The Memories of Classic Romance "Hua-Hin"

If you get stuck with an idea where to start your trip down memory lane on hard-earned holiday, PlearnWan has much to recommend it.

Undoubtedly, quite a lot of people scratch their heads over what "PlearnWan" means. As the name suggests, it is the witty wordplay of "Play and Learn", which fuse into "Plearn", and "Wan", which is Thai word equivalent to "Yesterday". The mishmash comes with the accent on the enjoyment in turning back the clock to old-world charm.

Located in the middle of Hua Hin downtown, the 2-rai land plot in Soi 38 on Phetkasem road becomes a blast from the past where time stands still and your memory of Hua Hin in the glorious past evokes, from the traditional way of life to vintage goodies.

Reminiscent of golden olden days of the famed resort town, Plearnwan is the lively vintage village where you can enjoy life in the slow lane. The oldambience complex boasts scores of shophouses, souvenir shops and food stalls selling an assortment of time worn culinary delights, from famous traditional coffee to delectable desserts and ice cream. The retro dressmaker's shop and herb-infused spirits stall are rare elsewhere but common sight here.

Mostly made of wood, retro-styled shophouses inevitably make you feel as if you were sent back to the year 1956. Not surprisingly, Plearnwan is not only a wonderland where the old-charm world comes to life, but it also rekindles the nostalgic memories of your early days.

Currently, Plearnwan is partially open to tourists in Hua Hin. The highlight is the outdoor screening which stirs up long-forgotten nostalgia for temple fair washed away by a new wave of posh movie theaters. The screening is held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5pm to midnight. If you want to share the rekindled memories of classic romance with someone faraway, head to a postcard shop and send a lovely postcard to tell her or him how wonderful Plearnwan is.

Eco-friendly speaking, Plearnwan wins praise for its efforts to reduce carbon footprint. Take discarded milk cartons, they undergo recycling metamorphosis into practical furnishings scattered here and there. It is not an overstatement to say that Plearnwan is held up as a model recreational sanctuary where the creativity goes hand in hand with green mind.

If you plan to spend time in Hua Hin on holiday, do not forget to put Plearnwan on your itinerary for a nostalgic trip back to the good old days.

Museum of Siam

The National Discovery Museum Institute is the avant-garde museum and a source of inspiration for endless learning. At hear, the Account of Thailand retells the timeline of history through the major events that change politics, society, culture and way of thinking from the past to present.
Sprawling across over 3,000 square meters, the account of Thailand enables visitors to gain a greater insight into the history of the golden Land, or known as Suvarnabhumi in the olden times, its mystery behind the glorious heyday, the diplomatic relationships with the outside world. More importantly, visitors get a closer glimpse of the origin of the country named "Siam" before it reaches the zenith and undergo metamorphosis into Thailand in present days.

The 1st floor
The so-called old building chamber shows evidence of the origin of former Ministry of Commerce's building before it is restored and becomes the Museum of Siam in the present day.
Overture is the short-film screening house which the story of the museum is told stage by stage through interesting characters.
Genuine Thai is the cultural chamber to flaunt the characteristics of Thainess and its root in the past.

The 2nd floor
Diagram is the chamber for Thailand's maps in each period from the past to present.
Bangkok under the shade of Ayutthaya
Life outside Bangkok is the chamber for closer glimpse of the rural life and the history of rice cultivation.
Modernization of Siam is the chamber dedicated for a dramatic change of the country during the Kind Rama V reign and the history of Charoen Krung road.
The Birth of Democratic Thailand is the chamber for the Revolution of 1932 and democratic transition.
Western Impact is the chamber of the Westernization wave into Thailand.
Today's Thailand is the mirror tunnel with an assortment of screens all over the place.
Looking Forward is the chamber for visitors to have their say in the future of Thailand with the help of computer technology.

