Take a train to Ao Kram Homestay in Sawi District, Chumphon Province. [700 baht = accommodation + 3 seafood meals + squid fishing]

After a long absence from **Chumphon**, I had the opportunity to visit again. This time, I stayed at a beachfront homestay in Ao Kram, Sawi District, called **Ao Kram Homestay**.

Ao Kram Homestay is a simple homestay in a fishing village by the sea in Ao Kram, Sawi District, Chumphon Province. It is surrounded by nature, including mountains and trees. The villagers are fishermen and have a unique traditional way of life, which is one of the highlights of Ao Kram. Staying at Ao Kram Homestay is a truly relaxing experience. You can spend your days doing nothing but sitting, lying down, and gazing at the sea. The breeze is cool and the atmosphere is very chill. The nature is also very lush and the food is plentiful. Every meal is seafood, and you get to eat fresh seafood straight from the sea (700 baht/person = 1 night accommodation + 3 seafood meals + squid fishing trip). It's great value for money and you get to relax and learn about the local fishermen's way of life!

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What did you do at Ao Kram?

• Stay in a homestay

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Ao Kram, Sawi District, Chumphon Province has two homestays available for accommodation: Ao Kram Homestay (where I will be staying on this trip) and Dan Dome Homestay, both located in close proximity. Both homestays offer simple accommodations by the sea, with a rustic and unpretentious atmosphere. Amenities may be limited. The bedrooms are small and can accommodate two people (shared bathroom). Alternatively, for a more immersive experience, guests can set up mats and mosquito nets on the porch to sleep under the sea breeze. The cool breeze and relaxed atmosphere provide a perfect setting for rest and relaxation.

Ao Kram has 2 homestays.

Dan Dom Homestay

Phone: 0869417046

Ao Kram Homestay 0847455278

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• Go eat seafood

Enjoy fresh seafood straight from the sea. The homestay provides three seafood meals a day, depending on your preferences. You can choose to have them for lunch, dinner, and breakfast or dinner, breakfast, and lunch, whichever is more convenient. (Most people tend to go all out for dinner.) The seafood menu will vary depending on the ingredients available each day, but you can be sure to enjoy a wide variety of dishes.

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• Squid fishing

Koh Kula, a small island in the Chumphon Sea Archipelago, is located in Sawi District, Chumphon Province. It is only a 20-minute boat ride from Ao Kram Bay. Visitors will be greeted by stunning turquoise waters, a serene atmosphere, and pristine natural beauty. The crystal-clear water invites visitors to swim and explore the vibrant marine life. Chumphon's seascapes rival any other in terms of beauty and tranquility.

Travel Itinerary

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Day 1:

• Arrival: Upon arrival at the homestay, enjoy lunch (meal 1).
• Relaxation: Take some time to rest, relax, and play.
• Dinner: In the evening, enjoy dinner (meal 2).
• Squid Fishing: As dusk settles, embark on a boat trip to "Bamahmuk" for squid fishing.

Day Two:

Morning: After breakfast (meal 3), embark on a chartered boat trip to Koh Kula for snorkeling. Please note that this activity is not included in the package and requires a separate boat rental fee of 1,000 baht per boat.

Afternoon: Return to the resort, check out, and depart for Bangkok.

A relaxing weekend getaway is possible even with just 2 days!

Traveling from Bangkok to Ao Kram Homestay

Traveling from Bangkok to Sawi District: In addition to traveling by private car, you can also take a bus or train. The most convenient option is likely the train. You can take the Special Express Train 39/41 from Bangkok Railway Station at 10:50 PM, arriving at Sawi Railway Station around 6:30 AM, giving you ample time to start your day.

From Sawi Railway Station, you can hire a taxi or motorbike taxi to take you to the homestay, which is approximately 20 kilometers away. The fare is 200-300 baht per trip. Alternatively, you can arrange for the homestay to pick you up in a pickup truck for an additional 300 baht per trip.

Alternatively, you can take a shared taxi (songthaew), but it will not take you directly to your homestay. It only runs along the paved road, and you will need to arrange for your homestay to pick you up from there. (I am unsure about the frequency of the songthaews, but I believe there may be a significant wait.)

On the return trip from Suea Railway Station back to Bangkok, passengers can choose to return as they wish (according to the train schedule shown in the picture). However, the return trip may depend on the activities done on that day and the needs of each individual, such as whether they want to return quickly or stay and explore nearby areas for a while before returning to Bangkok.

