Finding Harmony in Hua Hin

So after spending one week in Bangkok I headed down to Hua Hin to spend 4 weeks training Muay Thai at the renowned Sitjaopho gym, guided by Kru F. The speed of Hua Hin was drastically slowed down compared to Bangkok, crossing the streets here wasn't an arduous task like it can be up there. It was reminiscent of Ayutthaya, which also shared a relaxed atmosphere. It embodied the essence of Sabai Sabai-- A Thai way of life centered on comfort, relaxation, and balance.

Hua Hin itself is not exactly one of the picturesque destination travel beaches that may come to mind when thinking of Thailands famous island beaches down in Southern Thailand, but it has its own charm.

Besides a beach is a beach.

The downtown area had a big shopping mall--Market Village (I believe every big city in Thailand has a Market Village or Central Mall),

The food court in the basement had all the street food you could ever want in one location and anything else that might catch your eye such as...Chang jerseys!

One thing I got spoiled on early was the food. Just about everything tasted amazing, fresh and was so affordable.

All the fruits: mangos, watermelon, mangosteens etc found at the stalls alongside the street were convenient

That was something I missed once I got to Phuket. Prices down there tend be higher and quality down on average.

But that's not to say you can't find delicious cheap eats in Phuket, just have to get off the main tourist streets.

Another thing that it seems like Thailand does so well is the amount of things you can do outside for free!

Every weekend it was 2 night markets adjacent to each other downtown: Cicada & Tamarind market.

With an abundance of food options everywhere, along with those 2 markets on the weekend there was at least 2 others going on every night throughout the area.

Prior to coming I didn't know much about Hua Hin besides the Muay Thai scene. My time spent there I really appreciated the city and everything it provided.

It was a place you could disconnect and just focus on what you are there for. While experiencing Thai culture authentically.

Comparing it to Phuket where it's so much more going on, it's easy to get caught up and lost in the mix trying to do everything.

Muay Thai Connection

So the main reason why I came to Hua Hin is because of Muay Thai but specifically Muay Thai at Kru F's gym--Sitjaopho. Kru F is someone I've been following for around 5 years on social media. His messages and philosophy about Muay Thai and life always left me so fascinated.

As a youth I practiced Tae Kwon Do and Kung Fu a bit but that was it.

Eventually I started Muay Thai for a few months in Philly and picked it up again once I moved to DC and have been consistent for 4 years.

So training in Thailand was something that I had planned for a long time coming.

Bumps & Bruises

Despite my scooter set back, I was determined to rise like a phoenix. It shook me up a bit and stayed off the bike for a day, but got back on the next. The reason I fell during my turn previously was because I wasn't relaxed and trying to rush. When you're starting off with anything it's necessary to understand your pace and stay at that.

I got some first aid items from the pharmacy with the help of Jaden and Yero (shouts out to the guys).They were staying at the same hotel I was.

One thing about Thai pharmacies is they will get you right with whatever ailment you have.

You just have to point or sound out your conditions and they'll find the remedy.

So for the next several days everything I took a shower was a bit of a humiliation ritual with the wound cleansing process of soap, water and antiseptics

But it worked out well and I didn't get any infections including the lurking staph that was sneaking up on people every week.

Sitjaopho Style

Morning Session began at 8 and finished around 10. The Afternoon session was from 4-6. This kind of got shuffled around a bit once a big group of Australians came. But it still kept this foundation.

This video where Kru F goes over Taking Time & Giving Time is something I applied to a lot of domains in my own life not just Muay Thai.

One of the reasons many people give up on activities/interests is because more experienced people are not giving time for beginners a way that new information is learned or retained whether that be sparring or trying out for track.

Of course their may be truth in iron sharpens iron or baptisms by fire but for every diamond that is pushed to the surface there are probably a dozen or more buried under failure & frustration and opted to quit.

I learned that playing Fighting Games when trying to expand the scene in Philly. Just obliterating every new person that hops on the sticks with Perfects only sparks determination in a few.

It's a balance, as in everything in this world. Firm but not unmovable, and Soft but not completely malleable

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C09LZkSJ13N/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The Bike Loft

The Bike Loft is a beautiful hotel nestled right off the main road that leads into downtown Hua Hin. It's family ran and they make you feel it in the hospitality provided. Pang, was there to greet when me I checked in, showed me around the area and arranged for me to get a bike the following day in town.

The Loft had a cafe and surprisingly delicious kitchen. My go to was the basil stir fry (Pad Krapow) either chicken (Gai) or pork (Moo) and two fried eggs. Usually right after class and it would taste bomb 💣 🔥

I also ate this on days I didn't train and it was still good, so I can assure you it wasn't just because I was famished post class.

