Hat Chaweng Central

Hat Chaweng Beach
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We arrived late last night.  The room at the Montien is modest at best but Daniel loves it since it is a strip mall style bungalow (4 units chained together), not part of a hotel, has a pool and sits on a beach. The beach, however, is not swimmable due to a rock or coral outcrop located not too far from shore creating a backwater lagoon.  But, a short walk south brought us to an amazing beach in Central Hat Chaweng where we swam all day!  Warm water, soft white sand and a roped off swimming area.

Volleyball Anyone?
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I was too busy telling the kids to put on sunscreen that I forgot the most important lesson "reapply often."  My back has a sunburn that resembles a lobster.  Apparently I was in the sun more than I thought and not under the beach umbrella enough.

Luckily, we have not seen any of the seedy side of Thailand that is supposed to be rampant here but, then again, we are not looking for it.  There are many families vacationing here-most seem French.  I have not encountered an English speaking tourist yet.

Sonja and Daniel Playing Volleyball
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We encountered a few topless sunbathers-an assortment of shapes and sizes.  Daniel was particularly grossed out by this-especially the older somewhat unfit topless woman in her leopard print thong.  These bathers though, are the exception and not the rule.

The beach hawkers were persistent but Sonja and Daniel are used to it.  Sonja and Daniel really wanted a beach volleyball that they were selling.  It is so awkward negotiating prices.  Once you ask how much, it is very rude to walk away.  Our vender wanted 750 baht ($22) which was way overpriced.  I countered at 300 (still too much) and we settled on 400.  I HATE bargaining.

I expect that tomorrow will be more of the same!