Natural Springs

So, another morning means another day travelling to a different place. Taking advantage of being in my own room last night, I went to bed super early so that I could speak to my family in the early hours here meaning that it was around 8pm there; this was really nice, especially as I haven’t been able to speak to them quite as much this week what with the time difference. Leading up to my alarm going off for the phone call I slept so well, the air con was perfect, the bed couldn’t have been any more comfortable and there was not a single beat of noise to disturb me; I think a good night’s sleep was well needed in a comfy hotel. My alarm to get up went off at 6.30 this morning so that I could start getting ready and be on the move by 7am. When I went to the shop last night, I bought myself some breakfast bits including fruit and a small fruit loaf so that I wouldn’t have to eat the horrible breakfast at this hotel again, plus it meant I did not need to wake up as early which is always a bonus.

Today we were going to be travelling to Pak Chong with the first part of the journey by truck then switching to a train from Surin station. We got to the station about 30 minutes early so we waited on the platform nearest the ticket office; when the train was nearly here, a conductor told us to cross onto the next platform. I looked around for a bridge but could not see one and that is when I noticed the locals, as well as Kung, just crossing the train lines to reach the correct platform; I thought it was absolutely mad that this should be allowed. The train was nowhere near as luxurious as the coach and I had to have my big rucksack in front of my seat which left me with virtually no leg room, meaning that I was constantly trying to shift my legs in order to be comfortable to the point that I ripped the elephant trousers I had bought only 2 days previous right down the middle, which was sad especially as I liked them but they were only £2 so I can’t really expect too much from them I guess, hopefully I can find myself a better quality pair along my travels. The train ride took 3 hours, so I submerged myself into my book which was well and truly needed me time.

When we got to Pak Chong, we were picked up by several trucks to take us the remaining 10 minutes to our hotel for the night. Tonight, we are going to be staying in triple rooms, so I was put with Georgia and Daisy who are both lovely girls. The room consisted of 1 double bed and 2 camp beds which seem rather comfortable I must say, as well as an ensuite and small outside area with a hanging rail for our wet stuff. No sooner had we arrived, we all started getting ready to go out to a natural hot spring which was nearby, so I changed into my swimwear, put some sun cream on and headed downstairs with the others. The truck ride there must have only taken around half an hour so a lot quicker than what we expected. When we got there, we could already see many people in the water plus lots of street food stalls nearby, so our first stop was to grab some lunch; not wanting to risk the meat, I opted for a

vegetable chow mein which judging by other reactions to the chicken, seemed to be the right decision. The natural springs was beautiful with a canopy of trees, small waterfalls and bridges; there were many locals cooling off in the water as well as sunbathing on the river's edge. When I first got in, the water was colder than I had expected considering it was described as a ‘hot’ spring but even so, the temperature was not unbearable and you could see the bottom of the river and stand up, although the ground was very uneven from all the rocks, so you had to watch your step. I found it easier to swim than walk around the springs; there were tiny fish in the water along with lots of dragonflies in the area and it was nice to be immersed in nature, especially clean nature at that. We swam around for half hour before getting out and sunbathing on the side whilst I read my book, I felt so content with life in that moment, not too hot nor too cold and even though I was on the hard floor, I was comfortable to lie on my back and read.

Once we had our fill of time around the springs, we all decided to leave and head back to the hotel and get ready for tonight as we are all going out for a group dinner and drinks to celebrate the birthday of one of the boys called Billy. So that leads me to now, sitting in my bed post shower, waiting for my hair to dry so that I

can get ready for dinner tonight in a bit.

Tomorrow we are going to be going to Khao Yai National Park with some trekking which should be good to see more of the Thai wildlife as long as I keep topping up on my bug spray, so I will leave you now so I can go and enjoy my evening.