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Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

August 15, 2016 by David Herd

Upton Street Bundall

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse, it has it all. This was where I lived for 21 years until October 2011. The north end of Upton Street was residential with some luxurious waterfront homes including mine, while the southern end is full of shops, offices & factories.

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

90% of anything and everything I needed to purchase over the years I could find in Upton St.

The Corporate Centre

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

Around the corner in Bundall Road is the iconic Corporate Centre.

Bundall Road near Crombie Avenue

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

A couple of the Bundall Road prestige office buildings.

McLauchlan & Partners

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

A financial planning company at 80-82 Upton St, Bundall, I knew Alex many years ago in the late 8os when his office was in Southport. I remember him as a keen golfer who enjoyed a beer.

The Good Guys

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

Another huge Queensland discount electrical store.

Adult toy shop

Bundall Homes Shops Brothels Racecourse

Here is where you can buy all those adult toys & accessories to put some buzz back into your sex life.

Right across the road

Bundall Homes Shops Brothels Racecourse

For those lonely guys here is Silks one of the local brothels, as I said earlier Upton Street Bundall has everything you could possibly need. 🙂

For all you need to know about the local hookers just follow THIS LINK.

Here’s a map

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

So you guys won’t get lost. 🙂

OK, back to reality

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

This is one of about 3 major lighting stores on Upton Street Bundall.

The race track

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

Upton St also butts onto the Southport race track which used to be the only track in Australia to host a meeting every Saturday.

I’m there for nearly every Melbourne cup or Magic Millions event.

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

 Watching the the ladies slowly deteriorate as the day draws to a close. 🙂

See what I mean.

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

 Some of them really jump into the booze. 🙂

Surfers Paradise view from the racetrack.

Surfers Paradise skyline

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse Masters Hardware

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

This huge store is quite amazing, sadly however they are currently in the hands of receivers.

Here is an important tip for you

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

Dr Paul Ferguson is an excellent skin cancer doctor who has been treating me for many years. He is very busy so you need to book a fair way ahead.

The adjacent suburb is Isle of Capri, to find out more just follow THIS LINK.

106 Upton Street

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

This was my home for 21 fabulous years, I designed and had it built in 1990, added a 2nd story in 2004, which turned out to be a mistake as it made it much harder to sell. However sell it did in October 2011 and one week later I moved to Thailand.

This is an awful looking house 

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

Being built 4 doors from my old home in July 2018.

The lake near where I used to live.

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

My house was just out of the photo to the right.

For a great hotel room rate (with free cancellation) just book through THIS LINK.

                            Here are some more posts to check out 

         

 Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets EuropeHungarian Parliament Building (2)The Walkie Talkie (5)   

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

                     43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837IMG_7425Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                    

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South VietnamMain Square (3)Vung Tau statue (6)

Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Holiday Inn

bbc35e6d-80db-4e1c-8f51-83dd84f16520

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Check out these great photo blogs.

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

Isle of Capri Gold Coast Australia

August 14, 2016 by David Herd

Ciao on Capri

Capri Gold Coast Australia

Isle of Capri Gold Coast Australia at the Ciao shopping mall which has a great selection of cafes & restaurants. Some of the restaurants have a view of Surfers Paradise skyline including the iconic Q1 building which has 80 levels with an observation deck on the top floor.

Bakery & deli

Capri Gold Coast Australia

Only recently opened and a welcome addition to the centre, prices a little high however I’m guessing their rent is as well.

Luca at Cicchetti Pizza & Pasta Bar

Capri Gold Coast Australia

A wonderful fit-out at this trendy bar restaurant, specializing in Pasta & pizza as well as a few traditional Italian dishes.

Cicchetti

Capri Gold Coast Australia

High ceilings and chandeliers.

The Fish Emporium

Capri Gold Coast Australia

Perfect for a long lazy lunch beside the Isle of Capri waterfront.

View from Fish Emporium.

Isle of Capri Gold Coast

If you are going to enjoy a fish meal you need to be beside the water. 🙂

Ross Kennedy & I enjoying an Asahi beer.

Capri Gold Coast Australia

A couple of cold beers before a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

Delicious seafood      Capri Gold Coast Australia              

We shared 4 dishes, had 2 beers and a bottle of wine and the bill came to $204 plus tip.

Lunch was excellent

Capri Gold Coast Australia

As was the service and the food.

