In my opinion I like Erawan waterfall more than Sai Yok but Cindy like Sai Yok.

We took golf cart to the first level

And walked up to the level 2 at Erawan

Then to level 3

Cindy and Tanny enjoy at level 3

Rita hurt her feet by her shoes, so we agreed to skip another level of waterfall (they have totally 7 levels).

Actually, Kanchanaburi have 5 national parks and more than 10 water falls but I think Erawan is most popular.

The water is clean and clear. The light blue color above the limestone rock made all area look fresh and peaceful.

Personally, I like level 3 the most because it looks like a water curtain.

Unfortunately, we did not bring swimming suite, so we did not swim this time

We came down by golf car (only Baht 20/person/way) which took around 10 minutes only.

We left Erawan around 15.00hrs and heading to resort as Cindy and Rita were tired after long walks to the waterfall so we agreed to go to hotel to check in and then relax.

But me and Tanny end up the day with Thai massage. We paid THB 300 for 1 hour foot massage and the therapist is professional.

Natee Riverfront was our hotel on 2^nd night.

27^th August

We checked out from Natee Riverfront resort around 0800hrs. 

And took around 3 hours heading to Ayutthaya because we want to take them to visit Ayutthaya Historical Park (UNESSCO SITE). The first temple we visit was Wat Phanancheong which is one of famous temple in Ayutthaya for Thai and also for foreigner tourists as well.

Both Rita and Cindy love to follow Thai’s culture.

The way Cindy pays respect to temple

And the way Rita wear white to visit temple

I think if they have time to stay in Thailand at least one month, they should learn more about Thai. Tanny and me also taught them to learn some Thai words like “Chop Mak = I really like it” or “Aroi Mak = Very Delicious” because when Thai people want to express more feeling to some feeling then we put “Mak = very” in front of words.

We took long tail boat from Wat Phanancheong for sightseeing along the river and canal. And there are many temples located by the river.

Visit Wat Prasrisanpetch

And another temple is Wat Yai Chaimongkol

Unfortunately, they have renovating some area

So we can visit only the pagoda

Rita and Cindy were too tired to have dinner, so they preferred to take rest and have some lite snack for dinner.

But I know one small restaurant which famous for spicy foods, salad which is good for early dinner.

The restaurant name is “Be Yum Se” which located around 10 minutes by car away from hotel.

We were only 2 persons, but we order almost 10 dishes.

Salmon in soy sauce

Papaya salad

Fresh crab salad

Red salted egg salad

Soup

Boild calm

Anyway, we finished them all because all are delicious. And you may not believe totally we paid around THB 500/person, so cheap for this good quality of food and good taste.

After dinner, we return to hotel

We booked Krungsri River a 3* hotel in Ayutthaya but located by the river with very good view

28^th August

We were ready at lobby at 07.30am. Driver picked up us and we heading out to Khao Yai. With 2 hours distance by car, we were enjoyed the view. This area greener than Ayutthaya as it is a National Park as same as Erawan National Park and other National Park in Kanchanaburi.

Today we did trek day at Khao Yai National Park. We went direct to National Park instead of check in as to do trekking in the morning is better than afternoon.

Because we can expect to see more wild animals. We arrived at the park and paid for entrance fee and prepare all necessary stuff and also rented a sock.

Cindy and Rita really excited and impressed with everything.

We saw some monkey

Some flower

Mushroom

Rita found beautiful insect on the tree

 We saw hornbill but cannot take photo of them

Colorful mush room

Animal foot printed

And nice shots for both of them

Park’s ranger took us walked on the route number 3 which is not too difficult but we all like it

It was raining few days back so there are some leeches on the ground which we had to be-careful. 

Fortunately, park’s ranger suggested us to rent a sock which really help to protect the leech.

However, there are also flower blooming after rain

We saw very big tree. Cindy disappears into the roots

We spent around 2 hours soft trekking with expert park’s ranger name Na Rong

After jungle trekking, the park’s ranger took us to another side of the park where there are huge glass field.

