Travel Guide

My post-birthday at Hua Hin beach

I was supposed to leave the guesthouse at 8 am sharp, but due to the late shopping with my girls the night before, I got up later than planned. I hurriedly took a shower and put on my ocean colored summer dress that caught my eyes when I was shopping at the biggest weekend market, Chatuchak, in Bangkok. 

I took a motorbike for 80 baht (down from 100) from my home to the Hua Lamphong train station. Luckily, I arrived 10 minutes before the departure time. The train was the least legendary ordinary, surprisingly priced at 44 baht that took an uncomfortable five hours to my destination.

Some trips are candidly fun and adventurous. Occasionally, we like something that guarantees peace and calm specially when we’re alone. We can’t avoid people running into us unless we lock ourselves in our room. Hence, we go out there, enjoying the world and the freedom of traveling alone give us. It causes a whirlwind of joy.

And bumping into someone can add more color to our vision of a special day.

The StudentSoloist Spanish girl 

As soon as I took my seat, a Spanish girl came back to the seat in front of me that was occupied by her small backpack. We exchanged an introverted smile and gradually began chatting. She was running away from the chaos of Bangkok and spending a one-night escapade at Hua Hin. She empathized with me upon hearing that I wasn’t with my partner who was traveling to South Africa. The continent is mega amazing based on her personal experience as a student intern in the Tourism Industry. We were going to the same direction, but not to the same destination. 

We got off at the last station only to find out I should have gotten off at Cha Am, the previous station. We said goodbye to each other, and she wished me luck in getting to the beach resort easily.

I then asked one of the motorbike drivers, a woman, who needed a tour guide to translate my inquiry. She was asking for 100 baht from me, which shocked me. So, I went to the cashier to inquire how to get to Cha Am. A polite neat looking officer handed me a 6-baht ticket. I rushed to the departing the train.

The two train officers at Cha Am & the lady motorbike driver 

Looking neat and trustworthy, the two train officers instructed me how to get to the beach resort which was 15 km away. I was told to take a motorbike between Cha Am and Hua Hin.  He called out to a lady motorbike driver and asked her to take me to my destination. 

She was unruffled by the noise and chaos. She drove carefully on the side of the road. Her skin showed that she was aging. She only spoke when she asked locals where the beach resort was.

The receptionist 

“You booked a room only for one, ma’am?” the staff asked, wondering.

“Yes,” I replied.

He repeated his question a couple of times to clarify that I was alone. Must be unusual traveling and booking a room for one here, I thought to myself. 

He then handed me the key.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BctYXyylouJ/?hl=en&taken-by=escapesanddiaries

My bungalow room wasn’t far from what I expected when I was browsing galleries and reading reviews about it. Though it was classy and graceful, it could have been more romantic if I were staying with my partner.

I couldn’t be more excited being in a new place, celebrating a post-birthday trip, not only because it was a present from my partner’s parents, but also because thenI’d be away for to have some quality time, one thingI’d been wanting to do.

 

Quality time with ourselves is necessary since life sometimes gives us unwanted stress. And being away from the city could soothe our soul for countless reasons. And that’s what I found atThe Regent Cha-Am Beach Resort.

 

I saw couples, families, and friends traveling together. I didn’t see a solo traveler like me. Ugh, who cares? I whispered to myself as if justifying why I was alone.

 

The Burman and Australian couple 

Later that, afternoon I overheard two people saying “Filipino.” I couldn’t help engaging them in a conversation. Ros was a superb, intelligent woman with a great sense of humor. We talked about many things that night, including stories about the Chinese invading some lands in Burma and the conversion of a land into a dam in Laos. She and her husband, a Burman, have been together for 30 years now and they’re based in Australia. 

“You are a brave woman! You travel alone!” she said to me.

“Oh thank you. Unfortunately, my partner is in South Africa with his friend,” I replied.

Then she went on to say why she felt grateful for not having children. To some extent, she was persuasive. But I told her I still wanted to have five children. Then she burst out laughing. 

Manny the owner of Supermoney the horse

I gave this man the name “Manny” because I couldn’t pronounce his Thai name, which I forgot. His horse’s name, on the other hand, is Supermoney. He said with a grin that he gave his horse that name because it brought him luck and money.