The Supermarket

Capri Gold Coast Australia

Naturally there is a very good supermarket as well.

The carnivores have not been forgotten. 🙂

Capri Gold Coast Australia

I did notice they had crumbed cutlets here, one of my favorite meals.

Oysters to die for.

Capri Gold Coast Australia

I never get tired of eating oysters, in Pattaya where I live most of the ones I eat come from France.

From the western entrance

Capri Gold Coast Australia

Such a modern interesting shopping center, + a great people watching location. 🙂

Manolas Bros

Capri Gold Coast Australia

 Con and Steve Manolas have been sharing their passion of food and their love of connecting with Gold Coasters for more than 20 years.

Manolas at Capri Gold Coast Australia

Capri Gold Coast Australia

One of the best delicatessens on the Gold Coast, there is another branch at Broadbeach. They also serve a very good breakfast.

This was before our long lunch at the Fish Emporium

Lunch at Isle of Capri (6)

Cold beers at Edgewater to begin our marathon lunch at Capri Gold Coast Australia.

Espresso Martini

Capri Gold Coast Australia

The first time I have tried an Espresso Martini but it is not actually a martini, it’s made with coffee liqueur and vodka. We had two each at Edgewater. 🙂

Very smooth indeed

Capri Gold Coast Australia

These babies really knock your socks off.

Coffee shops everywhere

Capri Gold Coast Australia

So many coffee shops and such little time, they are everywhere in this center.

Q1 skyscraper

Lunch at Isle of Capri (9)

For a discounted rate at the Q1 hotel just book through THIS LINK.

                               

  Here are some more posts to check out 

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 497d0b6e-c0bd-4ba2-86be-c02100f050a8        65470622-d17a-4b90-bf97-2574df4c412d        1a2160c1-41f7-465a-954c-631e083eb229
          Tokyo                        Rio De Janeiro                        Budapest
f59e958e-8eaf-48b4-8e96-c291a0c13d1a        f044491e-69aa-4082-b49b-1ff33557d7d4        a6a948cd-f30a-49ea-a905-82be4d202cc9
           London                            Beijing                            Capetown
2246c6cf-5fa6-4fbe-ac30-b569253ad2a6        f65d714b-f44c-4b2e-9505-3511ebecbb80        4e82052a-24d0-41e1-ab84-10e8f27634d1
 
            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
 book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                       Plus free cancellation .
 
                                               Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
                                            d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037            01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f
A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.               

 
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Loving Pattaya life 2016 (B)

August 3, 2016 by David Herd

This is not a travel blog just my personal photo collection from the 2nd half of 2016.

Another birthday rolls around July 7.

Loving Pattaya life 2016

Loving Pattaya life 2016

 Loving Pattaya life 2016 has seen me spend all year here, the quietest travel year I have had this century. I over spent in the last 2 or 3 years so I thought I should pull my horns in. 🙂

I spent 5 days in Koh Samui in June, 2 weeks in Australia in August and a great trip to Japan in October.

Some of the usual suspects

Loving Pattaya life 2016

Greg, Hamish & John helped me celebrate at the Mantra.

A year living in Pattaya seems like about 6 months, time just seems to fly.

Great beach shot August 4th at 7am

Loving Pattaya life 2016

 

All the boats are waiting for the hordes of Chinese tourists.

And here they come in their thousands

Loving Pattaya life 2016

The buses roll into Beach Road of a morning and the tourists flock to the boats.

Tony & Nikki Murphy at Signature Steak & Seafood.

Loving Pattaya life 2016

The Murphy’s spent a week in Pattaya then 3 nights in Mae Pim before flying back to Australia.

Visitors from San Diego

Loving Pattaya life 2016

It was great to catch up with Paul, Eileen, Parker & Elle in Pattaya as part of their 9 week Asian holiday with included Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Koh Samui, Koh Samet & Danang. 

Seagulls in Pattaya?

Loving Pattaya life 2016

 

Here is a sculpture on Beach Rd showing a flock of seagulls, yet to this day I have never seen a seagull in Pattaya. 🙂

Here comes the rain

Loving Pattaya life 2016

I love seeing the black clouds roll in over Pattaya.

