An omnibus round-up for lousy photos of logistical considerations and personal memories in Phitsanulok, Thailand. Please watch the “Healing Ramble, introduction” video for context on this series.
Finding Rest & Calm
On my visits to Phitsanulok (aside from a few transitions and late night arrivals), i stayed at Hip Inn and Coffee because they have typewriters and cappuccinos and all manner of quirky decor (Vespas, VWs)…
It’s not in the “thick of town”, a little outside but still walkable in a pinch to market and hospital. Nearby was a larger hotel so could get a tuk-tuk or taxi when needed.
Plus this dog lives at Hip Inn and good for a pet after a tough day.
Here’s my no-longer-secret -but-otherwise-public review of Hip Inn at: 39/5 Sanambin Rd, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang Phitsanulok, Chang Wat Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
Could Live Here for a Month
Pros: Eclectic decorations for a homey touch, clean comfortable large room, not much commotion, easy-going atmosphere. Also, great coffee and tea!
Cons: Nothing especially I didn’t like, though a public wireless computer printer would be handy as well as variety for the complimentary breakfast (local food please) but appreciated the effort.
Location: Very close (short drive) to PHS airport, a medium walk into “downtown”, family run noodle cart across the street and great open air hot pot restaurant close-by. [ed note: details to follow}
Review: I dislike plain generic hotels — especially when I’m staying for a while. But, I also don’t enjoy “B&Bs” or guest houses as I kind of keep weird hours and schedules. Hip Inn provided a perfect fit for me for 9 days on one occasion and another 5 days stay later on. I will return again for sure. [update: i have subsequently returned]
1st floor is a coffee shop/café with an eclectic mix of decorations and furniture which provided a nice place to hang out to work on my scrapbooks, write letters, and enjoy their absolutely top shelf espresso drinks.
Throughout the little hotel were all sorts of interesting curios and collections of small things like toy Volkswagen busses and larger things like Vespa scooters and old typewriters. Felt as though I decorated it myself. The floors were all polished concrete which avoids the dust and mildew and bugs which congregate in carpets, plus a modern aesthetic to older bldg.
Most importantly though, my room was spacious, clean & had a large comfortable bed, a great shower, as well as a small refrigerator with bottled water and closet for hanging up/airing out my clothes. The room had lots of windows so it was bright and cheerful, but could also be shut down to block out light as I tend to sleep late.
Despite my lack of Thai language, the staff were cooperative and helpful as we communicated through Google translate to arrange taxis, send laundry out, etc.
Worth noting that I wasn’t there for “sightseeing” per se but rather for medical treatment so it was nice to come home to a welcoming place.
More decorations at Hip Inn (i can’t stop…)
Eating Food
Across the street from Hip Inn is a family run noodle shop – well at first, was a cart in front the guest house and they’d add a couple of chairs the sidewalk table and voila, now they’ve taken over an empty garage of some kind. I go there to eat most times.
Evidence of the lovely family * obviously noodles, follows:
Other times i would go to a great open-air Hot Pot place which was lively & enjoyable when i was feeling up for a bit of commotion #SensoryOverload
i made friends, and was fun to play with food with a flaming set-up on the table.
Most days i would also buy fresh fruit on the walk back and occasionally would eat some street food at night market bazaar – but wasn’t out much. #Resting
Transport Modes
Getting around the compact city was easy, even for me :). After massage i would usually walk some of the way, maybe poke into a market or stationery store and then catch a tuk-tuk, taxi, or bicycle back the Hip Inn (often using the name of the nearby big hotel for easy communication).
[videopress DAglKrYc]
Transport examples follow:
Onwards (& a map)
Then i leave by airplane from nearby PHS airport or via train, north to Chiang Mai or south to Bangkok and beyond…
Should you have a notion to visit, here is a vague map:
Thank you Phitsanulok for providing safe haven.
Bonus: 3 Kings
The monarchy is a huge deal in Thailand – that’s all i’ll say about that… and by chance, i was in country for a few significant related events including the passing of the king, later his cremation and then coronation of the new king. All interesting and that’s all i’ll say about that.
Related Creative, etc.
Towns and Trains – a collection of short poems and fuzzy Lomo photos (mostly) from rambles from Pai to Hat Yai + others
Musical Respite – a moment in an empty market watching a craftsman repair an instrument
Scenes of Life – fuzzy Lomo old film “spy” photos from wandering from massage and hospital back to guest house
Rolling Elsewhere – Thailand trains, ambient space cruises, gazing out window (and possibly airplanes)
Ramble Elsewhere – rolling around Phitsanulok in a tuk-tuk, so you can hear the downshift of the motor and all the swerve, swerve, fun
Misc – Haircut and shave in this collection of barbers, and you probably already caught the healing bathtime and hospital and massage riffs yeah? Phitsanulok tag for other sundry items now or in future.
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