Nov 03 2009
My Hua Hin Diary (Day 1)
Day 1, Friday.
Is Day 1 the day you arrive at a place or the day after Night 1? As the teen-agers say… whatevuh! 
 For this post, Day 1 is the day I arrived in Hua Hin.
So after that eventful plane ride, Boss and I arrived in Bangkok where this really big van arranged by the Meeting organizers was waiting for us to take us to Hua Hin. As our delegation was very lean (just Boss and myself), we pretty much had more van rows than people so I was able to take the back row for myself, stretch my legs and listen to my iPod in peace during the three-hour 195 km. drive from Bangkok to Hua Hin. Of course my privacy was interrupted intermittently with all the fresh and juicy office stories from Boss
Just a little briefer, Hua Hin, which means “Stone Head” is a popular upscale seaside resort south of Bangkok with its famous 5-mile beach, world class resorts and aristocratic golf courses. Although not as famous as Phuket or Pattaya, it’s actually the oldest beach resort of Siam.
This is my second time in Hua Hin as I was there last February (I wasn’t blogging at all then) also for the same Meeting. It’s suspected that Hua Hin was the preferred venue because as a royal beach resort, security is pretty much established and Thai demonstrators wouldn’t be able to penetrate, especially after the experience in the ASEAN Summit in Pattaya last year where they were able to go inside the meeting venue. Thus, the 14th ASEAN Summit was held here last February and now this October, again for the 15th ASEAN Summit.
So we arrived at the Marriott in one piece. This was also the hotel where we stayed last February. I love this hotel… it’s so breezy and relaxing… and the interior designs are just homey and comfortable and over-all just great.
I love the way Thais put beds in their lobbies and verandas for guests to lie or sit on.
And you just have to admire the Thais’ sense of style. When I got to my room, I was greeted with a shower of orchid petals on my bed. The maid also fixed the towels into… I don’t know what this is actually… an elephant? a mouse?
Although we were to be in Hua Hin for more than a week, we knew that we’d hardly have time to go out on our own. So after unpacking, Boss and I decided to take our van and go to the Hua Hin Night Market. This Night Market is open 7 days a week from 5 pm until midnight. Its a lively street which stretches out for 2 blocks of hundreds of shopping and food stalls.
As I’ve been here last February and most items are similar to those found in Cambodia, I didn’t really buy anything (spelt…c.h.e.a.p.s.k.a.t.e.)… not even these beautiful Thai silk items (which I have plenty already around the house).
To be continued on My Hua Hin Diary (Day 2)…
- My Hua Hin Diary (Day 2)
- My Hua Hin Diary (Day 3)
- My Hua Hin Diary (Day 4, Day 5 and Day 6)
- My Bangkok
- My Hua Hin Diary (Day 7 and Day 8)
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the towel looks like a turtle…and the bamboo bed is calling my name.:p
i love the night market in Bangkok, it was more than shopping, it was an an adventure.
luna, it could be a turtle, couldn’t it?
I love the Chatuchak in Bangkok too, and the Suanlum. They’re much nicer thought than the one here in Hua Hin… but still a lot of fun!
Wow Toe, you must be high up in the totem pole in DFA that you’re just jet-setting all over the place! I love the Thai furniture, very Asian and refreshing in the eyes. You’re giving me lots of travel ideas.
Linguist-in-Waiting, sa gitna lang.
According to one ambassador, it’s the best time of my career. I’m not a pathetic plebe yet my responsibilities and accountabilities are padded by the people up there. 
Southeast asian furniture are very unique and refreshing indeed.
Love the place. It exudes so much character and originality.
that towel is so cute! looks like a sleeping dog to me at first glance.
beautiful place that is. looks so relaxing.
Haha! LOL at the “pathetic plebe”.
Wait … that’s me!
that’s a real neat looking resort. The wooden chairs and benches are totally Asian. I bet their Thai cuisine must be great too
nakakaenganyo naman bumisita dito.
“pathetic plebe?”, so where would “you-know-who” be if you are in the middle of the ladder?
‘looks like you’re having the time of your life Toe. Keep it up!
Abaniko, Hua Hin is great… I like it better than Phuket. But the Marriott in Phuket was so amazing.
Carlotta, it could be a dog. It broke my heart when I had to dismantle it to lie on the bed.
subang, I think the exact words of the ambassador were hamak na fso 4.
bw, oh… you could never go wrong with the food anywhere in Thailand.
rheiboy17, yes indeed… I never knew about this place before I first came here… but it is very nice to go there and I want to go back to just relax.
Hi Tin, it’s nice to see you here again!
He he is just above me. 
Ganoon? I guess he just doesn’t talk about his travels, eh? Or he is not as lucky as you are?
BTW, I am always reading your new posts. ‘just do not have the time to leave comments, but I enjoy your stories a lot.
Ting, he also travels a little. It’s just that the work in his division doesn’t entail as much travels as I do… it doesn’t mean it’s less important though… quite powerful, in fact, his desk.
Hey thanks for always visiting my blog Ting!