The “odd couple” Larry Krausz & Steven Reade

Loving Pattaya life 2016

Steve is a great mate of Larry’s from the Gold Coast. Terrific news for movie goers which vastly overshadows the recent Brangelina bullshit, the “odd couple” Larry Krausz & Steven Reade have been signed by BangBros, the largest porn studio in the world, to star in a remake of the 1988 movie Twins, which stared Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito. See if you can pick who will play DeVito. 🙂

The more thigs change the more they stay the same

Loving Pattaya life 2016

After many years the Cherry bar on Soi 3 & 2nd Rd has been sold and is now Billabong 2.

When can we have some fun?

Loving Pattaya life 2016

Every night you go out in Pattaya the fun starts.

For a discounted hotel rate with free WiFi in Pattaya or anywhere in the world, just book through THIS LINK

Starbucks

Loving Pattaya life 2016

Opened in September at the “Bay” which is between Soi 5 & 6 on Beach Rd.

Good coffee & happy staff

Loving Pattaya life 2016

They are the first to open at the Bay, next will be McDonalds.

Stunning November sunset

Loving Pattaya life 2016

 

So many great sunsets from my balcony.  

My new home

Loving Pattaya life 2016

 On November 1st after 4.5 years I moved from the 17th floor in Markland to the 20th, does that mean I coming up in the world?

The usual suspects

Loving Pattaya life 2016

Jim’s Burgers is a great place for a casual dinner with friends, I’m with Hamish, Jonathon & Matt.

Delicious

Loving Pattaya life 2016

Lots of varieties & you can order small or large.

One of my massage girls

Loving Pattaya life 2016

Used to be a waitress in Chamiko in Soi 3, now she works at a massage parlour in Soi 3 & sometimes gives me a reasonable foot massage.

Spectacular clouds over Koh Larn

Loving Pattaya life 2016

These days I seem to be obsessed with taking photos of clouds & sunsets. 🙂

October in Japan

Loving Pattaya life 2016

 I m with my friend Kayo in a Spanish restaurant in Tokyo. I purchased a two week ticket on the Shinkansen or bullet train, then after 3 nights in Tokyo I travelled to 6 interesting Japanese cities, includung Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Nagasaki & Fukuoka

I arrived back in Pattaya on Ocober 28th & the following day my good friend Larry Krausz was rushed to Bangkok Pattaya hospital after suffering a major stroke, now 5 weeks later on December 5th he is still in a serious condition in the intensive care ward.

Ross & Bryce arrive from Australia

Loving Pattaya life 2016

The boys came over for a few days to visit Larry. 

Centara Grand

Loving Pattaya life 2016

 

After a couple of cold beers at Centara Grand and a Pattaya cop working security wanted to throw us out. I lay the blame 100% on Pothole aka John David Martin who was dressed like a local bum & showing off his silly tattoos. 🙂

Pothole & sons + Kayo.

Loving Pattaya life 2016

Tate is Pothole’s eldest son, he arrived in Thailand from Australia to celebrate Xmas & to meet his 2 half brothers Tyrone & Tiger. Notice for some strange reason known only to Pothole, all his children including daughter Tamara have to have a first name starting with the letter T. Just another one of his many offbeat strange quirks. 🙂 The lovely Japanese girl in the photo is my friend Kayo from Tokyo.

Shopping for a dress in Soi 6

Loving Pattaya life 2016

Even though Soi 6 is one of the wildest streets in Pattaya there is still time for some quiet shopping. 🙂 

Soi Diana redhead.

Loving Pattaya life 2016

 

A very sweet girl from Area 51, no wonder I’m Loving Pattaya life 2016′

On the subject of Soi 6

Loving Pattaya life 2016

Here is Geoff from Australia, a fanatical Soi 6 supporter. We are at Leckerle in Soi 33 Naklua with his ex fiance Nana for a terrific meal & lots of wine.

Xmas Day with Geoff & Nana

Loving Pattaya life 2016

We started with a bottle of French Champagne on my balcony.

Lunch at Surf & Turf  & Loving Pattaya life 2016

Loving Pattaya life 2016

A great location on the beach at Wongamat. Kayo flew from Tokyo to spend 10 days in Thailand before heading to Australia.

Two nights in Bangkok

Loving Pattaya life 2016

 

December 29th took Pothole & Yogurt to Cheap Charles before checking out Brewski a new sky bar at the Radisson Blu.

New Years Eve in Pattaya

Loving Pattaya life 2016

Steve “Jumbo” Reade having a ball at the Atlantic Bar & Loving Pattaya life 2016.

