6 January 2025 – Bye Bye Hat Yai
Today, we said our heartfelt goodbyes to Hat Yai. We started the day by thanking the wonderful staff at Centara Hat Yai for taking such great care of us. With warm memories and friendly faces waving us off, we set our sights north to begin the return part of our journey.
Before hitting the road, our attention was captured by a uniquely local spectacle—the loading jobs done by utes here!
There’s something charming about these hard-working pickup trucks, laden with impressive loads that speak volumes of local craftsmanship and utility. Just check out the sheer height and length of one of these machines; it’s as if you’re witnessing a moving display of local engineering in action.
After that lively start, we settled into the rhythm of the road and eventually reached Chumphon after a long day of driving. Once we booked into our hotel, our curiosity nudged us to explore town. We headed out for a delicious dinner amid the upbeat local vibe, and then made our way to the Khao Matsee Viewpoint to catch the sunset.
The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in dazzling hues—a perfect, peaceful finish that left us reflecting on our adventures in Hat Yai. 
7 January 2025 – Coastal Charms and Unscripted Encounters
We left Chumphon early this morning, setting out for Khiri Khan with a spirit of adventure and a wanderlust that couldn’t wait. With a bit of extra time on our hands, we decided to stretch our journey along the coast and uncover some hidden gems along the way.
Our first stop was Phru Ching Canal, a charming little spot where friendly fishing boats bobbed gently along the water. The area exuded a peaceful energy, perfectly framing the start of a day filled with coastal discoveries.
Next, we revisited Nana Beach, a place that holds a special nostalgia as we first explored it exactly 12 months ago. It was wonderful to rediscover its familiar shoreline and feel that sense of homecoming mingled with the thrill of revisiting a favourite spot.
Not long after, we reached Kaen Then Viewpoint. Here, the expansive vistas reminded us once again of nature’s artistry, as the coastline stretched out before us in endless, breathtaking waves of blue and green. The day’s momentum carried us onward to Wa Bo Samrong, another exquisite stop that offered beautifully framed views of the shore—a perfect slice of time to savour the landscape. 
One of our absolute favourites, the Thung Maha Bay Viewpoint, beckoned next. Its panoramic outlook over the coastline has a way of making everything feel both vast and intimate—a view that has long captured our hearts.
Our coastal adventure continued as we visited a small wharf near Chaloem Pra Kiat Park, basking in the quiet charm and the subtle hustle of local life. Soon after, we arrived at Prachuap Pier. Here, the sight of small boats nestled beside very large vessels in an inactive port painted a vivid picture of maritime rhythm and local industry.
No coastal day would be complete without a stop at Bang Suphan Pier. We were fortunate enough to witness two freshly loaded fishing boats setting off for their daily run—a fleeting, vibrant moment that underscored the pulse of the local fishing community.
By 3:30pm, our winding journey had brought us back to our favourite hotel in Khiri Khan. As we stretched our legs on an evening walk, we were amused by an unexpected sight—a caravan adorned with Great Britain number plates parked on the esplanade. It was a quirky, unusual sight that left us chuckling and wondering about its story.
The excitement continued to build as we prepared for an anticipated dinner with dear friends—Chris, O, Sal, Gay, and Nat. That evening, we shared a lovely night of laughter, warmth, and camaraderie. We were so caught up in the joy and the flow of the evening that we even forgot to snap photos of the merriment. Sometimes, though, living fully in the moment is the best way to savour a memory.
Today encapsulated the essence of a coastal journey—spontaneous stops, unforgettable views, and moments of serendipitous delight. Every twist and turn along the coast reminded us of the unexpected beauty in travel, and as we wind down tonight, we carry these memories with grateful hearts.
8 January 2025 – Sunrise, Markets & Sweet Farewells
The day began with a spectacular sunrise, a golden glow spreading across the horizon as the world slowly came to life.
There’s something magical about watching the first light of day—it brings a sense of peace, a quiet moment before the buzz of adventure begins. Alison was eager to soak up the morning atmosphere, so she headed out early to wander through the local markets, watching the rhythm of daily life unfold.
The market was alive with movement—stallholders setting up, families browsing for fresh produce, and the occasional friendly greeting exchanged between locals.