DAY #0: BANGKOK - SAWI

6:30 PM. Friday evening, from Bangkok to Siwi.

Embarking on the journey... Departing from Bangkok Station, prior to which... I had arranged the travel date and time with my fellow travelers on rather short notice, resulting in each of us being unable to travel on the same train. We were scattered across different trains with varying departure times... The most suitable train in terms of timing was the Special Express Train 39/41, departing from Bangkok Station at 10:50 PM and arriving at Su-ngai Kolok Railway Station at approximately 6:30 AM, which would be just in time for the morning. However, in my case... I was on Train 167, departing from Bangkok Station at 6:30 PM and arriving at Su-ngai Kolok Railway Station at approximately 4:00 AM. It was still dark when I reached my destination!

On a cool Friday evening, the traffic was a bit heavy, causing me to arrive at Bangkok Railway Station just in the nick of time. Upon arrival, I rushed to find my train, number 167, traveling from Bangkok to Kantang, with a stop at Sawi around four in the morning. The train was quite crowded today, so I ended up with a second-class (fan) ticket. I settled in comfortably, enjoying the cool breeze from the open window as the train journeyed on.

Before boarding the train, I grabbed a quick dinner since I hadn't eaten yet. Vendors on the train sold a variety of items, including boxed meals, snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. For dinner, I had rice with stir-fried pork and a fried egg (40 baht) and a bottle of water (10 baht) to keep me full before dozing off (on and off) for the rest of the journey.

DAY #1 SAWI, CHUMPHON

4:00 AM Good morning, Swee... Swee... Swee...

The train is relatively punctual. Around 4:30 am, I arrived at my destination, Si Railway Station, a small but beautiful and classic station. I had to wait for my fellow travelers to join me on train 39/41, which was scheduled to arrive at 6:30 am. So I sat and lay down at Si Railway Station until dawn. Therefore, if you want to arrive early, you should take train 39/41.

The morning in Sawi is very pleasant. The air is fresh and cool. What you see is not smoke, but morning mist.

Across from Swee Railway Station, there is a small market. In the morning, there is a morning market with food vendors selling various breakfast options. You can easily find something to eat here, such as **deep-fried dough sticks (pa thong ko), coffee, rice porridge, or congee**. This is a light breakfast to start your day.

At the corner of the street, opposite the Swee Railway Station, there are shops selling pork blood soup and rice porridge. I had a hot bowl of pork blood soup with rice. It was delicious and satisfying!

As one of our travel companions was from Chumphon and had their own vehicle, we, who arrived by train, did not need to find transportation from Sawi Railway Station to "Ao Kram Homestay." However, for those arriving by train, taxis or motorbike taxis are available in front of the station for transportation to the homestay. The fare is 200-300 baht per trip. Alternatively, the homestay can arrange for a pickup truck to pick you up for an additional 300 baht per trip.

8:00 AM: Pay respect to Phra That Suea

Upon arrival, one of the hosts from Chumphon picked us up at the agreed-upon time. Before heading to Ao Kram Homestay, we decided to pay respects at the sacred Phra That Sawi temple for good fortune. The temple is conveniently located near Sawi Railway Station.

Wat Phra That Sawi

Wat Phra That Sawi is a significant temple in Chumphon Province, Thailand. It houses the revered Phra That Sawi, a sacred relic considered the guardian spirit of Sawi.

Phra That Sawi is an ancient and large pagoda, over 700 years old. It is shaped like an inverted bell and houses relics of the Lord Buddha. It is a revered place of worship for the people of Sawi and neighboring provinces.

11:00 AM. Ao Kram Homestay

After paying respects at Phra That Sawi for good fortune, we traveled to Ao Kram Homestay. All types of vehicles can access the location, except for the final stretch, where the road becomes a gravel path and quite steep. Drivers should exercise caution. The journey from Sawi district to "Ao Kram Homestay" takes approximately half an hour.

Upon arrival, one is greeted by a tranquil and natural atmosphere.

The homestay area is a simple fishing village with a traditional way of life.

Nestled along the azure bay, amidst rolling hills and verdant foliage, stands a row of quaint fishermen's cottages. Among these seaside abodes lies my humble abode for the night.