He guided the horse while I was on its back. We strolled by the shore after I sunbathed. Manny would genuinely smile at me from time to time. I asked him if he had a wife and kids, but he couldn’t seem to grasp what I meant. Apparently, he spoke little English.

A few moments later, the horse took a dump. Manny scooped the waste up using plastic bag and threw it into a proper bin.

I make Supermoney run?” he asked.

No, no,” I said with nervousness in my voice. He laughed out loud.

“Little only. Don’t worry, I take care Supermoney.”

I then realized that I shouldn’t get skittish about a new experience such as riding a horse. It was easy and entertaining. Go easy on the horse, as it could feel the tension in your body. It would only get stressed, causing you to fall.

My future parents in law

Of course, all of the adventures wouldn’t be possible without my future parents in law, Horst and Marita.

A few months back, Chris asked me what I wanted to do on my birthday. We wouldn’t be together, so he wanted to give me something extra special.

I met his parents only through Skype, but I could feel that they genuinely liked me and that they were excited to meet me in person.

Chris, my super partner

Chris was more enraptured about my trip than I was. He made sure I was okay and looked after me even during his trip around South Africa. He’s the most compassionate person I’ve ever known. He’d do anything he could just to take care of me. As a matter of fact, he patiently waited for my message until I arrived at the resort. I couldn’t buy a local SIM card and had no internet connection during the five-hour train ride.

At most times, I lingered around the pool of Regent Chalet as it’s huge and relaxing, it was also a perfect place for sunbathing.

 

Why you should do it too

Regardless of your travel style, I suggest that you go out on a post-birthday trip. The place or location doesn’t really matter, be it on a beach, a mountain, or wherever on earth you’d like to celebrate. The recreation and the people that you’d chance upon would leave a mark on your special day. 

Even if I was alone for three days, I found it entertaining to while away the time on the beach and in the pool equipped with Jacuzzi, sunbathe as much as I wanted, read my favorite travel book, and watch the French family playing basketball in the pool.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcqzAnqFTQI/?hl=en&taken-by=escapesanddiaries

 

Why  Hua Hin and why The Regent Cha-Am Beach Resort?

 

While browsing some beaches nearby Bangkok as I didn’t want to go that far, Hua Hin is the closest. It’s a 5-hour ordinary bus ride that cost me 44 baht one way. Hua Hin is a very peaceful town offering luxury resorts and guesthouses too. Beach resorts are situated around Cha am, at least 15km away from Hua Hin while most guesthouses and hostels are located in the main city, Hua Hin.

The Regent Cha-Am Beach Resort is a beautiful serene place and beachfront. Beach lovers like me would definitely love this beach resort! 

 

There were umpteen moments of silence wherein I would fall to sleep. I felt totally relaxed and recharged when I awoke each time, feeling a great sense of quality downtime.

 

Thank you, mom and dad, for the beautiful present. I really love it here,” I told Chris’ parents in a message. Indeed, it was a lovely getaway for a post-birthday celebration. 

 

You deserve only the best,” they said in reply, melting my heart.

 

To check the price and to know more of The Regent Cha-Am Beach Resort, you can Click here

 

Born, raised, and forever loyal to the Philippines. Catherine is a teacher and a BA in Mass Communication graduate who loves anything child-friendly. She loves writing in her diary every day and is in love with beaches, books, Safari, and Tokyo. Her ultimate dream destinations are Madagascar, Mongolia, and Hawaii. Check out her van camping adventures in Europe at vancampingguide.com.

18 Comments

  • Anuradha Goyal

    I was in Hua Hin few years back and loved it serene beaches which even had some sculptures on the beach. It is quite unlike the rest of Thailand in the sense there are far less people and I loved the Hua Hin Station which I was told is a heritage station. I also remember going to the night market for shopping – your post brought all those memories back. Belated Happy Birthday!

  • Alyse

    So nice you had the bungalow all to yourself – what a treat! Sounds like you have wonderful future in-laws as well. Although it’s always nice to travel with your partner sometimes it can be just as nice travelling by yourself, and it seems you really made the most of it during your trip. Good on you!

  • Daniels Beitss

    This place looks beautiful and you look like you having a fantastic time there. As this beach is so close to Bangkok I might have a look into this.

