Rustic charm by the beach comes at an affordable price at the ‘Whale’.

Just down the coast from the crowded seas of Hua Hin, guests get swallowed up by the lonely Whale

By Tanaporn Tangcharoenmankong

Special to Daily Xpress

It's getting harder to find a tranquil, simple and inexpensive seaside holiday resort these days. But Krau Chom Whale in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Bo Nok district meets all the requirements. It's a real discovery, an ideal getaway with a natural touch.

Beneath the resort's shady coconut trees in a two-rai plot dense with greenery sit six bungalows - all of them built with eco-friendly materials - and an open-air restaurant.

The late Charoen Wataksorn, onetime president of the Love Bo Nok Association, started the business as a restaurant 12 years ago. He chose the name "whale" in reference to Bryde's Whale, an occasional visitor to local waters.

Made of bamboo and topped off with a rustic thatch roof, each bungalow has a wooden terrace out front where guests can enjoy the breeze and a view of the twinkling blue sea. Four different sizes of bungalow cater to everything from couples to groups of 15.

The small yet functional two-person cabin was our choice. Comfortable, with a mattress, ceiling fan and bathroom, this well-equipped seaside accommodation cost just Bt500 a night.

Time goes by slowly and peacefully at Krau Chom Whale. The spacious pavilion by the sea is a wonderful place to laze around reading, chatting or napping in a hammock.

As well as the two-person accommodation, there are bungalows for three (Bt700 per night), seven (Bt2,200) and 15 people (Bt2,800).