During a road trip to Phang Nga, we stopped by Wat Tha Sai, a beautiful temple by the beach. Wat Tha Sai is located at Ban Ta Taeng. The seafront temple is surrounded by tall trees and an amazing Thai-style wooden structure with intricate details. On the drive towards the temple there were lots of water bufallos by the side of the road – one even got a little too close for comfort!
This wasn’t my first visit to Wat Tha Sai. The first time was under bright December skies, this time, things were a bit cloudy. Despite this, the temple itself was just as beautiful – all wooden with a teak chapel. It’s right on the beach, which was completely empty. Alongside the beach there were also these little meditation salas (sheds) scattered around, perfect for some quiet reflection if you’re feeling zen. The whole place was very clean and well-maintained – a very peaceful atmosphere.
After visiting Wat Tha Sai, we popped into the nearby Sea Light Cafe and Restaurant. Opened at the beginning of this year, the Sea Light Cafe is very photogenic. My favorite area of the cafe was the cute outdoor patio overlooking the beach. Inside boasted a similar aesthetic, decorated with wood and traditional Thai carvings. With both indoor and outdoor seating, we opted for the fresh air and the beach view. Since we arrived in the afternoon, we enjoyed coffee and some sweet treats. But I saw that the menu offered a wider selection of Thai food, salads and seafood. I ordered an iced cappuccino and red velvet cake!
We decided to sit in the outdoor area of the cafe where you could sit on these big comfy sofas and hammocks, all overlooking the beach and ocean. The beach is not suitable for swimming but it was nice to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere.
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