The 3rd floor
Insight into the legend of Suvarnabhumi is the chamber dedicated to the geography of the Land of Gold and the historic evidence through the archeological excavation.
Suvarnabhumi is the chamber where the way of life in Suvarnabhumi is put on show, including the diplomatic relations with the outside world and pieces of historic evidences.
Spiritual Intellect is the chamber for the learning on the Buddhism and its core principles. The Birth of Siam is the chamber for a closer look into the ancient kingdoms' origins and the legend of Krung Sri Ayutthaya, the Thailand's past capital.
Siam is the chamber for the society in Ayutthaya era, including the exhibition of model boats and royal barges.
Ancient Battle is the chamber devoted to the Ayutthaya warfare.

Lohaprasada : One in the World

The name of Lohaprasada (Brazen Palace or Loha Prasat) is dated back as early as in India since Buddha's time. According to the definition by famed historian H.R.H. Prince Damrong Raganupab, it means"the structure with metal spires". Legend has it said that the first-ever multitiered square-shaped pagoda was built by Visakha, female Buddhist follower, in honour of the Buddha at Wat Bupharam in India. In B.E.328, King Tuttakamaneeapai ordered to have a second pagoda built in Sri Lanka. Today, the vestiges of two square-shaped pagodas still remain.

In Thailand, Loha Prasat is located at Wat Ratchanaddaram in Bangkok. The multi-tiered structure has a name for the cultural icon of Thailand as it is the third Loha Prasat in the world after two dilapidated predecessors. In modern days, Thailand's Loha Prasat is highly regarded as one of the world.

Located west of the ubosot (ordination hall), Loha Prasat was built in 1846 at the royal command of Kind Rama III. The structural design was in line with the description written in the Sri Lanka historical records. Somdet Chao Phraya Barommahapichaiyat (Tat Bunmak), who was earlier Phraya Sripipat Rattanaratkosa, was in charge of the construction. The construction workers were also sent to Sri Lanka for observation trip on its Loha Prasat. The imitation of the original pagoda was not the aim of the trip. Instead, the incorporation of the Thai craftsmanship into the design was greatly emphasized. Loha Prasat at Wat Ratchanaddaram is different from its two predecessors as it does not accommodate any monk. It is built to replace the old pagoda at the temple.

Loha Prasat has square-shaped pagoda blueprint in line with the Sri Lanka design, but the structural details are unlike. It is the seven-tiered with the third and fifth tier served as grottos and verandas. On the second, fourth, and sixth tier, there are porches with 12 metal spires when the Buddha relics are placed on the top. In total, the pagoda has 37 metal spires, which are indicative of 37 virtues of Buddhist principles toward the enlightenment.

The spiral staircase in the middle of the pagoda is the access to the top of Loha Prasat. The large log serves as a center pole for the staircase. Since the construction in the reign of King Rama III, it never neared completion until the King Rama IX when the first restoration was in 1963.

Neilson Hays Library in Bangkok, Thailand

What welcoming you once entering the compound of Neilson Hays Library is the shady ambience and the sweet scent of frangipani.

Step into the Neo Classic building and encounter the shelves full of books. They are so eager to tell you stories. The touching history behind this lovely library is that, it's the monument of love that the founder, Dr.Thomas Heyward Hays, built in memory of his beloved wife, Mrs.Jennie Heilson Hays. Mrs. Hays was the dedicating organizer of the Bangkok Library Association back then when she was the member of The Ladies' Bazaar Association. Upon her pass-away, this library was hence constructed to be a permanent library and renamed into the present name.

This library is already 86 years old, but doesn't look its age. Most members are expats who live in Thailand. However, many Thai visitors always pay a visit on a regular-basis.

In addition to the library section, 2 galleries are located in this Hays compound. The "Garden Gallery" is set by the garden near the cafe. Outdoor sitting lounge looks through the glass into displayed art pieces in "Rotunda Gallery". This dome-shape roof, high-ceiling hall was once the entry lounge. Only recently it was renovated into the art gallery.

We can't tell what's more relaxing, arts or books. If you can't decide, just go to Neilson Hays as it has both to offer!

See more details of Neilson Hays Library at www.neilsonhayslibrary.com
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