Cha-Am - Samut Songkhram – 90 km
The stretch between Cha-Am and Samut Songkhram was varied and
scenic. Not only was the way dotted with interesting food and drinks
stands, but ran past salt farms, tiny fishing villages, temples, and
mangrove swamps. Crab fishing was at the order of the day and
almost every stall offered cooked crab. Add an excellent road
featuring a cycle lane, and the ride was pleasurable.
Albeit blistering hot, I rolled into Samut Songkhram early and headed
to Hometown Hostel. The hostel is lovely, offering modern air-con
dorms, clean bathrooms, and friendly staff. Once unpacked, I made a
beeline for the markets as they were already in full swing.
Samut Songkhram is home to the fascinating railway market that
spills onto the railway line. Canopies hurriedly get taken down when a
train approaches. However, once the train has passed, the whole
shebang goes back into place, and trade continues.