Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Modern sensibilities have turned away from circuslike animal attractions but many well-intentioned animal lov-
ers curious to see Thailand's iconic creatures (such as elephants, monkeys and tigers) unwittingly contribute to
an industry that is poorly regulated and exploitative. Animals are often illegally captured from the wild and dis-
figured to be less dangerous (tigers often have their claws and teeth removed), they are acquired as pets and then
neglected or inhumanely confined, or abandoned when they are too sick or infirm to work.
Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand runs a
wildlife rescue centre
( 0 3245 8135;
www.wfft.org
; Wat
Khao Luk Chang), 35km northwest of Cha-am, that adopts and cares for abused and abandoned animals. Most
of these animals are creatures that can't return to the wild due to injuries or lack of survival skills. The centre
cares for 400 animals, including bears, tigers, gibbons, macaques, loris and birds. There is also an affiliated ele-
phant rescue program that buys and shelters animals being used as street beggars.
The centre offers a
full access tour
(5000B for six people) that introduces the animals and discusses their res-
cue histories. The tour includes a visit with the elephants (but no rides are offered) and hotel transfer from Hua
Hin or Cha-am.
Those looking for a more intimate connection with the animals can volunteer to help at the centre. An average
day could involve chopping fruits and vegetables to feed sun bears, cleaning enclosures and rowing out to the
gibbon islands with a daily meal. Volunteers are required to stay a minimum of one week and have to make a
compulsory donation (from US$455/14,368B) to the centre. Contact the centre or visit the
volunteer website
(
www.wildlifevolunteer.org
)
for details.
Eating
From your beach chair you can wave down the itinerant vendors selling barbecued and
fried seafood, or order from the many nearby beachfront restaurants. At the far northern
end of the beach, seafood restaurants with reasonable prices can be found at the fishing
pier. There's also a large night market on Th Narathip close to the train station.
Rang Yen Garden
( 0 3247 1267; 259/40 Th Ruamjit; dishes 60-180B; 11am-10pm Nov-Apr)
This lush garden restaur-
ant is a cosy and friendly spot to feel at home after a day of feeling like a foreigner. It
serves up Thai favourites and is only open in the high season.
THAI
$
Didine
(Soi Bus Station, Th Ruamjit; dishes 80-350B; 10am-11pm; )
There are two chefs here, one
French, one Thai, and the menu spans continental Europe, as well as offering a very solid
selection of seafood and local favourites.
INTERNATIONAL-THAI
$$
Bella Pizza
ITALIAN
$$
