Day 2 - Saturday 25 June 2016

Cold Water........I seemed to have slept better in the night except that there was an interruption about 4.30am by heavy rain. By daybreak it showed no signs of stopping anytime soon. That delayed my journey over to the office to get some coffee but it was still raining so we improvised for breakfast by asking the shop next door to fry some eggs. Katoon then informs me that she had brought a kettle and 3-in-1 coffee anyway. I’m amazed we managed to get organised with so little notice of departure. But still it rained though sitting out on the veranda eating breakfast with the rain lashing above is not exactly an uncomfortable experience. However something else is! The shower heater doesn’t work but a plumber has been called but it proves to be several hours before he arrives. It matters little now since the morning is a write off. Then at just about midday the rain eases and the cloud lifts but in the heat the roads will soon dry. When the plumber arrives it’s not long before he’s figured out the problem. The fitter has connected the pipes the wrong way round, connecting the rose to the inlet valve and the main supply to the outlet; works better if the water goes through the heater right? It suggests we are the first occupants unless somebody is happy with a cold shower. By 1am we are ready to get out but with the matter of lunch to arrange first. This is a quite simple affair but the restaurant is busy and the clock is ticking. There won’t be enough time now for anything too adventurous.
Orientation........Along the coast east and west there is a wealth of natural features associated with Chanthaburi’s magnificent coastline. It is along this coastline we will be spending much of the time we are in this area. There is a scenic route which runs along the coast. I’ve mentioned it already, Chaloem Burapha Chonlathit. The road through Chao Lao is part of it. Over lunch I consider the options. Based on the fact that there are fewer and more accessible attractions to the west it’s better to head in this direction first. Chao Lao is to second of a number of sandy beaches that occupy the coastline from west to east. To the west of Chao Lao Beach is a large rather elongated oval horseshoe bay known as Ao Krung Kraben Google Map. Beyond that is the first of the beaches known as Kung Wiman Beach. At the tips of the horseshoe are prominent features. At the western tip is headland known as Noan Nang Phraya while a rather blunter tip at the eastern end of the bay is known as Leam Sadet.
The tour begins, Lap Lae Beach........As far as 2016 is concerned this excursion will register its first tour location. I am heading back along Chao Lao Beach as far as the busy intersection. Straight ahead is Leam Sadet but I turn inland the way I came, skirting around the edge of Ao Krung Kraben. The Chaloem Burapha Chonlathit now becomes part of the 3399 connection Sukhumvit Highway 3 to the coast. I turn left towards the later and soon face the Gulf of Thailand, the first time I’ve been on a shoreline this year. Turning to the left there is a sign to Noen Nang Phraya Viewpoint but I am travelling along Lap Lae Beach where there is the start of new development but otherwise just a collection of houses and restaurants on the landward side of the road. This weekend its activity is enhanced by the arrival of tourist, many arriving by tour bus. Street vendors and restaurant owners appear to be doing brisk business. It is certainly worth stopping here a while if only to walk along the picturesque beach.

Noan Nang Phraya........From Lap Lae Beach the road climbs over the headland offering a number of viewpoints but the one everyone stops at is Noan Nang Phraya and for good reason. It is arguably the most picturesque in the region. A feature of this viewpoint is the large quantity of love padlocks on the rails surrounding it although not quite as many as were on the Paris bridges. Apart from the viewpoint a number of street vendors line the road but the residents of the area occupy the fishing village further on. It is not necessary to return the way you came as the road doubles back along the opposite side of the headland eventually returning to Lap Lae Beach. In the meantime there is one more viewpoint to take in. That is Phra Yeun Viewpoint with its standing Buddha image.

Haad Krung Wiman........Google Map. Heading back I carry on past the intersection signposted Haad Krung Wiman. There is nothing here but a parking area and a few street vendors. However this is the perfect place for a picnic around a rocky outcrop. It’s time to head back the way we came.
There’s still some time left and there are a few sites on Leam Sadat but when we arrive the aquarium had just closed. There is a mangrove trail but we decide to defer on this figuring it would take up too much time. Working back to that busy intersection, it’s time to take in provisions. There proves to be enough choice to take back to the room to eat on the veranda instead of eating out. That will do nicely for today as I write up the notes during a Euro 2016 game. Next Page.