Pearn Wan translates roughly as 'enjoying yesterday'. The Pearn Wan Centre in Hua Hin is a small collection of streets and stairways built to mimic the old style streets of yester-year.
At first sight, the dramatic front to the building makes it look as though you are entering a modern art gallery.... which is basically what the Pearn Wan is. The old shop fronts and streets have been well constructed, largely from reclaimed wood and other materials, with lots of colour provided by the various offerings and bright attire of the patrons.
The place pulls in the crowds too, mostly Thai's, and of all ages. There are tonnes of food stalls specialising in cakes and dishes that 'granny used to enjoy,' and you often observe the more senior Thai's getting excited and nostalgic at the varied food and desserts on offer.
The Pearn Wan Centre isn't exactly a 'must see', after all, many of these old style markets still exist for real (where we live in SB, markets at Sri Prachan or Samchuk immediately spring to mind) but it is well worth a stop, if only to experience the friendly, fun atmosphere, with lots of smiling Thai's taking lots of pictures of each other, and the opportunity to have a nice sit down lunch in the restaurants inside.
(Noon with Aiden) But if you're in a rush, maybe heading home after a weekend in Hua Hin, the Pearn Wan is still worth a brief stop, if only to pick up an iced coffee for the journey, and some vintage sweet treats for the family.
Looks like a great way to spend a day Ben. I love places like this. There are lots of old style markets still around but all of these places have a unique atmosphere around them and that is always a good thing.
And who doesn't love a good Thai treat.
Aiden is adorable!
Posted by: Talen | January 25, 2010 at 06:04 AM
They do Talen, I was myself a little sceptical, but well worth the effort. Parking is easy also (for a change) and to just walk in and have a stroll about is free.
We all love a good Thai treat now and again don't we!
Haha, thanks much Talen, he is a little farting and puking machine, and we love him dearly for it ;)
Posted by: Ben Shingleton | January 25, 2010 at 06:35 AM
This looks like something I'd enjoy too. Old streets and new babies :-)
Posted by: Catherine | January 25, 2010 at 02:51 PM
:D I reckon you'd like it at Pearn Wan Cat, it's a little different. I'm a big fan of Hua Hin these days.. I reckon nipper enjoyed it also, he was coo-cooed over from the moment we got in the place!
Posted by: Ben Shingleton | January 25, 2010 at 10:18 PM
This looks like an interesting place to visit on my next trip, where exactly is it.
Posted by: Jim Jones | January 27, 2010 at 09:32 PM
Jim - Its on the big main road into / out of Hua Hin, fairly near to the big shopping complexes (Mrket Village?). Just keep an eye out for it on the BKK side.
Posted by: Ben Shingleton | January 28, 2010 at 01:00 AM
Ben I would definitely like this place, the old world and its ways hold a great fascination for me. I plan on having another trip to Hua Hin (great place) sometime in the future and will look this up for sure.
Young Aiden looks pretty chilled out in the photo, too many sweets perhaps.
Posted by: Martyn | January 28, 2010 at 02:53 PM
Hello Martyn aye its well worth a pitstop.
Little Aiden is pretty chilled most of the time, he gets constant attention from dozens of Thai ladies at a time. Never a dull moment.. ;)
Posted by: Ben Shingleton | January 28, 2010 at 11:09 PM