Riding the train from Bangkok to the beach town Hua Hin is adventure. Sitting among dozen of Malaysian in the second class without air conditioning, we feel we were in another country. We purchased the train ticket one day prior to departure, which left us no options of air conditioner seating.
Hua Hin is 400 kilometers from Bangkok, with a population of 66,000 and 3000 foreigners. It takes about 3 hours by car or 4 hours by train with many stops on the way, while passing by beautiful small villages with summer sceneries, coconut trees, temples, farm land with cows and green fields. We departured at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station with hundreds of other local Thai waiting for the train. The large waiting hall provides many convenient shops and stands with cooked food, coffee, snacks and water, clean bathrooms and efficient air conditioning with big fans.
The train tickets have assigned seat numbers and letters for train cars, that helps passenger easily to find where to go. A second Ticket inspection comes during the train ride, uniformed staff cuts the ticket corner after verification, and cleaning crews show up later to sweep the floor and keep the train clean.
While the train ride slowly heading into dawn, farming smock brought insects around light, many beautiful dragon flies sit on your shoulders, arm or chest. Other small insects die or passing out due to smoke. One time the train had to stop and wait for another train from opposite direction to merge into the shared lane.
The second half of the journey seemed fast due to less stop around the beach cost toward south. with 15 minute delay we got off the train at our Hau Hin stop at 8:15. Besides 3 or 4 passengers got off, the rest of majority remain on board and heading further south towards Malaysia boarders.
10 minute walk through the town from the train station, we arrived our beautiful boutique Hotel Charlelearn. This stay is one of our best choices in Thailand. Besides comfy beds with soft clean sheet and high quality bath towels, mini fridge and kettle, cups helps us make our tea during the day. Morning coffee at hotel lobby starts 7am to 11am, which provides verity including latte, cappuccino and espresso, tea and pastry make add up joy for morning pleasure. The swimming pool is on the roof top where gives a great view of the town.
The staff are very friendly with smile and hello when you walk by. They diligently fix problems when we had small issue of power outlet and safe security lock. The cross street of the hotel 7/11 operates 24 hours and other food stands and restaurants offers many options. As we are located the center of the town Hua Hin night market is only 5 minute walk, the beach with pier is also 5 minute away.
Surprisingly we found there are food stands on the pier serving evening crowd, from BBQ to fried noodle, papaya salad and sweets. As 3000 foreigners live in this town, many of them choose to not cook, instead the kitchen is everyone with your own chef.
Grocery shopping can be done in the shopping mall or separate on the street, The closest one celled Top is about 8 minute walk, with many western verities such as cheese, bread and cereals and wine. The store full of the interracial couples and families, most common Thai spouse women with Western males. The big chain Lotus is another option where located 20 minute by foot, with wide range of selections and the pricing is competitive for both local and tourists.