Not only did the Loft have a master chef on site it also came equipped with a

• pool
• patio
• lounge area
• balcony

This was such an amazing stay. I wouldn't hesitant to book it again on my next trip back to Hua Hin.

Out With The Crew

Eating out at restaurants and markets.

No matter where you are from in the world, everyone loves to eat.

Not even language barriers can prevent people from gathering around some food.

Cooling Out At The Water Park

This water park Vana Wonderland totally shocked me. It was the first time I was at an amusement park and didn't have to queue up in lines for hours.

The only wait was ascending the 7 flights of stairs after the exiting the slide or tube. It was a refreshing way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the Hua Hin heat.

Thais vs Farangs

This is a frequent Sitjaopho tradition of Thais vs Farangs football match. For myself, I haven't played football (soccer in the USA) since I was about 10.

I opted to sit out and just make everyone pretty in photos.

Kru F scored the game winning goal when it went to sudden death--clutch.

Bars and Markets

After the soccer game concluded it was a big meet up at both Cicada and Tamarind market for some much needed food.

The market has a decent size on the weekends even during low season. I can imagine during high season how packed it would be.

It's plenty of space to go around though.

Thai Turn Up

Phet Mai took us to this large venue complete with stage and multiple bars one Friday.

It definitely seemed like a "If you know, you know" spots, which is cool. Our group might have been the only farangs there.

It was a chill place, the band was performing mostly Thai songs and people were vibing casually in their seats.

Within 30 minutes of our arrival, backup dancers suddenly hit the stage, shifting the vibe and completing the transformation into a club. As seen below.

Temple Time

At the top of this Temple was a marvelous Golden Buddha radiating from the suns gentle but warm rays.

However, that sunlight was also cooking the marble floor all morning, and it's customary to take off your shoes when entering certain areas of a temple.

One of which just happened to be underneath the Buddha.

The comical scene began when Jaden, Justin, Vince, and I tried to make it across without getting first-degree burns.

I think it was worth it. Got some good shots. What do you think?

Solo Wanderings

Once I got the hang of my bike, I started cruising deeper into town, checking out the sights and hitting up the restaurants I’d only tried on Grab before.

So I love me some Japanese curry and ordered from here about three times prior and was hooked.

Then once I saw the photos of the shop and its ambience I had to check it out for myself.

Also, #TopTip, if you see Grab drivers pulling in and out of restaurant like clockwork, you know the food is good.

It had a real Japanese vibe right on the roadside in downtown Hua Hin. Check them out if you are in the area - Umai Japanese Curry. The fabulous people behind the counter were nice and welcoming.

Jintana was the spa everyone in the gym would go to for all recover needs:

• Massages
• Saunas,
• Ice baths
• Steams Rooms
• and smoothies

It was around 800 baht for the massage and access to all rooms and ice bath and you could stay all day. Being able to reach your heat tolerance limit in the sauna, then go to the polar extreme of a cold plunge was sensational.

Monkey Look Out

I believe this view point was Khao Hin Lek Fai. The monkeys made their presence known from the ride to the top of the trail point.

These furry critters were just minding their own business and paying me no mind, in contrast to the temple monkeys who wanted all the smoke.

Last Days

Last week in Hua Hin was bitter sweet. I've grown fond of the area and found all my creature comforts.

Being apart of the gym made it less of solo trip and was the most I've seen the same faces since back in the states.

When you meet people while traveling and bond it's a different experience.

I found myself having conversations with new strangers that I rarely have with some of my friends, and before I knew it, it was their last day, and it was all over.

It's a reminder to enjoy every moment. Because the relentless march of time continues onward. Who knows if we will encounter each other again, but our lives intersected at this one point.

I shared last days with about 5 other people who were all headed out Sunday to either back home or other places in Thailand.

From what I recall, Joe was headed up North to Lampang, and Anais was also traveling up North but to Chiang Mai. While Yero was set to return back home.

Myself I was venturing down Southern Thailand to Phuket to get some tropical relaxation.

Saturday night there was a big farewell dinner at the One Palm Food Garden. So much delicious and affordable food to go around.

I had fried fish, som tum, meat skewers and a watermelon smoothie.

Also this unsuspecting stall had the best lime ice cream I ever tried. It will live on in my taste bud memories forever. 🍨

In Thai fashion there was a live band to provide entertainment for the evening.

Playing mostly Thai songs you could tell it was a local hangout. A perfect way to be sent off.

Leaving the Loft

Hua Hin has an airport but it seems to only operate domestic flights to Chiang Mai. So my options to Phuket, were bus/taxi to BKK (Bangkok) to fly, or a long bus with multiple connections.

I opted for the former because of the convenience. Flight was around 2000 baht ($60 USD). A steal if you ask me.

Comparing that to getting an Amtrak train same day from New York to Philly would be way over $100 USD.

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed the yapping and photos. 😄