Day 4 arrived, marking the final day of our fantastic “Wonder Moments in Amazing Thailand” media trip, generously hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. There’s always that mix of sadness and excitement on the last day, knowing the adventure is ending but eager for the final experiences. Hua Hin promised more wonders, and Thailand wasn’t ready to say goodbye just yet.
Morning Awakening: Anantara Hua Hin Resort’s Hidden World
This was my first proper look at the Anantara Hua Hin Resort in daylight. Having checked in the night before, the morning revealed a completely different, greener personality. Waking up here felt like discovering a secret garden. The abundance of nature was incredibly grounding after Bangkok’s energy. It felt peaceful and almost ancient – a tranquil “wonder moment” to start the day. The resort’s blend of wild-looking nature and intricate carvings reflects a Thai aesthetic that reveres both history and the natural world within modern comforts.
My wanderings led me to a quiet, perfectly circular pool beside a lake – a true hidden sanctuary.
I ambled past intriguing artifacts like a large gong and even sat for a moment with a solitary statue – a quiet companion in the morning calm. My encounter with Rocky, the talking parrot, was less successful; maybe he was just having an off morning, or perhaps my parrot-prompting skills need work!
Creative Energy at Play La Ploen The Journey
First stop after breakfast: Play La Ploen The Journey. This place immediately hit us with a burst of colour and creativity. The cafe wall was an explosion of colour – whimsical characters, bright landscapes, and bold patterns painted with energy. It was like stepping inside an artist’s imagination.
Nearby, an elevated walkway introduced various bird species, reminding me of Singapore’s Coast to Coast walk, though here the connection with nature was direct, not augmented by tech.
Becoming a Perfumer (Almost!)
The highlight was a hands-on fragrance-making workshop, where we got to create our own traditional Thai fragrances and herbal eye masks. Guided by our host, we worked with an array of traditional ingredients: the warmth of cinnamon, the coolness of menthol, the clean scent of camphor, earthy nutmeg, pungent clove, bright citronella, and more.
The aroma was incredible even before we started! Seeing all these natural ingredients laid out felt very grounding and exciting. I felt a surge of determination – I was going to make the best fragrance! Many of these ingredients (camphor, menthol, clove) are staples in traditional Thai balms and inhalers, known for their cooling and therapeutic properties.
There’s something deeply satisfying about making things with your own hands. The focus required, the gradual combining of scents – it creates a real sense of ownership and connection to the final product. Another ‘wonder moment’ of mindful creation.
We meticulously followed the steps, mixing, stirring, and sniffing. The result? A unique bottle of fragrance, made by me! We also crafted cooling herbal eye masks, which felt heavenly after the concentration of the workshop.
Lunch was, as becoming the norm on this trip, a feast! That raw vegetable platter with the spicy Thai dip was a standout – so refreshing, crunchy, and packed with flavour.
Stepping into Royal History: Mrigadayavan Palace
Our afternoon took us to the stunning Mrigadayavan Palace, the former seaside retreat of King Vajiravudh or more commonly known as King Rama VI.
Elegant, interconnected golden teakwood buildings stand gracefully on stilts. Long covered walkways link the pavilions. The architecture is light and airy, with the backdrop of the shimmering Gulf of Thailand and a bright blue sky.
Stepping onto the grounds felt like stepping back in time. The palace exudes such elegance and tranquility. You could immediately understand why royalty chose this spot for a retreat. A true ‘wonder moment’ of historical beauty.
Known as the “Palace of Love and Hope,” it features a unique Thai-Victorian architectural style and is designed for ventilation, catching the sea breeze.
Absolutely majestic. Standing under this giant felt humbling. Its branches seemed to reach out and embrace the entire sky. A powerful reminder of nature’s enduring presence. It is reportedly more than 200 years old, even before the palace was built. This ancient tree is a landmark in itself, witnessing centuries of history unfold around it.
Inside one of the performing halls, we were treated to the ethereal sounds of traditional Thai music. Three musicians were seated on the polished wooden table in a large, open-sided hall. One plays a boat-shaped xylophone (Ranat Ek), another perhaps a Taphon drum.
The music echoed beautifully through the wooden hall, creating a mesmerising atmosphere. It felt incredibly authentic, like hearing the sounds that might have filled these halls during the royal family’s time. A ‘wonder moment’ for the ears. Traditional Thai music often accompanies court ceremonies, dance, and theatre, playing a vital role in cultural expression.
The palace sits right on the coast, offering views across the Gulf of Thailand towards Pattaya. Exploring the preserved rooms, with signs detailing the royal family’s life here, offered fascinating glimpses into the past.
Hua Hin Buzz: Station, Dinner, and Night Market
A quick note about the Hua Hin Railway Station: there’s a new extension adding to this already charming and historic station. Then, it was on to Baandum for dinner, accompanied by a lovely live duo band creating a relaxed vibe.
The final stop, and a perfect encapsulation of Thai energy, was the Cicada Night Market.
There are no words to capture the vibrant atmosphere of the market at night. I can see warm string lights crisscross overhead, illuminating crowds of people, young and old. In the mid-ground, there were stalls displaying colourful artwork, unique crafts, and tempting food items.
There was so much to see – live music, magic shows, even puppet cinema! Artists were sketching portraits, vendors sold unique handmade goods, and the food options were endless. Too much to try, too little time – the classic night market dilemma!
A Fond Farewell (For Now!)
As the Cicada Market buzz faded, so did our “Wonder Moments in Amazing Thailand” adventure. This final day perfectly captured the trip’s essence: serene nature, cultural creation, historical immersion, and vibrant local energy.
From the tranquil Anantara resort, the creative Play La Ploen, and the dignified Mrigadayavan Palace to the lively Cicada Market, Day 4 delivered a final, unforgettable sequence of wonders.
Will I do it again? Absolutely. Thailand has countless corners to explore. And sharing this adventure with the “crazy bunch” – my fellow media travelers – created memories that will definitely last a very long time. Thank you, Amazing Thailand!