I was warmly welcomed by "Auntie B," the owner of Ao Kram Homestay. Auntie B's daughter then led me on a tour of the homestay, which is a wooden house on stilts located by the sea. It has a large porch or balcony where you can sit and enjoy the view and the sea breeze.

The tranquil atmosphere of the beachfront homestay invites relaxation and rejuvenation.

Another corner.. where you can relax and enjoy your meal in a comfortable atmosphere.

Riverside grilling areas are suitable for grilling fresh seafood or having a barbecue.

The bedrooms are basic and small, with approximately 4-5 rooms available. Each room is equipped with a bed, pillows, blankets, and a mosquito net. While mosquitoes are present, they are not as prevalent as one might expect. There may be a few in the early evening, but none at night. Additionally, fans are provided to combat the heat.

Alternatively, for those seeking a closer connection with nature, pitching a tent and sleeping under the stars on the patio is an option. The fresh, cool sea breeze will provide a comfortable and refreshing experience.

Worry not about food when you come here... You'll definitely get to eat fresh seafood... All of this seafood comes from fishing within the community itself. Once they catch the seafood, shrimp, shellfish, crab, and fish, they prepare it for cooking right away. You could say it's fresh off the fishing boat!

Every meal is prepared by Auntie B herself, offering a diverse range of dishes that rotate based on the available ingredients each day. This ensures a unique culinary experience with no repeated menus. Alternatively, guests who wish to try their hand at cooking can utilize the homestay's kitchen and readily available cooking utensils.

12.00 p.m. First meal at Ao Kram Homestay

After enjoying the atmosphere for a while, it was time for lunch, which was the first meal of our stay here. Overall, everything was delicious, especially the crab stir-fried with glass noodles, which had firm and very fresh crab meat.

After lunch, relax and let your food settle. The full feeling and the afternoon atmosphere make you want to take a nap. You can choose to lie in a hammock by the water, spread out a mat, or even drag a mattress to find a comfortable corner to sleep in.

While relaxing by the azure bay, one can observe the daily routines of local fishermen.

Upon closer inspection, one can observe clusters of wooden poles scattered across the azure bay. These poles serve as a unique fishing tool known as "bam-muk," used to capture marine life. Tonight, I will have the opportunity to join local fishermen in their nocturnal "bam-muk" expedition. (The nighttime "bam-muk" trip is included in the package.)

Let's take a walk and observe the people in this community, whose way of life is deeply intertwined with the sea...

Explore food preservation methods

As evening approaches, the atmosphere becomes incredibly pleasant. You can relax and watch the sunset from the homestay's front porch.

"The last light" of the evening… before the sun sets…

7:00 PM. Seafood feast for dinner!

Darkness begins to envelop... Looking out at the sea at this hour, one can see small and large lights floating above the water's surface. Some lights remain stationary, while others move about, resembling the lights of fishing boats sailing in the middle of the sea. It is worth noting that this is the fishing season in this area.

After gazing at the dark sea for a while at dusk... dinner began to be served one by one. This meal felt like a real treat, with everything looking so delicious. Especially the large steamed crabs!

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Menu: Stir-fried mixed vegetables with seafood

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Menu: Three-flavored Sea Bass

This dish is a must-try! "Sweet and Savory Stir-Fried Squid with Eggs" The squid is bursting with eggs, each bite is a delightful explosion of flavor. The dish has a slightly sweet taste, perfectly complemented by a seafood dipping sauce. This is a truly harmonious culinary experience.

And of course, the steamed crab... The crab here is fresh from the sea, with firm flesh. It's absolutely delicious!

This meal was a truly delightful culinary experience. The food was incredibly fresh and every dish was absolutely delicious. I thoroughly enjoyed every item on the menu.

After lunch, we took a break to let our food settle before embarking on our next activity: squid jigging!

9:00 PM. Departing for squid fishing!

The unique "squid catching" technique known as "bamหมึก" can only be found in Thailand, specifically at Ao Kram Bay. This method involves using a net stretched across four wooden poles planted in the sea, forming a square shape. A gas lamp hanging above the net attracts squid, which are then caught by raising the net with a winch. The freshly caught squid can be enjoyed raw with seafood dipping sauce, offering a chewy and sweet texture, or grilled over low heat for a delightful meal.

As the clock struck nine, the time we had agreed upon, it was time to go "squid fishing." I climbed into the small boat docked next to the homestay and set off into the darkness, our destination being one of the many lights floating on the water in the distance. The lights we saw were gas tanks with flames attached to wooden beams, with nets stretched and tied to four corners of poles below the surface of the water.