The place look like a big green carpet cover small mountains

And we were lucky, no rain but the sky look very beautiful with white and gray cloud. The weather and the light were so good for taking photos

And 3 of them are enjoyed

We walked up to the animal watching tower

Even we did not see any animal from the tower but the stunning view was so great

The wind and smell from the grass field blow around us

It was a very peaceful place

Before we left the park. Cindy and Rita want some jumping shot

We left the park for lunch. 

Me and Tanny took Cindy and Rita to local I-San restaurant.

Every time I came to Khao Yai, I always keep one meal for this restaurant “PEN LAOS” located not too far from National Park

Tanny ordered food for us and all are I-san food

Grill chicken with black pepper

Papaya salad (again). 

This time she ordered 2 menu of papaya salad

I order spicy salad grilled pork neck. This menu eat together with sticky rice is perfect match. We both taught Cindy and Rita how to eat I-san food
We finished food and then transfer to hotel for check in.

After Ayutthaya, tonight we booked 4* hotel in Khao Yai called LACOL KHAO YAI. I stayed this hotel before, and I think Cindy and Rita should like it as well.

Room is so nice. I got pool view room and Cindy and Rita got mountain view room

In the evening, driver took us to experience bats watching. There are millions of bats came out from their cave on the mountain. 

We were waiting to see the bats at the café near the café so we finish our day with lite dinner there with one pizza to share.

We returned to hotel around 19.30hrs and relax after long day.

29^th August

07.00am I was at breakfast while others prepared for check out. Their breakfast was great, variety food and good quality. Cindy and Rita arrived and have some lite breakfast while Tanny skip breakfast.

We check out and left hotel around 07.30am. We had quick breakfast

And we were heading to the Khao Yai National Park again as we planned to do 2 times trekking.

We already with trekking sock with the same Park’s ranger.

We do not have much time as after trekking we have to go back to Bangkok.

The routing today a bit difficult than yesterday

But we were enjoyed with professional ranger

It was raining last night so the trail full of mud in some area and slip.

It funny that we are coming for trekking but all wearing white shoes.

We heard gibbon and keep follow them but unfortunately, we did not see them.

I think yesterday was better routing as we saw birds, monkey, butterfly.

May be this area for other animal as we saw footprint of deer and dhole

I found a tree which has root with golden color.

And found some red seeds of the tree but cannot find which tree because all seed already fell down on the ground.

This rout has some part which steeper path

But the roots from the trees really help us climb up easier

We spent around 1.30hrs walked and finished around 10.30am

After cleaning our shoes and refresh then we left Khao Yai to Bangkok. We arrived in Bangkok quite late, so we got some quick lunch and refresh.

Cindy and Rita asked me for good Thai massage today around our hotel (Grand China Hotel). I booked one room for me and Marie as we plan to leave to Hua Hin on 30^th in the early morning so I did not go back home.

After checked in and refresh then we walked to the shopping mall name I’m China Town. The school is in that shopping mall.

I had an idea, instead of do massage but we try learning Thai massage. There is a massage school near hotel and we have time to prepare as the class start at 16.30hrs and take 2 hours. There were enjoyed the class

In 2 hours, master taught them to make herbal compress before start learning massage. And also let them try the finished herbal compress which already steam.

After the class we walked back to hotel and stop by at a noodle shop as Rita hungry again. 

Not much thing to do today as we just want to take rest and sleep more because we have to be ready at 07.00am in the next day.

Before return to our room. We went up to the rooftop on 17^th floor of hotel. This hotel they serve welcome drink at their rooftop bar & restaurant. We got welcome drink coupon up on check and we can get a welcome drink at the bar any time before they close. This is good idea. We got our drink and enjoy talking until 20.00hrs then separate to each room.

30^th August

06.00am I woke up and pack everything and ready at lobby at 06.45am as well as Marie. Marie did not stay at hotel with us because her home is close to China Town area, so she met us at hotel’s lobby.

Today Marie took all of us to get on the train travel to Mae Klong Railway market. This market is well known for tourist as well as Thai people with difference purpose of visit. 

Tourists visit to experience the exciting moment when the train arrive the market while Thai people visit to buy ingredient for their home cook food.

This is first time for Cindy and Rita travel to Thailand so they both excited with take a local train. 

