10 December 2024: Coastal Wandering and Hidden Local Gems
Today marked our last full day exploring the Trat area, so we decided to soak in as much of the coast as possible. We began the day at a little, unnamed pier—a humble slice of local life. We strolled along its length, swapping smiles with friendly locals who were out and about early.
In one charming corner, we came across a group of local lads tidying up and even training their fighting roosters. It was an unexpected spectacle, and we watched intently as these proud birds were groomed and primped, a quirky reminder of the region’s unique traditions.
Our wanderings then took us past the Nurul Moubine Masjid, a local mosque whose elegant design provided a peaceful counterpoint to our earlier stop. The presence of the mosque added to the diverse cultural tapestry of the area, a quiet landmark that spoke to the community’s rich blend of influences.
Returning to the piers, we discovered fishermen busy mending nets and catching up on routine maintenance at Khlong Yai. The rhythmic activity and gentle chatter of the locals working their trade lent a comforting, authentic air to the day.
By noon, we made our way up to a viewpoint overlooking the Ko Chang Ferry Pier. Known as the 165m View Point, it offered a magnificent panorama of the coast—jagged shorelines merging with the sparkling sea, with ferries drifting between islands. The view was both humbling and invigorating, a perfect reminder of why we love these unhurried journeys.
Our next stop was the Chik Nai Canal a pretty little waterway dotted with moored fishing boats. The canal exuded a timeless charm as local life unfolded along its banks, with boats gently swaying and fishermen going about their daily routines.
For lunch, we opted for a casual beachside meal at Grandma’s Kitchen on Hoi Khao Beach.
Though we couldn’t quite recall every ingredient or dish we ordered, everything tasted delightfully satisfying. The food, accompanied by the gentle lull of the ocean, had its own simple magic—comforting and down-to-earth.
Feeling pleasantly full and content, we headed back into the Trat Markets for a relaxed dinner. The vibrant market, alive with familiar scents, colourful produce, and the friendly hum of local banter, was the perfect finale to a restorative day.
11 December 2024: Goodbye Trat, Hello Rayong
Today marks our farewell to Trat—a place that has treated us with warmth and hidden treasures at every turn. As we left behind these familiar streets, we couldn’t help but reflect on the memories we made here.
On our way out of Trat, we made a brief stop at Samakkhi Somphot Krung Public Park. This park is an unexpected blend of tranquillity and modern art—a striking modern Buddha sculpture nestles amongst vibrant floral displays, reminding you that even in public spaces, art can spark moments of quiet contemplation.
Our journey continued with our usual PTT 7-Eleven stop at around 9am, a dependable ritual that gave us a chance to refuel both our vehicle and ourselves with snacks and refreshments before hitting the road again.
By 10am, we arrived at **Sunshine Scenic View Sukniran Cliff**, one of those perfect spots to stretch our legs and take in the breathtaking panorama. As we walked along the cliffside path, we couldn’t help but smile when passing a uniquely kitted-out Toyota Revolution—a quirky yet endearing sight that added a touch of local colour to our morning.
Not long after, we found ourselves at Laem Sing Beach. Today, the beach was alive with excitement as a local festival and a volleyball competition unfolded along its sandy shores. The festive atmosphere, combined with the gentle roar of the sea, made for an invigorating break before we continued our journey. Soon after, our path led us to the truly impressive Taksin Maharat Bridge. Rising high above the landscape, its modern design offered amazing views stretching far out to sea and into the lush expanse of Khao Laem Sing Forest Park—a reminder that sometimes architectural wonders serve as gateways to nature’s most magnificent landscapes.
After crossing the bridge, our route took a detour inland to Wat Khao Thanon Mamuang.
This little wat may be modest in size, but its vantage point provides splendid views of the surrounding district—a humble but lovely reminder of how even small temples offer moments of peace and grand vistas. The road itself then curved along a beautiful route that led us to Hat Kep Tawan View Point, where the meeting of land and sea was framed by the soft hues of the afternoon light.
Next up was the intriguing Wat Tha Makok, an unusual wat constructed to resemble a giant ship floating in a sizeable pond. Its nautical design lends it an air of whimsy that contrasts delightfully with more traditional temple forms. As we continued our journey closer to Rayong, we passed an assortment of eye-catching murals and sculptures—fascinating fish motifs and even transformer-inspired figures—that punctuated the roadside with bursts of creativity and character.
By about 4:15pm, we navigated through the familiar peaks of traffic as we arrived at our hotel in Rayong. After settling into our room, we felt the need to stretch our legs one last time and explore the local streets. A gentle walk through the nearby shopping centre and its surrounding lanes led us to a cosy dinner spot, where the local flavours and relaxed ambience offered the perfect end to a day filled with exploration and transition.
