Arriving in Trang, we wound up in the middle of these colourful and noisy celebrations for returning of soldiers of war. The colours that the Thai people use to celebrate are just breathtaking, and the noises made by these eight or so elderly ladies in the back of utility was just surreal. Now that’s a welcome, even if it wasn’t for two brightly and well-dressed gents from Melbourne.
So we finally found our way into a minivan and away from the welcome home celebrations and headed for our hotel. Note; when booking a hotel, ensure that when the hotel is in the shape of the ship, it must carry a 4 star rating.
Yes, a ship I hear you say? Well the front reception/convention section of the hotel is a ship’s bow, and thankfully that was anchored down into the earth and not the sea.
- The Rua Rasada Hotel – Trang
The Rua Rasada Hotel oozed class, elegance and touch of old world charm without loosing reality (hard to believe, knowing we are in a ship shaped hotel). The staff, well there was literally a cast of staff that were there for our every need, all knowledgeable and willing to assist with our requests.
The hotel’s ship design is a hint of the former glory of this area, and after years of being on the scrap heap, it was renovated and redesigned over a year ago to bring us a delicate and superb hotel with all of the trimmings.
The outlook from our room was very rural, with a slight glimpse of the pool deck; it was a nice change to experience the serenity that Trang had to offer.
- The foyer of the Rua Rasada Hotel
Trang is a prominent fishing town and the first rubber trees in Thailand were planted here in 1899, so there is plenty of rich history and local attractions. Unfortunately, we were here for the one night and leaving early the next day to head to our Island destination.
I did manage to check out one of the spa treatments on offer at the hotel’s spa. I booked in for a 1/2-hour bath, a one-hour body scrub followed by a one hour deep tissue massage, which took me from brilliant to astonishing and all for the minimal sum of 1000bht or $30au. I did for the first time on this trip feel relaxed, clean and now ready for what lay ahead.
- The pool deck.
One thing that stood out was the people walking their cows/bulls like we do our dogs. It was hysterical, as no matter where we would go, the Tuk Tuk/taxi would give way to these awesome animals and their owners.
- taking the dog for a walk…..
Trang is an area of Thailand that is real, honest and trusting. I would love to return to Trang and spend some more time here discovering what is on offer. I am also sure with coming years, Trang will once again relive what was once a thriving tourism hub of Thailand.
The next day we left luxury and ventured towards the relaxing and very petite island of Ko Ngai, a 45-minute boat ride from Pak Meng Pier. This is sure to be seven days of pure bliss.
ramblingrelish 