Discovering a Forgotten Gem: The White Waters Plantation in Thap Sakae, Thailand.

White Waters Plantation - a forgotten place that we visited a second time in January, 2025.

Tucked away along the serene coast of Thap Sakae, Thailand, lies a place seemingly forgotten by time—the beautiful White Waters Plantation. It remains a mystery if this place still even has it’s name and there is no information to be find when researching this abandoned place. What was once a flourishing retreat designed by a renowned Thai architect now stands abandoned, its rustic beauty preserved in weathered bamboo walls, creaking wooden floors, and the quiet stories etched into every corner.

Wooden cabins still standing at the beach in a most beautiful spot towards the blue ocean.

A Chance Encounter

We first stumbled upon White Waters Plantation a few years ago, already abandoned but filled with a quiet, haunting beauty. It was as though time had paused here, leaving behind an air of mystery and serenity that stayed with us long after we left. Drawn by the memory of its charm, we decided to revisit, curious to see if the place still existed.

The plantation still stood, its rustic cabins weathered but resilient. The silence was profound, broken only by the rustle of leaves and the sound of waves. Revisiting this place felt like reconnecting with an old friend—familiar yet changed, its beauty still as intriguing as we remembered.

Beautiful metal rings decorate the wooden doors once opened by guests…

A Place of Stories

Walking through the plantation, we were drawn to small details that hinted at its vibrant past. A hand-carved wooden statue of a man sat quietly on one porch, weathered yet full of character, as though keeping watch over the now-silent resort. We do not remember this statue from the first time we visited. Is it resembling the designer who built the place?

A mysterious statue that wasn’t there at our first visit. A guardian of this forgotten paradise?

A Note of Memories

Nearby, a framed note inside an old cabinet caught our eye. It was a heartfelt message from a guest who spoke of deep connections, inspiration, and gratitude—a glimpse into the life this place once hosted.

A beautiful letter inside the cabinet, like a kept memory of a happy place.

The Rustic Beauty of Simplicity

Every detail spoke of craftsmanship and design that respected the natural beauty surrounding it. The bamboo walls, aged and imperfect, stood tall against the test of time. Small bells hung from the roofs, their delicate designs whispering of traditions long past. The palm trees cast shadows over wooden decks, adding to the serene setting.

A bell hanging on one of the bamboo huts.

Lingering Mysteries

Despite its undeniable beauty, the story of White Waters Plantation remains a mystery. We know it was once a retreat owned by a Thai architect, but little else is known. Why was it abandoned? Who were the people that walked these paths and stayed in these cabins? Where is this architect now?

Old planks surround the buildings and we had to be careful where we put our feet since they easily break.

Our First Visit - November 2019

In below gallery we share pictures from our first visit to these hidden gem. Then we explored more of the surrounding buildings, which was a huge white wooden house with a walkway leading to the beach and a smaller traditional thai wooden building with beautiful design features.

Reflections on a Hidden Treasure

As we were standing there, it was impossible not to feel a deep sense of connection to the place. There was something about the stillness and contrasts with the ocean waves and the way nature had begun reclaiming the land. It wasn’t just the beauty of the architecture or the serene landscape—it was the feeling of stepping into a story half-told, one that invited us to imagine the rest.

The location right on the beach with the backdrop of swaying palms and we were again lost for words.

A Call to Preservation

Places like White Waters Plantation remind us of the delicate balance between nature, architecture, and the stories we leave behind. While its past may remain hidden to us, its present is a treasure for those who stumble upon it. As we left, we couldn’t help but hope that this place will continue to inspire and ignite curiosity in those who find it. We wish someone would find it and build it up again.

The buildings with natural materials and thatched roof.

An Unexpected Goodbye

Just as we were preparing to leave the serene White Waters Plantation, nature had one last surprise in store for us—a vibrant green snake! It had taken refuge beneath one of the wooden planks, its sleek body blending perfectly with the rustic surroundings. For a moment, we stood frozen, caught between awe and a tinge of fear.

This encounter was a stark reminder of how the natural world had begun reclaiming this abandoned retreat. It added a sense of raw, untamed beauty to the place, reinforcing the feeling that this was no ordinary destination—it was a sanctuary where nature and history quietly coexisted.

A surprising and somewhat scary encounter that still filled us with fascination. Perhaps the snake was curious too? It seemed unbothered by us.

The Reason We Travel is This.

We quietly left the snake alone as we walked away from the resort, happy to have been able to experience it once again. This is why we travel - to find these hidden gems, sometimes in unexpected places that few know about.

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/Seen by Veen