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PHOTOS
RIA LIMJAP
B E Y O N D B A N G K O K
Our first stop is Parnvimarn, the
lovely home of a smiling Thai matron
accompanied by little lap dogs, who
welcomes all visitors with a cool
drink and orchids. The staff of the
Princess stay here when they come
to Amphawa; and for THB1,000
(PHP1,371) per person per night
(including breakfast), it does seem
like a royally good idea. I sip the cold
rose ginger tea and sit in the garden
overlooking the river.
Soon I am called to the upper floor
of this gorgeous Thai-style house filled
with hardwood floors, Buddha statues,
old family pictures, and photos of the
King and Queen, to sample coconut
Living in someone , s home, even just for the
weekend, is a wonderful way to experience
the authentic local hospitality
jelly molded in the shape of tiny ducks.
Our hostess points to the house next
door, which is known to be very old
and well preserved. I could have sat
there all day to watch the river from the
veranda, but Nok tells me that we’re on
our way to a traditional lunch.
I could never turn down an offer like
that, so we walk towards the river past
the temple and the street market. There
are dozens of food stalls along the way,
and it is hard to resist the exotic Thai
delicacies artfully arranged in their
little stalls. But I strengthen my resolve
and make my way to lunch. Kumpan
Restaurant serves
pla-tu
or fried fish
(sourced from the river, of course)
with chilli sauce, rice and vegetables.
The sauces are famous, their recipes
apparently stolen from the palace. I
cap off this spicy meal with the Srimala
Flower Ice Cream in rose and lotus.
Stuffed to the gills with all sorts of
delicious Thai flavors, I am ready for an
adventure down the river.
Parnvimarn
villa offers
classy homestay
accommodations in
Samut Songkhram