Farewell All Nations Backpackers...

[Rider]

Had some nostalgic feelings today. Was on my travels when I decided to head to one of my old haunts:

All Nations Backpackers Building.

The main bar/guesthouse is still there of course. But the 'Real' All Nations, for me, was always the bargain basement, backpacker digs. Communal facilities, cold-water shower (warm if you took one mid-day), but with enclosed parking for your bikes. It could be quite a squeeze getting in and out in the morning as everyones bikes were in the way!

Going back a few years, it cost about 3,000 for a months stay, electric and water included. This was a deal which I took full advantage of.
I have some great memory's from there, fun times with the friendly staff and cool vibes all-round.
It was teak-construction, comfy beds and all-fan rooms with no air-con!
Character-wise it had a few that passed on through and, compared to the samsonite folk there sure was a difference.
Indeed, compared to the lifeless state of the more modern ones I think none can compare.
The old farang who runs All Nations, for reasons known only to himself, sold off the backpackers building to the Thais who used it for bargain digs once more. This was over 2 years ago.

I went there again today and look what's left of the place!

Approaching the place, things look a bit different...

Then as you get closer the ugly truth, ruins!
The place has been leveled and barely a trace of it remains!

Just the spirit house is all that's left alas.

Such a shame to see this old part of Hua Hin disappear, that was the last place a backpacker could afford for cheap digs.
I don't think there are any sub-300 baht businesses left in HH now...

[Korkenzieher]

All Nations rings a bell. Wasn't that the place that had the fire some weeks back?

[margaretcarnes]

Haven't heard about any fire there but quite apart from the sad demise of 'backpackers' I think the main All Nations G/H has lost the plot. That new enclosed frontage just isn't right IMO. You could walk past the place these days and not recognise it at all.
One of the best things about AN in the past - apart from one time owner Tim of course - was its' completely open frontage, along with the walls full of memorabilia and the flags. What you saw was what you got, which included a welcoming feel.

But of course backpacker priced digs are no longer part of the HH scene and I doubt very much that there IS anything under 300 now. My own old place - Hare & Hounds - had rooms at 150 to 250 which even 10 years ago was cheap, but the powers that be were already starting to acquire plots like that to develop higher end hotels.

What we see now in HH are hotels/guest houses aimed largely at better off travellers. Backpackers are no longer welcome, which is a shame, because places like ChiangMai still provide for a huge range of visitors and don't shun the backpacker at all.

[Nereus]

http://www.huahinafterdark.com/forum/vi ... st#p185892

[hhfarang]

Yes, as the topic above implies, I think it was the backpacker part that burned down. Has anyone heard from Tim (the Canadian owner from 2004/5). I was at his going away party back then when he left Hua Hin to return to Canada and haven't heard a word about him since.

[Rider]

Haven't heard about any fire there but quite apart from the sad demise of 'backpackers' I think the main All Nations G/H has lost the plot. That new enclosed frontage just isn't right IMO. You could walk past the place these days and not recognise it at all.
One of the best things about AN in the past - apart from one time owner Tim of course - was its' completely open frontage, along with the walls full of memorabilia and the flags. What you saw was what you got, which included a welcoming feel.

But of course backpacker priced digs are no longer part of the HH scene and I doubt very much that there IS anything under 300 now. My own old place - Hare & Hounds - had rooms at 150 to 250 which even 10 years ago was cheap, but the powers that be were already starting to acquire plots like that to develop higher end hotels.

What we see now in HH are hotels/guest houses aimed largely at better off travellers. Backpackers are no longer welcome, which is a shame, because places like ChiangMai still provide for a huge range of visitors and don't shun the backpacker at all.

I agree with you on the whole 'we don't want backpackers anymore'
I ride a pretty big bike and even I feel unwelcome when these snotty-nosed samsonite groups are trapsing around acting like they own the place.
They will learn, Hua Hin is waaaay too overbuilt these days...

[hhfarang]

Rider, backpackers are just as the name implies. The can't afford Samsonite. That's damned expensive luggage used by more upscale tourists.

[Lee1975]

Haven't heard about any fire there but quite apart from the sad demise of 'backpackers' I think the main All Nations G/H has lost the plot. That new enclosed frontage just isn't right IMO. You could walk past the place these days and not recognise it at all.
One of the best things about AN in the past - apart from one time owner Tim of course - was its' completely open frontage, along with the walls full of memorabilia and the flags. What you saw was what you got, which included a welcoming feel.

But of course backpacker priced digs are no longer part of the HH scene and I doubt very much that there IS anything under 300 now. My own old place - Hare & Hounds - had rooms at 150 to 250 which even 10 years ago was cheap, but the powers that be were already starting to acquire plots like that to develop higher end hotels.

What we see now in HH are hotels/guest houses aimed largely at better off travellers. Backpackers are no longer welcome, which is a shame, because places like ChiangMai still provide for a huge range of visitors and don't shun the backpacker at all.

