Ibed at Hua Hin

Thanks Content by Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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The Family Tree is truly a unique shop, unrivaled in Hua Hin. It is much than 'just another' craft store. Visitors are  warmly welcomed to admire beautiful Thai fabric, vibrant painted scences of traditional life, and authentic handicrafts. The Family Tree team will happily share the special and wonderful stories woven into each work of art.
Each item sold at The Family Tree is carefully sourced from local community groups, exceptional independent Thai artisans, or through Thai Craft and their network of producers. All items for sale support fair trade and sustainability. Other efforts by The Family Tree position the shop at the forefront of the Green Movement in Thailand.

Treasures waiting for you inside include 100% naturaldyed, hand spun and woven Thai silks. The texture of these fine fabrics is unlike most anything you ve ever come across before. There really isn't a word to adequately describe how soft and smooth these silks are. They are equally beautiful and elegant to the touch as they are to your sight.
The signature product at The Family Tree is a deep, pure black silk, which is made from ebony fruits that are only harvested once a year. The seasonality of this nature dye, combined with the traditional methods in whic it's created, makes it one of Thailand's rarest fabrics.
The Family Tree also offers handmade siver jewelry: including many traditional ethnic designs. Another highlight is gorgeous, oil paintings depicting traditional life and celebrating important Thai festivals. These paintings are produced by a group of over 30 villagers from Ubon Rachathani province, in rural north-eastern Thailand.
One of this author's persona; favorite items will have you taking a closer look. The Family Tree team offers a large assortment of lovly items that are made completely from recycled paper and other re-used materials. The 'paper bead necklaces' are truly amazing. They also have a line of natural cosmetics which will not only help bring out your best, but are also easy on the earth and support a women's cooperative. The Family Tree also regularly organizes hand-on workshops, where guests can learn how to make their own silver and jewelry.
While The Family Tree always tries to feature enviromentally friendly products, they also recognize the reliance of local crafts on wood and the difficulty for village artisans to transform their methods overnight.  The Family Tree works to make sure that their carbon footprint remains as neutral as possible. For every 1,000 Baht spent in their store, The Family Tree promises that at least one tree will be planted. And The Family Tree certainly has some experience in this department! This past June, on World Environment Day, they initiated and lead a project to plant trees in Chaiyaphum, Thailand. On that day, more 20,000 trees were planted by more than 700 people!
Be sure to stop in today to visit a true gem of Hua Hin. Their roots may spread across Thailand, but they've chosen to flower here in town.
Getting there: From Bangkok - Hua Hin: turn left on Phetchakasem Rd, Soi 55 (Chomsin road). Fallow this to the beach. For the easiest parking, turn left at the endof the street and park at the Hua Hin pier. Then walk just 2-3 mins along Naresdamri Road (toward the Hilton). You 'll see The Family Tree on the left, across from the Cool Breeze and Swiss Hot Stone restaurants.
 Tel : (66) 81 809 5083

On the full Moon night of the twenlfth lunar month, November 10.  Loy Krathong on Hua Hin Beach is a fun and enjoyable evening with a bustling atmosphere as people gather to float thier krathongs into the sea, which contributes to a memorable evening for all. Sitting on the sand and watching the paper lanterns float to the heavens and out over the gulf, must be one of the most iconic sights in the Thai diary as children play and everyone enjoys a festive night.

'Loy' literally means 'to float,' while 'Krathong' refers to the lotus-shaped receptacle which can float on the water. Originally, the krathong was made of banana leaves or the layers of the trunk of a banana tree or a spider lily plant, and in many cases still are. To be truly ecological, check your krathong is made from banana stem by looking underneath before you buy. A krathong contains food, betel nuts, flowers, joss sticks, candle and coins. The Loy Krathong ritual is a simple one.

One needs only to light the candles and joss sticks, make a wish and let it float away with the current of the sea, river or canal.

Different legends surround the origins of Loy Krathong. The most popular version is it was an expresion of gratitude to the goddess of water 'Phra Mae Kongka' for having extensively used, and sometimes polluted, the water from the rivers and canals. It is also in part a thanksgiving for her bounty in providing water for the livelihood of the people.

Some believe the festival originates from Buddhism. They say the offering of flowers, candles and joss-sticks is a tribute of respect to the footprint of the Lord Buddha on the sandy beach of the Narmaha River in India, as well as to the great Serpent and dwellers of the underwater world after the Lord Buddha's visit to thier watery realm. It is possible that this is derived from a Hindu festival that pays tribute to the god Vishnu, who meditates at the center of the ocean.

Others believe that the floral krathong is offered to the pagoda containing  the Lord Buddha's topknot, which was cut off at his self-ordination and is now in heaven. Another explanation is that it is a way to pay respect to one's ancestors.

Today, Loy Krathong offers a unique occasion to celebrate and it's a great tme for people to make wishes and look to the future as they float their floral offerings along the waterways.

Story by Enjoy Hua Hin Travel Guide