 Atlantic girls

Loving Pattaya life 2016

They all looked terrific, dressed to kill. 🙂

Meet the gorgeous Katie.

Loving Pattaya life 2016

 A very happy lady from Billabong 2.

Here’s Pothole dressed in his Jaffa outfit.

Loving Pattaya life 2016

 Anything to attract attention. 🙂

Farewell to an old friend

Loving Pattaya life 2016

Larry Krausz, a friend for around 30 years suffered a major stroke on October 28. After 2 months in the Bangkok Pattaya hospital on life support he was transported to Australia by a hospital Leer jet, thanks to his Medibank travel insurance. After a month his life support was removed & he passed away peacefully.

It’s now 2017 and here is Glenn Frey to tell you exactly how I feel today.

For a discounted hotel rate with free WiFi in Pattaya or anywhere in the world, just book through THIS LINK

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

 Soi Cowboy (5)           e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e            8993ef02-ccf3-46a7-8b6d-fc11af9d93ad
 
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Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
f044491e-69aa-4082-b49b-1ff33557d7d4          60e7d26d-1039-4dde-863d-62b66656ccbf          1bea4a99-cb07-4161-83ba-75c0ef2b63cc
    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          f5e9441a-4154-44e0-a362-18b662d40b48          2a2b79ea-bc5f-46e3-8448-2e71658eff14 
               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                       Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 7 photos

Mae Pim nice Hotel

July 30, 2016 by David Herd

Great location & a beautiful pool

Mae Pim nice Hotel Thailand

Mae Pim nice Hotel

 Mae Pim Excellent Hotel is across the road from the beach on the gulf of Thailand, two hours from Bangkok airport. Only 90 minutes east of Pattaya, B1200 by taxi and B1800 in a mini bus. For an excellent room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Mae Pim nice Hotel

Mae Pim nice Hotel Thailand

Adjacent to the pool you will find a fully equipped gym and a Thai massage service. The gym is free and it’s B300 for an hour for a Thai massage or foot massage.

 My Australian friends

Mae Pim Excellent Hotel

Nikki & Tony Murphy with my brother Warren in the middle.

Even nice in the rain

Mae Pim nice Hotel

If it rains just head for the gym. 🙂

Another Aussie friend, Chris Lockwood aka Dr Evil.

Mae Pim nice Hotel

Chris and my brother Warren travel often together, follow THIS LINK for his south American adventure.

Room 201 in the main building

Mae Pim nice Hotel

This room was a little bigger than many of the others.

Good aircon & internet

Mae Pim nice Hotel

On the same level as the swimming pool.

The view from my balcony

Mae Pim nice Hotel

Naturally 301 on the next floor would have an even better view. 🙂

The hotel from the beach

Mae Pim nice Hotel Thailand

You can clearly see the great location of Mae Pim Excellent Hotel Thailand.

Main St Mae Pim near Rayong

There are many good restaurants close by overlooking the beach

Mae Pim nice Hotel

 This vermicelli & prawn dish was at Xing Xing restaurant. For more information on food in Mae Pim just follow THIS LINK.

Tequila Sunrise

 

Only 150 meters down the road is our favourite bar restaurant Tequila Sunrise. There is an international team there, a Swiss owner, Peter the German chef, Gary an Australian manager & some very nice Thai staff who run this popular establishment. On our recent trip we had lunch there 3 times, dinner once and cocktails every evening.

Location

Mae Pim nice Hotel

As I said earlier Mae Pim is two hours from Bangkok airport & only 90 minutes east of Pattaya. Thanks for visiting my Mae Pim nice Hotel photo blog. Use this link for a discounted rate at THE MAE PIM RESORT.

                      Please check out these fabulous posts 
   

 

 

 

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Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
f044491e-69aa-4082-b49b-1ff33557d7d4          60e7d26d-1039-4dde-863d-62b66656ccbf          1bea4a99-cb07-4161-83ba-75c0ef2b63cc
    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          f5e9441a-4154-44e0-a362-18b662d40b48          2a2b79ea-bc5f-46e3-8448-2e71658eff14 
               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                    Free Cancellation. 
               Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
               d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)

Everything you wanted to know about Bangkok but were afraid to ask. 🙂

 

  • The fabulous Commons
  • Patpong red light district

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Mae Pim beach boats

July 29, 2016 by David Herd

Mae Pim fishing boat

Mae Pim beach boats sunsets

Mae Pim beach boats

 Mae Pim beach boats sunsets a beautiful onshore wind & peace and quiet. Only 90 minutes from Pattaya and 2 hours from Bangkok airport. The peace & quiet only applies between February and October, the 3 months over Xmas is a different story when the crowds converge on this delightful beach side resort.

