Nakhom Si Thammarat – The Search for Rain

I am in the lower southern gulf region of Thailand in the province of Nakom Si Thammarat. I have come in search of rain. After 6 weeks of dry weather the Brit in me needed non stop rain to hydrate my skin…..

Ok, ok I did not come to the south for rain but it is what I found. I seems that to find the sun at this time of the year you need to head north of Bangkok and not south or at least the eastern coast. So why did I come here? Well, the lonely planet describes this province as a ‘Historical stop between beach-bumming, featuring shadow puppetery ancient temples and mosques’, ‘ …a less troden path with less tourist…’. and the clincher the city of Nakom Si Thammarat has ‘…more movie theatre per square kilometres than any other city in Thailand’. The question is how could I not come.

I arrived Tuesday after a 14 hrs journey by night train from Bangkok. The comfort was not that bad even with all the shaking – in comparison with the bus rides in Nepal & India it was as smooth as a TGV. I planned to stay 1 night or 2, visit the city then head north up the coast to Sichon and the beach but with all best made plans… I made it to a hotel and then collapsed. Maybe it was the night train or something else but I was in no fit state to do anything. This was an easy choice to make, I had cable TV in the room with 2 film channels and CNN. Why did I need to go out. I did make it briefly to pick some food & water – you can never be without food in Thailand. Food is everywhere. I think that Thailand is one big Deli. Its great. What is better than a bowl of chicken soup and fruit – I nearly did not recover as I watched a Jean-Claude Van Damme film – my god JCVD you cannot act and you need to get a hair cut.

After a good night sleep, feeling recovered I headed out to explore the city. Found my coffee and croissants – Yes at last since I left France I have discovered reasonably good vienoiseries – and explored the city. Near the hotel I found the Tourist Office and decided to make a visit. I think they do not get many visitors by the look of supprises on their face as I entered. They asked if they could help me but I said that I was just looking. They insisted that I sit down for a chat. Impossible to say no. I did get a good map of the city and further info on the province. They seem to apologise for the rain. The rain was getting harder and harder so I gave up exploring and headed for lunch then. Up to this point I did discover a Carrefour and Boots store. And somewhere in the city there is a Tesco. However I have time to find the Tesco, the other temples and sights of the city as I decided I may as well stay a few day in the city. No need to rush I have 3 months in the region.

Its still raining outside at 8pm, what rain…..