Local train in Thailand is difference from hi speed train in China but mor authentic. The open-air train make them feel the wind, natural sound, see all outside clearer as the train is not hi speed.

Along the way, enjoy the view of salt field. Villages, temples etc.,

This train ride on difference view with the one they took in Kanchanaburi. This area not much fruit plantation as the ground is difference type.

We arrived the market and then Marie took us walk a bit inside the market and came out another way which less crowd and bought some local snack to eat in the car

After that we continued to the most famous floating market in Thailand “Damnern Saduak Floating Market”

We took a long tail boat from the Vandee pier. The staff there really friendly, they have local fruit serve free of charge and all staff take good care of all customers.

We took private long tail boat so there were only 4 of us on the boat.

The driver took us around the village, passing the temple, fruit plantations, houses

Along canal we saw some reptile like lizard, small snake

We took around 40 minutes on the boat and the boat took us to the main market

There are boats selling snack, food, drinks, fruit in the canal which we can buy and eat on the boat or bring back to each later

We finished the boat tour and return to the pier. There is another floating market which open afternoon till late evening (Damnern Saduak open from morning till noon) and we took Cindy and Rita there. But as we arrived to early then we went to Bang Kung temple first. As this temple is listed to be UNSEEN THAILAND and it is one of must visit for tourist travel to Amphawa

But as the temperature was not good outside then Marie took us to a fantastic café to get some drink

This café located in the hotel name Chu Chai Buri

We ordered cold drink except Cindy want to hot drink

My drink is pineapple smoothy

Rita is mango smoothy

Marie is coconut smoothy

And Cindy menu is hot art hojicha tea. We thought Cindy prefer no sugar drink but after she tried one zip of the tea, she immediately asked waitress for syrup. 

It was funny chilling hour at the café. However, no one can finish our drink as the portion is so big.

We left the café and walked to Amphawa floating market.

It was a walkway along the small canal where we saw few lizards

Rita really like Phad Thai and there is small restaurant which Marie know well then, we stop by and order one Phad Thai and one Phad Kra Prao (spicy stir-fried pork with basil and top with fried egg to share by 4 persons. Both are very delicious.

We recommended this small restaurant at Amphawa

Continue deep to the market. There were more shops start open. This market opening on Friday-Sunday. Some shops open from afternoon.

We tried another restaurant with noodle. This one special as they use coconut shell instead of normal bowl.

The table is along the canal with good view

I like egg noodle as same as Marie so we order same menu while Cindy and Rita took another type of noodle.

The taste of noodle is good, and they sell cheap even this is tourist site

Cindy and Rita had tried to make coconut pancake and crispy crape. The shop’s owner so kind to let them try and we bought both snack to eat in the car

We saw some houses turned to be small guest houses, homestay and massage shop.

I think we can stay 1-2 nights in the area and travel around. May be next time

We walked around and picked some snack and then return to the car and heading out to Hua Hin

I booked 2 nights at MAVEN STYLISH HUA HIN for this trip. The hotel located not far from a famous night market in HUA HIN name Cicada Market

And we had dinner at this market. There are few performances show there while many food stalls available like open are food pavilion for eating and enjoy the performance shows

We left the market around 07.30pm and return to hotel to take rest. Because during travel, we all always have laptop with us so we can check our work daily.

We all are same, travel and work can be combined

Overnight

31^st August

06.00am I and Marie work up and we both want to experience local breakfast. As I know where to find good one and it is just on walking distance. We let Cindy and Rita sleep more and have breakfast at hotel then we checked out early and keep all our luggage at the lobby.

My breakfast was red pork and crispy pork with rice top with red sauce and pork blood soup. 

Marie order congee. 

This restaurant is well known for Thai and opened for years. They open early morning till noon only.

After breakfast we walked back to hotel and Cindy and Rita were ready there.

Today we took Cindy and Rita to see around Hua Hin. I just got informed the new Hua Hin Train station already opened.

It is a huge station (compare with previous one)

However, they still keep the original one as museum

Cindy and Rita were enjoy taking photo at the station (photo took by me)

We left train station and heading back to Petchaburi. The province which is on the way from Bangkok to Hua Hin to visit the famous cave name “Tham Khao Luang” (Tham is cave).

