A Thai train station with old world charm

Fiddlestix

This past week I decided to escape the smoky grey skies of Northern Thailand to visit the seaside resort town of Hua Hin, Thailand. I spent some time here in the past and fell in love with the quaint charm of this wonderful town. Hua Hin is home to one of the palaces of Thailand's king and queen and as such it has escaped some of the seedier aspects of Thai tourist locations. So, for four days I relished the fresh sea breezes and feasted on the delicious bounty from the sea.

Today, Hua Hin is a careless mix of old and new. Modern condos and shopping centers spread out from the central old town like waves upon the sea. It is likely the newer hotels and condos that draw todays’ tourists but it is the older parts of town that keeps them coming back. One such place that holds a special place in my memories of Hua Hin is the charming train station in the old part of town. Built in the early 1900's, this station with its red and cream-colored buildings once served the royalty of Thailand and continues to serve today's travelers. Next to main station there is a smaller, ornate building, which served as the Royal waiting room for Thailand's monarchs.

Below are some images that I captured on this and my previous visit to Hua Hin. Hope you enjoy this charming site.

#1


#2
Outside temps were around 104 degrees F (40 C)


#3
The Royal Waiting Room


#4


#5
Another shot of the Royal Sitting Room


#6
Still an exciting time for kids


#7
Maybe not so exciting for the old-timers


#8
Brightly polished station bell (but keep your hands OFF!)


#9
A reminder of the early days - on display across the tracks from the main station


#10
Waiting for the next train

JeffC230

4, 6, 7 and 9 are pretty awesome shots! the rest are great too, I just like those 4 the best! good collection

Fiddlestix

Hi Jeff,
Thanks for your encouraging comments. Glad you liked the shots.

Stix

Earache

Interesting place and history... it's good to be King I suppose - wherever you happen to live!
Rich, colorful images - I really like the candid of the child, #6.
Small nit - to my eye, some of the subjects (1,3,7,8,9) could use a little "breathing room"
Thanks for sharing!

Fiddlestix

Thank you for your advice Eric. I am trying to improve my photography and I greatly appreciate these kind of comments. I see what you are saying and will keep this in mind for my next outing. Thanks again.

Stix

Fiddlestix

christinaroberts - thank you for your comments!

Addiebee

In the short time I was in Thailand, I found that many train stations I visited had character. #10 is my favorite, I enjoy the perspective.

chadd

I've been to Thailand this summer. Its culture is so racy and you managed to catch it on these photos.