Not looking for sympathy here (well, not much anywayđ) but more to share how impressive the healthcare experience was here. Due to the respiratory virus and all the flights so far, my right ear was in need of some medical intervention. A quick search around online led to Bangkok Hospital (actually in Hua Hin so the name is a little misleading) being a likely place for help. Here’s a quick summary of how easy it was;
- Made an appointment online after being able to select a doctor speciality (ENT) and a time slot for the next day.
- Showed up in outpatients and presented email appointment confirmation
- Taken to registration desk to get patient number
- Ended up with a slip of paper with a queue number on it (kinda like when you order a Maccas)
- Taken to wait outside doctor’s office
- Saw ENT who was lovely, assessed my ear, gave it a good suction out of ear wax and prescribed some antibiotic drops. Also gave follow up advice…very thorough and luckily great English.
- Then off to the pharmacy area where the cashiers also sit and given another number.
- Off to pay cashier for appointment and medication. Pharmacist explained medication instructions.
All sorted within about an hr for approx $75…bargain. And my ear is getting back to normal so great outcome.
Next up, we hopped on the motorbike and headed south for an hour to Praya Nakhon Cave which sits within Sam Roy Yod National Park ($200THB or approx $10 AUD per person entry). The cave is most easily accessed (and the less strenuous option) by boat (200THB per person) and then a walk of 430m to the cave. It felt a lot longer than 430m thanks to all the steps and steepness involved! The natural beauty is stunning as the cave consists of two large chambers each with rooftop openings allowing sunlight to stream through onto the Kuha Karuhas Pavillion in the second chamber. There is so much greenery in there it appears quite otherworldly magical.
The Kuha Karuhas Pavilion is a four-gabled pavilion built during the reign of King Rama V in 1890. The Kuha Karuhas Pavilion is considered a masterpiece of traditional Thai craftsmanship. Built by artisans from Bangkok it commemorates King Rama’s historic visit to the site.
After hiking back out and down we stopped for a drink and food at the little restaurant on the beach to refuel. Then back on the boat and the hour bike ride back to Hua Hin.