  • Nisha

    Awww…to be alone on your birthday.. What better gift than an enjoyable time at the beach. I agree during travels you meet so many people different parts of the world that makes one want to travel more and more.

  • Ed and Jenn Coleman

    We started our 150 mile bike ride in Thailand just south of Hua Hin. Our driver actually got pulled over and ticketed there because he only had a license to carry passengers and to to carry our bikes, which were internal to the car. Of course, if he had a cargo license, he couldn’t carry us and no combo license exists. It looked like there was some flash shopping around Hua Hin and like it would be a great place to spend you birthday.

  • Medha Verma Bector

    I totally vouch for solo travel, even for married women. I am surprised that people still seemed surprised to see you travelling solo, it has become so common for girls to do that nowadays! Its brave of you, for sure, and also I know that there are times you wish you were with your partner, its still great in many ways to do it by yourself 🙂 I, for one, have stopped getting any kind of surprised or amused looks from people when I book a room for one or sit alone in a romantic lounge or bar. 😀

  • Indrani

    You enjoyed inspite of being alone and that is important. Good you got help to get to your resort.
    Your in laws and fiance care for you and that is so nice.

  • Shweta

    I am not one for solo travel. I enjoy travel with my family and friends. But thats also because my husband lets me indulge in my interests. At times, we split up doing our own thing – going to a museum by myself if he is not interested or diving. But it’s good that you enjoyed your time by yourself.

  • Jen Ryder

    I love the idea of this! Alone time is so important to focus inward and reflect. So sweet that your partner and future parents in law treated you to this trip! Also love how you included the people you met throughout your story. The people we meet during our travels are often one of the best and most memorable parts of a trip!

  • Claire

    It is annoying when people just don’t get that you are ‘allowed’ to travel alone – hopefully the more of us who do it they will eventually get used to the idea! 100 baht quote from the motorbike driver was nuts, that’s another pet hate of mine is taxi drivers and others blatantly ripping off travellers, I now ask at least two or three people the best way to travel to get the most honest answer! I am so glad you enjoyed your trip, it is always worth it in the end!

  • Erin De Santiago

    I’m not one for solo travel, but I could get behind this idea and having a few days of just R&R somewhere beautiful and tropical like this. Very sweet of your partner’s parents to gift you that trip for your birthday! <3

  • Fiona_M_Maclean

    What lovely future parents in law you have! And, I’m glad you enjoyed your trip – I do love travelling by myself now but I think it took me until I was in my 40s to appreciate the me-time it brings. The Regent Cha-Am beach resort looks gorgeous too!

  • Nicole LaBarge

    I’ve visited some Caribbean islands that are always confused when I check in alone as well. That’s great that you were able to travel while your partner was off on an adventure as well. I’m glad you enjoyed your trip.

  • megan_claire

    What a great present from your partners parents – it definitely sounds like a wonderful birthday trip. Yes, probably would have been more special with your partner, but I agree that sometimes quality time with ourself is necessary! It’s funny how many people though are so taken aback by people traveling alone – the receptionist repeating his question to your twice reminded me to dinner the other night; I was asked 4 times by 4 different attendants if I was really dining alone!! You do meet some amazing people when you’re traveling solo though. So glad you had a fabulous post birthday trip – your parents in law to be sound amazing!

  • Lucy Williams

    It looks like you had a lovely time as it is a beautiful place, regardless if everyone else wondered why you were alone! People don’t seem to understand being alone is nice sometimes, having complete peace and quiet. I travel with my husband, but he is always working so I’m on my own a lot and people are always so concerned! Hope you had a lovely birthday ?

  • Jennifer Dombrowski

    That was a really nice gift that your boyfriend’s parents gave you for your birthday. I always enjoy traveling more when I go with my husband, but sometimes it’s nice to treat yourself. I won’t get to be with my husband on my birthday this year, so I’ll probably do a little something to treat myself. It won’t be a trip like you had, but I might take myself out to a nice lunch or something.

  • Ami Bhat

    Happy belated birthday. You sure are lucky with that gift. It was very thoughtful and tasteful too. I can see that you had a blast on your own. Sometimes, this kind of me time can really do you wonders. Cheers

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