After trekking with Tanny in Khao Yai and visit Erawan Waterfall, Sai Yoke waterfall I told Cindy and Rita that Tham Khao Luang is very easy.

And when we arrived the entrance, both of them stop for a while and look at me. We do not need word but understand each other 😊

We walked down to the cave. There are 3 caves separate as 3 rooms.

The main room with the hole above and the sun shining down inside the cave

There are some Buddha images in the cave

We walked deep to inside (follow other)

Another cave has hole but smaller so some part of the cave still dark.But I got good shots

Cindy and Rita were ready to be a model whenever I say their name

We came out from the cave and get back to the car but got some local snack again

The sunshine quite strong to we decided to return to hotel and on the way just stop by at the public beach as Cindy and Rita are from Guilin and want some nice photos from the beach of Hua Hin for their memory.

We return to hotel and take rest

And meet again at 6.00pm as there is another famous night market HUA HIN NIGHT MARKET which we want to take Cindy and Rita there for dinner and shopping

We arrived to the market. At the entrance, there are colorful graffiti so we took some memory shots

Stayed with them for almost 10 days, notice that the way Cindy poses, And Rita is difference

We walked to the market and start finding some finger food

I bought some sauce for my family to eat with mango

Marie ordered Roti for all of us

I ordered some grilled squid

And pan-fried oyster, and we shared all food

We were enjoying food but did not buy any souvenir this time (may be because I’m travelling too often)

We return to hotel and overnight

1^st September

06.00am I and Marie woke up same time as we had plan to have breakfast at same restaurant again. We walked from our hotel to this restaurant. Actually, it took around 500 meters but in the morning the weather still good for walking.

I ordered difference rice menu today but still have soup while Marie order rice same as I did yesterday, and she also order soup

I order Thai black ice coffee, I really to drink this menu when travel outside Bangkok. The taste of this drink is unique and difference from normal coffee

After breakfast we walked to the beach.

On the way we found lots of interesting. The graffiti, local shops, small hotels. 

Hua Hin is a peaceful destination for all days and they still keep old style character till now even some new shops, hotels, restaurants come up but still show the traditional style.

We walked to the beach and took many nice shots.

The beach and the sea are peaceful. No strong waive while the sun shining to the sea and the sea reflected the color of the sky

The local fisherman village is there and their small boat are on the beach.

I looked at the boat and imaging if they have life, at that moment they might waiting the time to get on the sea

The blue sea and sky and sunshine in the morning is good time for all beach activities either for local people or tourist.

This is one of my favorite beaches in Thailand

And I notice this time in Hua Hin I saw many graffiti by same artist. Someone say that his girlfriend open small café at Hua Hin soi 55 and there are more pieces of art by him.

Unfortunately, we do not have time to visit so I will come again next time (I also have plan to travel to Hua Hin with another group of friends again in September)

We walked back to hotel and spent few minutes to refresh before meet with Cindy and Rita at lobby

We all are ready to leave.

We checked out from HUA HIN and return to Bangkok. Me and Marie drop Cindy and Rita at airport to get flight to Chiang Mai which will be past part of the trip and they will spend time just to relax there before fly back to Guilin.

This trip we all had exchanged the language skill. I learned a lot for Chinese words while Cindy and Rita also learned Thai from us, Tanny and Marie as well.

Since Cindy and Rita do not have any plan for Chiang Mai but they just want to visit this area as I suggest. So, they booked hotel and plan to stay there till 5^th September. So, I did not follow them to Chiang Mai this time. But I’m sure they will love Chiang Mai as same as me.

Thailand always has something new and in those new things always somethings to make people fall in love from the first time and repeat again. This trip Cindy and Rita keep saying that they will come again soon.

Totally this year I visit Chiang Mai 3 times already but still want to go again (I might go there to meet with my friend during Loy Krathong in November)

Me and Marie sent Cindy and Rita at Donmuang Airport. It always sad to say goodbye to our friend but soon I will visit them in Guilin as I also love to visit China as well as Chiang Mai.