| Boahin Farmstay: A Brilliant Base in Tranquil Trang | ||
| UPDATE : 7 May 2010 | ||
The small coastal community of Pruchude in Trang province provides a tranquil setting, featuring lush stretches of mangrove forest and some truly stunning vistas. Boahin Farmstay was established by a group of locals, whose main source of income comes from fish farming. Two narrow planks form a passageway that leads you to the houses that operate under the farmstay program. All three houses are made of wood, which ensures they remain relatively cool during daylight hours. Marine Themes The houses are all raised (on pillars), facing a nearby stretch of mangrove forest. Each building is interconnected by means of wooden platforms, which can also double up as a kind of outdoor dining area or terrace when the sun starts to set. The houses have been named after popular species of marine life typically found feeding from the farm's floating baskets. The largest house, which can comfortably accommodate up to 20 guests (at 1,000 baht [US$29] per night), is called Baan Pla Kao ('Grouper Fish House'). The other two houses – Baan Ka-Pong ('Seabass House') and Baan Poo ('Crab House') – can easily accommodate up to 10 guests each, charging guests 800 baht per night.
One of the first things to strike you during a stay at Boahin Farmstay is the local women's impressive culinary skills. If you're keen to try some local dishes that make the most of the fresh local seafood available, Boahin Farmstay's menu includes pla ka-pong neung si-iew ('steamed seabass in soybean'), poo neung ('steamed crab') and pla neu on tod ('deep-fried Whisker Sheat Fish'). The latter dish minimizes waste since the bones of this particular fish are edible. While it's fairly spicy, you should try one of the most popular, authentic forms of southern dish offered at the farmstay – kaeng leung pla kao ('Yellow curry with grouper'). But the most amazing local dish of all would have to be a local form of raw seaweed. While it tastes pretty salty, it pays to remember that seaweed is packed with chlorophyll, which is said to offer significant health benefits. Boahin Farmstay can also be good news for your pocketbook since the charge for lunch is just 150 baht per person. Messing Around on The Water Once you've finished your meal, you may wish to get some exercise. The good news is that there are plenty of options when it comes to finding something to do at Boahin Farmstay. You can get yourself a good workout by heading off in a kayak, which will also allow you to delve deeper into some of the impressive natural surroundings, including mangrove. Another option is to charter a fishing boat late in the afternoon, which will allow you to venture even further into the Gulf of Sikao. A Sense of Adventure Boahin Farmstay offers guests the choice of two cruise programs. The ecological cruise program (100 baht per person) includes a tour of the mangrove forest, a trek in the Jed Yod ('Seven peaks') mountains, as well as an introductory tour of the fish farm's facilities. This program also allows guests to experience the refreshing hot springs nearby, which can bring about some welcome relief for tired feet. The diving program (700 baht per person), which includes the use of a snorkel, a life jacket, and one meal, takes participants to several impressive dive sites located around the islands of Koh Cheung ('Rope Island'), Koh Kradan ('Plank Island'), Koh Maa ('Horse Island') and Koh Ngai. In addition, you'll also get to swim through a cave under Koh Muk, which will lead you to the Emerald Cave. If you'd prefer to explore the area by land, the farmstay also offers a bus tour program (700 baht per person), which introduces participants to the local culture and lifestyle. This tour includes a visit to watch locals weaving Pandanus, a visit to the sea animal farm and fishery, a visit to a rubber tree farm, as well as a rare performance of a traditional performance known as Li Ke Pa. For further information about Boahin Farmstay, its tourism programs and transportation options to and from the farmstay, contact Tel: +66 (0)81 892 7440. Transport Connections: Air: Nok Air operates two flights per day to Trang, departing Bangkok's Don Muang Airport at 9.20 am and 3 pm, respectively. For further information, contact Nok Air's Hotline on Tel: 1318. The duration of the flight is about one hour. Train: The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) operates two trains per day to Trang from Bangkok's central Hualamphong Station. The first train departs at 5.05 pm, arriving in Trang at 7.55 am the following morning. The second train departs at 6.40 pm and arrives in Trang at 10.20 am the following morning. | ||
Monday, May 10, 2010
Boahin Farmstay: A Brilliant Base in Tranquil Trang
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