When the time is right, the winch attached to the four corners of the rope is turned, slowly lifting the net above the water's surface. The squid and other marine life attracted to the light are trapped in the net, making them easy to catch. On a typical night, "squid jigging" can be done 3-5 times.

Scoop up the caught aquatic animals using a swing.

Various species of squid and fish were caught... Some unwanted fish or small individuals were sorted out and released back into the sea.

Freshly caught squid from the sea will have a translucent appearance and will still be pulsating.

To truly savor the flavor, one must try... eating fresh squid... dipped in a sweet and savory seafood sauce. The chewy texture and sweet taste create a unique and unforgettable experience!

Eating it raw... it's going to be a bit spicy.

Returning from squid fishing, they receive a share of the catch, which they bring back with them. The squid is then grilled and enjoyed at the homestay, accompanied by a delicious seafood dipping sauce. Another culinary delight!

DAY #2: KOH KULA, CHUMPHON

7:00 AM. Morning at Ao Kram.

Today, I woke up to a beautiful and refreshing morning, perfect for a boat trip to the islands. Today's agenda includes snorkeling at "Koh Kula" (Koh Kula is not included in the package, but you can rent a boat from the homestay to visit).

Before heading out to the island, it's important to fuel up with a hearty breakfast. A light option like "squid porridge" is perfect for a comfortable morning. The fresh squid and generous portion size make for a satisfying meal.

8:00 AM: Take a boat trip to Koh Kula.

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The weather today is excellent, with clear skies. It's perfect for a trip to the beach. I set off on my journey, boarding a compact boat (with a capacity of no more than 10 people) and cutting through the water towards Koh Kula. As I sail, I'm surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of various small islands.

We soon arrived at Koh Kula, a small island with stunningly clear water that allows you to see straight to the bottom.

Upon arrival at the island, you must first pay the National Park Service fee.

Most tourists prefer to visit for a half-day or a full day, without the need to stay overnight, as it is close to the shore. Activities on the island include snorkeling, which is very clear and inviting, and there are two small beaches where you can swim. You can easily walk between the two beaches. Kayaking is also available for free. If you are feeling energetic, you can paddle around the small island and enjoy the natural scenery!

Beach near the pier After getting off the boat, you can swim at this beach. It is a small beach, but the water is very clear.

Scuba diving is a popular activity on Koh Kula, as the island is surrounded by coral reefs.

The surrounding area is also lush with trees, providing shade for relaxation. In some corners, you can even set up a hammock, spread a mat, and take a nap under the trees.

From Hat Tawan Port Beach, walk another 200 meters to find another beach, which appears more peaceful...

Let's try diving at this beach instead. It also has coral reefs and marine life to see. (At this point, I felt a little disappointed that I didn't bring an underwater camera, so I couldn't capture any pictures.)

Accommodation is available at this beach, provided by the park authorities. There are three bungalows available, costing 1,200 baht per night and accommodating 4-5 guests. Additionally, there is a campsite with electricity available from 6 pm to midnight. For those staying on the island, meals are provided at a cost of 600 baht per person (covering all three meals).

The optimal time to visit Koh Kula is during the months of January to May, when the water is at its clearest.

Free kayaking, where you can paddle without any additional costs.

The sky is beautiful, the water is clear, and the atmosphere is peaceful. It is a perfect place to relax, sit, lie down, and enjoy yourself all day long.

Koh Kula is easily accessible and requires minimal travel time. Visitors can relax and enjoy swimming at their leisure. A half-day trip is sufficient to explore the island.

12.00 p.m. Farewell, Ao Kram!

After returning from Koh Kula by boat, it was almost noon when we arrived at the homestay. Driven by hunger, we ordered an additional lunch before checking out, adding 50 baht per person. The menu included a delicious seafood stir-fry with sea grapes, seasoned with a spicy kick, and an omelet that was anything but ordinary, filled with pure crab meat. It was another delicious meal, a perfect ending before our journey home.

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This trip... was a relaxing weekend getaway. With only 2 days, we were able to experience a simple vacation, immerse ourselves in nature, and learn about the local community. It was a truly enriching experience... Overall, it was a very worthwhile trip.

If you're looking for a relaxing getaway amidst nature, consider staying at a fisherman's homestay. It's a truly unique experience!

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