One of the most beautiful sights of the morning was watching the monks receive their daily offerings. There’s a serenity to this tradition, a sense of connection between the community and the spiritual world that is deeply humbling to witness.
Soon, Steve joined Alison for a peaceful stroll along the esplanade, soaking in the morning air and enjoying the sights and sounds of Khiri Khan one last time before returning to the hotel.
Before departing, we wanted to leave a small token of appreciation for our hosts, who had made our stay here so special. Their adorable collection of teddy bears had caught our eye, so we decided to add one more to their growing family. We gifted them a teddy bear along with a heartfelt note of thanks, hoping to leave behind a little piece of warmth to match the kindness they had shown us.
By 11am, it was time to hit the road and begin our journey north. As we drove, the scenery shifted, and soon we pulled into a PTT service station for lunch. What we didn’t expect was the sight that greeted us—a car park absolutely packed with double-decker tourist buses. It was unlike anything we’d seen before, a bustling hive of travellers converging at this single stop. It was fascinating to observe the flurry of movement, as groups of people navigated between buses, food stalls, and shops, all seemingly caught up in their own adventures.
By 4pm, we arrived at our usual hotel in Ratchaburi, a familiar and comforting stop along our journey. There’s something reassuring about stepping into a place you know well, a space where routine meets exploration. We settled in before heading out for an evening wander through the local streets, taking in the quiet charm of the area.
Finding a local meal was next on the agenda, and soon we were enjoying a delicious spread of Thai flavours, a perfect way to round out the day’s travels. A quick stop at 7-Eleven for milk wrapped up our little outing, a simple yet essential task that always makes a trip feel grounded in everyday life.
But the true highlight of the evening was waiting for us back at the hotel. Chris’s Toblerone gift had been calling to us all day, and at 6:30pm, it was finally time to indulge. The rich, creamy chocolate, paired with that perfect honeyed nougat crunch, was absolute bliss. There’s something so wonderfully nostalgic about unwrapping a Toblerone—it’s a treat that always feels special, and this one was even more so, given it came from such a thoughtful friend.
9 January 2025 – That Buddha Big!
Today, we set off bright and early, ready to hit the road on our journey north towards Lop Buri. With plenty of miles ahead of us, we embraced the adventure with a spring in our step and an eye out for any hidden gems along the way.
Our first stop was on the outskirts of Bangkok at Wat Thung Kraphang Hom. Tucked away from the city’s hustle, this temple gave us a lovely glimpse into a quieter side of Thai life. The peaceful atmosphere and gentle buzz of early morning activity made it a beaut spot for a quick pause, a few snaps, and plenty of reflections on life on the road.
Next up, we just couldn’t resist revisiting Wat Muang. Now, if you haven’t seen it yet, you’re missing out – it’s home to the largest sitting Buddha in Thailand, an awe-inspiring 92 metres tall. Standing at the foot of Buddha’s giant hand was simply breathtaking; it’s one of those moments that fills you with wonder and gratitude. The sheer scale of it all was nothing short of humbling and a real highlight of our day.
After that, we swung by Wat Kosupharat, a temple currently getting a fresh new look as it’s being rebuilt. There’s something special about catching history in the making – watching a sacred place being transformed before your eyes really makes you appreciate the resilience and dedication of the community involved.
We finally rolled into Lop Buri around 2:30pm, checked in, and decided to take some time to explore locally. Our next visit was to Wat Phra Bat Namphu, a little temple with a big heart. This community gem doesn’t just serve as a place of worship – it also looks after AIDS patients with warmth and care, and they’ve even started building a cheeky little monkey enclosure as part of their outreach. It was inspiring to see compassion and creativity rolled into one.
As the day started winding down, by 6pm we found ourselves at a Z-One night market, a local eatery soaking up some live Thai music, chowing down on tasty local grub, and tucking into a cold beer. The air was filled with laughter and the kind of light-hearted banter that reminds you why travel is all about embracing the joy in every moment.
Today wasn’t just about the temples and the road—it was a vibrant mix of majestic sights, acts of kindness, and a sprinkle of unexpected encounters. It’s days like this that make you glad to be on the road, experiencing every cheeky twist and turn of our adventure.