12 December 2024: A Day on the Coast, Traffic, and Unexpected Discoveries
Today’s adventure took us north towards Pattaya on a dedicated day trip to experience the WGP#1 Waterjet World Cup at Jomtien Beach. We’ve always steered clear of the Pattaya area during our Thai visits, so we figured it was about time to either confirm or dispel our long-held reservations. Our feelings about the place have always been mixed, and today was our chance to see it in action.
As we drove along the coast, we hoped for a glimpse of the laid-back seaside vibe, only to be repeatedly met with rows of industrial and military zones. The expansive factories and fenced-off areas created a stark contrast to the natural coastal beauty we’d imagined. Yet, even amid these obstructions, there were genuine moments of wanderlust. Around 11am, we chanced upon Wat Khao Khanthamat. This small temple, tucked away on the outskirts, proved a welcome respite—a spot to stretch our legs and enjoy quiet moments of reflection in an otherwise bustling day.
Pushing onward, we finally reached Jomtien Beach, where the roar of the engines from the Waterjet World Cup set an energetic backdrop. The event itself was a spectacle of speed and power, as waterjets sliced through the waves in a dazzling display of modern water sports. While the crowds and noise were undeniable, it was interesting to see firsthand how the area transformed during the competition. The experience served its purpose—enriching our understanding of a region we’d previously avoided.
Be sure to check out our gallery on the WGP#1 – CLICK HERE
After the excitement of the waterjet races, the relentless tide of traffic and coastal industry became a little too much. The congestion, both literal and metaphorical, nudged us towards retracing our steps back to Rayong. We welcomed the return to a quieter pace and the familiar comfort of our hotel.
By about 7pm, we found ourselves at the local Robinson for dinner—a familiar haunt that provided a refreshing end to the day. The evening meal, full of hearty Thai flavours, was a welcome contrast to the day’s high-octane energy and hectic traffic. It was a day of unexpected juxtapositions—a mix of natural beauty, industrial landscapes, high-speed excitement, and classic Thai comfort food. We have now seen Pattaya and have decided its not for us and will mark it off the list as done, not to be redone.
13 December 2024: From Rayong to Chon Buri – Temples, Industry, and Serendipitous Discoveries
We packed our bags after a simple hotel breakfast and said our quiet farewells to Rayong, with that familiar city disappearing in the rear-view mirror. Today’s journey took us on a long drive into Chon Buri, winding past vast industrial areas—where factories from giants like Toyota and Mitsubishi stand as silent testimonies to modern might.
Not long into our drive, our first stop beckoned: Wat Nong Krap, an enormous and striking temple that instantly captivated us with its imposing chedi, festooned with a gleaming gold chain necklace. It’s one of those places you can’t help but admire—raw, built on scale, and bursting with character.
A couple of hours later, our fuel gauge urged us to pause for a replenishment at a local PTT site. As we sat there sipping our coffee, we couldn’t help but be genuinely surprised by the sheer size of the industrial zone that sprawled all around us. Enormous buildings and sprawling facilities spoke volumes of the region’s industrial prowess—a stark contrast to the spirituality of our earlier stop.
By lunchtime, our route brought us to the vibrant Ang Sila Fish Bridge. Here, a lively seafood cafe and bustling market scene welcomed us with intoxicating aromas and abundant displays of culinary delights.
Markets overflowing with mortar and pestles, and other local cookware, provided a quirky glimpse into the everyday life of the community, as well as the importance of tradition in a rapidly modernising world.
After lunch, we set off on foot to explore some cultural gems. Our path led us to Na Ja Sa Tai Chi Shrine—arguably one of the largest Chinese temple complexes we’ve ever encountered. Its majestic, intricate architecture and expansive courtyards made it easy to lose track of time as we wandered among its ornate details.
A short walk across the busy road brought us to another enchanting shrine, Chao Mae Guan Yin. Here, it wasn’t just the impressive altars and statues that caught our eye; we were charmed by the resident tortoise pets, calmly wandering about as if they were the shrine’s silent, dignified guardians.
As the late lunch lingered into a relaxed afternoon, we made our way to Central Chonburi for a casual bite to eat, letting the flavours of the local culinary scene rejuvenate us. Soon after, by mid-afternoon, we checked into our hotel—a much-needed pause before tomorrow’s early start into Bangkok. While waiting for Budget Rent a Car to service our trusty Fortuna (it’s now proudly sporting 40,000km!), we settled in for an easy evening, reflecting on the day.
