Out of Norm Travels: 2012 - Suan Phueng (New Zealand of Thailand), Ratchaburi

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Just a mere 2 hours drive from Bangkok is another gem called "Suan Phueng" aka New Zealand of Thailand. Suan Phueng is at the bordering district of Ratchaburi and popular amongst the Thais. It boasts a healthy dose of fresh air and vast green fields. As we had some big and small children (including some "young at hearts"), this was just about the best place to be. We spent up to the most part of a day at "NewLand", an amusement park area. For an inexpensive 400baht/S$16, the kids had a wild time trying out Archery and Cross Bow; took out the ATV for a spin and did some sheep feeding after a cute choo-choo Train ride round the little area.  

The entire Suan Pheung is peppered with Mediterranean-themed resorts which are destinations in themselves, some complete with horse ranches, sheep farms, trickling streams and European gardens. We had a quaint stay at one of the local stays & woke up to beautiful sunrise & basked in the glorious evening sunset. Evening is spent very much like how it should be done in a rustic countryside i.e. listening to the sounds of crickets whilst enjoying a cuppa with a loved one. 

While we were there, we checked out the "Khao Chan Waterfall", which was another local favorite. Over there,  we enjoyed the best nature has to offer in terms of clean fresh waters. We went there empty handed knowing full well that we could easily purchase our picnic fare at a local market located just outside the waterfalls (for simple fares like Thai salads, skewered chicken, BBQ meats, ice cubes and water) - well, we did ask them nicely enough,  so the stall holders even provided us with a lovely picnic mat (that we returned after our little excursion)! 

Till the next time, onto the world and beyond!
Location: Ratchaburi, Thailand

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