Dolphin Bay
The Juniper Tree Dolphin Bay opened in November 2009. It is in a beautiful, quiet location beside the beach at Dolphin Bay, approximately 40 minutes drive south of Hua Hin and 3½ hours south of Bangkok.
Dolphin Bay is 3½ hours drive south of Bangkok
Accommodation
We can currently accommodate up to 50 people, but plan to add more accommodation in the future. Accommodation is spread between 2 cottages and the 2 purpose-built main buildings. Each room has air-conditioning, ensuite shower and toilet and wireless internet access. Bed linen and towels are provided.
Please note:
*We aim to keep our running costs as low as possible and consequently our rooms are comfortable but not luxurious.
*Due to our need to accommodate as many people as possible, we cannot guarantee a particular room or house.
Meals
We have a large dining room serving meals 3 times per day. Many guests enjoy the opportunity for fellowship that meal times provide. Although we run on a full-board basis, it is possible to sign out for some meals to enable you to take trips further away, or sample the local restuarants.
Facilities
* Swimming pool with children's splash pool and jacuzzi
* Children's DVD and playroom
* Library
* Satellite TV and Dvds (in communal area)
* Internet facilities
* Ping pong and fitness machine
* Drinks and ice creams for sale
What can I do in the area?
Activities
The beach is a few metres from The Juniper Tree entrance. Although there are a few resorts along the bay, it is largely undevloped and a good place to relax, watch the fishing boats, walk and swim.
There is a golf course within walking distance of The Juniper Tree.
It is possible to take boat trips to a nearby island where you may see monkeys, monitor lizards and other wildlife. You may even get to see a dolphin! Alternatively you can take a trip by land or sea to Sam Roi Yod National Park and visit the dramatic caves there.
Shopping & Entertainment
Hua Hin (approximately 40 minutes drive away) is a bustling tourist town and offers markets (night and day), beaches, restaurants and a large shopping mall complex with cinemas. For more information about the area, see the official Thai Tourist Authority website: www.tourismthailand.org
What about the weather?
The temperatures in Dolphin Bay are likely to be in the 25°C-35°C range most of the year, with November to January being the cooler season and March to May the hottest. However, being beside the beach means that there is often a cooling breeze. The rainy season is from June to October. he normal pattern for rainfall is occasional hevay showers rather than persistent rain lasting for days.
Do You Take Groups?
Our primary purpose is to offer a place of rest/relaxation/retreat for indiviudals and families. However, during quieter seasons we can accommodate groups. We have a large meeting room on the second floor with lift/elevator access.
What Do You Charge?
As a foundation, we do not charge board at commercial rates. However, we do rely on donations from guests to cover the costs of running expenses. For details of our minimum recommended donations, please e-mail us at juniperdolphin@gmail.com Please note that at present we are only able to accept cash donations in Thai Baht.
Applying for a Visa
Tourists (from many countries- see http://www.immigration.go.th for more information) receive a 15 day visa when arriving by land, or 30 days when arriving by air. If you are planning to be in the country longer, it is worth contacting your local Thai Consulate to obtain a longer visa before you arrive.
How Do I Get There?
By Taxi
We can arrange for a taxi to meet you in Bangkok and drive you straight to Dolphin Bay, the journey lasts between 3 and 4 hours. The price varies according to the size of the vehicle needed. A minibus for up to 8 people and luggage is 2,500 Baht and a car for 4 people and luggage is 1,800 Baht. Please book this about a week in advance.
By Bus
Blue and white air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok from the Southern Bus Station approximately every hour during the daytime and terminate in Pranburi which is the closest town to Dolphin Bay. The final part of the journey needs to be done by taxi.
By Train
There are several daily trains from Bangkok to Hua Hin. The journey take approximately 4 hours. For details of times etc. see www.railway.co.th or www.thaifocus.com
Driving to The Juniper Tree
Going south from Bangkok, you will drive through Petchaburi and then head towards Cha Am. As you near Cha Am, take the by-pass signposted to Pranburi. At the end of the by-pass, continue towards Pranburi. Turn left at the large Tesco Lotus store. Drive straight on until you cross a river and then turn right at the next T-junction. After approximately 80m turn left. Follow the signs for Dolphin Bay Resort and continue on for 18kms. Turn left at The Juniper Tree sign for Sam Roi Yod beach and continue to the beach. Follow the road around to the left. The Juniper Tree is approximately 100m on the left.
Please join us in prayer
The Juniper Tree Dolphin Bay is now open and receiving guests. Praise the Lord! We pray that it truly will be used by him to bless his people serving him in Asia.
Please join us in praying for the remaining funds which are now needed. Over the next 5 years we need to pay back interest free loans. The amount we need to pay back is about $39,000 or 1,210,000 Baht per year. On top of this there is also a need for expansion. For more information please click here.
Gifts from the UK or Europe
Mr. David Sinclair (Treasurer)
The Juniper Tree Charitable Foundation
34 Arnewood Road
Southbourne
Bournemouth
BH6 5DH
UK
(davidandhelensinclair@ntlworld.com)
(UK tax payers can Gift Aid which increases the value of a gift by 28%.
Tax rebate forms available on request).
Gifts from the USA- mark for ‘Juniper Tree’
Ms. Gail Seward (Treasurer)
Thai Christian Foundation
6116 North Central Expressway
Suite 518, L.B.45
Dallas
Texas 75206
USA
(ggseward@msn.com)
(This charity is able to facilitate tax deductible gifts).