Totally agree with you there Margaret, All nations isn't the same closed off. Was a great place when Tim had it, he whole front open and people could just stroll in. Cant see it doing very well TBH.
Regarding the All Nation Backpacker, stayed there 2 nights many moons ago and it was fun staying there on the cheap. Shame its gone but time moves on and the cheap digs for backpackers are no longer.

[margaretcarnes]

Yes, as the topic above implies, I think it was the backpacker part that burned down. Has anyone heard from Tim (the Canadian owner from 2004/5). I was at his going away party back then when he left Hua Hin to return to Canada and haven't heard a word about him since.

I did hear that Tim and Jit had been back to HH not so long ago for a quick visit - can't remember who told me sorry.

But Rider mentions the 'overbuilding' now in HH. I still have mixed feelings about that to be honest. The centre of town does look smarter these days IMO and if it's well heeled tourists they want thats the way to go.
Many of the older - or more traditionally built places are done in brighter colours and look fresh, and the newest of the developments - Satukarn - is in a semi traditional style which hopefully shows an awareness of the need to be more sensitive with new buildings.
Unfortunately there were some abortions thrown up before this 'new awareness' which were no doubt built by people with enough money to influence whatever planning permission exists.

But although I understand in a way that HH has always been primarily a Thai resort, and that will always be the case I think when development is considered, I do regret that backpackers have been ousted in the process.

[margaretcarnes]

Rider, backpackers are just as the name implies. The can't afford Samsonite. That's damned expensive luggage used by more upscale tourists.

The odd thing is HHF that backpackers now are often not the poor travellers they once were. Many come from well off families but just choose to take gap years rather than face up to finding jobs after Uni, and only the better off can afford to do that.
Trailing the Samsonite around doesn't give the 'right' impression!

[crazy88]

HHF wrote

"Rider, backpackers are just as the name implies. The can't afford Samsonite."

Don't underestimate backpackers. Whilst they might want a 100 baht beach shack they will do 5k a night on booze, drugs etc before arguing over 10 baht for a taxi home in many cases. MC makes some good points and I do not think the town itself has much to offer the shoestring, penny pinching soap dodger as it once did. There are however plenty of places around, not far from town, for 3-400 per night and cheap places to eat and drink.

Crazy 88

[margaretcarnes]

HHF wrote

"Rider, backpackers are just as the name implies. The can't afford Samsonite."

Don't underestimate backpackers. Whilst they might want a 100 baht beach shack they will do 5k a night on booze, drugs etc before arguing over 10 baht for a taxi home in many cases. MC makes some good points and I do not think the town itself has much to offer the shoestring, penny pinching soap dodger as it once did. There are however plenty of places around, not far from town, for 3-400 per night and cheap places to eat and drink.

Crazy 88

yup one thing I learned very early was to never ever put out full size bars of soap in the bogs! Even the supplies of loo rolls had to be rationed. One arsehole Irish lass once marched into the Ship straight to the loo - and straight out again - leaving a full loo roll jammed down the toilet?????
When Jeaow was at Little Big Horn she had the right idea. Any non-customer seen approaching the loo was stopped and she demanded 20 baht from them for the privelege. It was either pay up or they wet their pants.

[Korkenzieher]

I think 'backpacker' is being used pretty perjoritively here. To my mind, back packers are a pretty diverse bunch anyway, and in the main simply aren't looking for a resort or golfing holiday, but to get off the beaten track a little. While it is true that the 'Road Less Travelled' is pretty well pounded these days (zimmer frames in Pattaya last time I was there FFS!), the 'soap dodger' image certainly doesn't match the image of all but a few of the folk I saw when I did Asia with a backpack 17 years ago (on a budget a substantial portion of Croesus' petty cash box!).

[MrPlum]

There are several free accommodation type web sites such as 'couchsurfing' where you don't have to pay for accommodation at all. I use them when I travel and hosted many travellers myself. They are definitely a mixed bag. I've had only one disappointment which was one lady ruin our expensive cotton sheets and leaving without telling me. She may not have realized but not particularly pleasant for my wife. I now understand some of the challenges hostel owners have.

The only other beef is, that no matter how much you put yourself out to host them, you still have to press them to cover your costs. After chauffering one French lady around for 2 days, I suggested she make a donation towards petrol use. She gave me 10 thb.

When I backpacked in Asia, including Bangkok's KSR, I tended to avoid the cheapest backpacker accommodation. Grotty uncomfortable mattresses, bug-infested bedding. Too many times you would find cameras and purses going missing, especially in hostel-type digs. I felt sorry for some of the more naive travellers who weren't street-wise and had their trips ruined. In Eastern Europe hosts were honest and welcoming but the accommodation was definitely eastern bloc. Crumbling apartments that looked like war zones. Western Europe was a much higher standard.

On the plus side, the majority are diverse, interesting people and you have the advantage of free accommodation and local knowledge whenever you use the system. I've made quite a few lasting friendships. More money in your pocket for other purposes too.

[Rider]

I hear you on that one Mr P.

Backpackers tend to have a better attitude than the current trend of the so-called 'quality tourists' I see in HH these days.
They bring a touch more money (not that much for the working class Thais mind) but fck all character.