Fishing traps

Mae Pim beach boats sunsets

Here are the traps being loaded onto the boat.

Setting off for a nights fishing

Mae Pim beach boats

The traps are on board and there is a long night ahead, Mae Pim beach boats sunsets it’s all here.:)

 Roadside stalls

Mae Pim beach boats sunsets

The fresh produce is sold at roadside stalls beside the beach.

Beautiful Mae Pim beach boats sunsets

Mae Pim beach boats sunsets

Plenty of deck chairs through the high season however they don’t seem to waste their time offering them in the low season.

Looking west the beach goes on forever

Mae Pim beach boats

This is the perfect place for long beach walks with the onshore wind blowing in your face.

Mae Pim beach resort Thailand

Sunset at Mae Pim

Mae Pim beach boats

A beautiful time of the day to enjoy a stroll along the beach.

The sun setting in the west

Mae Pim beach boats

  Mae Pim is on the gulf of Thailand only ninety minutes by car east of Pattaya, and 2 hours south of Bangkok. Beautiful white sand and clean water, it’s so quiet and peaceful after the noise & Madness of Pattaya.

However it’s not all a wilderness

Mae Pim beach boats

There are many restaurants offering live seafood, the photo above is my brother Warren & I at Tequila Sunrise.

Tequila Sunrise at dusk

Mae Pim beach boats

 Tequila Sunrise is our favourite Mae Pim bar restaurant. Lots of good food in Mae Pim, just follow THIS LINK.

Just after sunset at Mae Pim

Mae Pim beach boats

All the seafood stalls are closed due to the low season and lack of customers.

 Main road Mae Pim

Mae Pim beach boats

So quiet in the low season between February and October.

Mae Pim Resort Hotel

Mae Pim beach boats

Here is where we like to stay in Mae Pim, for an excellent room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Location

Mae Pim beach boats

Thanks for visiting my Mae Pim beach boats sunsets photo blog.

                   

 

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

 Soi Cowboy (5)           e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e            8993ef02-ccf3-46a7-8b6d-fc11af9d93ad

 
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    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
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Breil Sur Roya devastated

383

L’Auberge French Restaurant Pattaya

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Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park

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Soapy Massage Pattaya Bangkok

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New Zealand Holiday 1991

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Amazing Bangkok buses

July 14, 2016 by David Herd

Amazing Bangkok buses

Amazing Bangkok busses

 Amazing Bangkok buses transporting tourists all over Thailand, many are decorated in bizarre colours often featuring Japanese cartoon & Disney characters. Eagles, serpents you name it they have got it. I have never seen anything like it anywhere in the world, take a bow Thailand for giving us so many great photo opportunities.

Bright & exciting colours

Amazing Bangkok busses

I have no idea how they produce these amazing creations, I’m guessing it’s all created on computer then automatically painted on the production line, then again how would I know? 🙂

There was a comment on Facebook that explained to process, it is a vinyl wrap, using the same machines that produce outdoor posters, then they just wrap them round the bus.

For a discounted hotel rate in Bangkok just book through THIS LINK

I see Johnny Walker at the front

Amazing Bangkok busses

I’m also guessing they didn’t get permission to use the Johnny Walker logo. 🙂

Back view

Amazing Bangkok buses

Six exhausts and speakers for sound.

This beast is one of my favourites

Amazing Bangkok buses

It was parked a few meters from where I live in Soi 1 Pattaya so I was able to have a close look.

Eight lethal exhaust pipes

Amazing Bangkok buses    Amazing Bangkok busses

Imagine if a motorbike crashed into the back of this bus, the exhaust pipes were on a 45 degree angle with sharp edges pointing upwards. Perfectly positioned to impale a human being. You gotta love Thailand.

 Beach Road Pattaya

Amazing Bangkok buses

Every morning hundreds of buses converge on Beach Road Pattaya bringing thousands Chinese tourists who board the boats to go para-sailing and visit Koh Larn island.

For a discounted hotel rate in Bangkok just book through THIS LINK.

This yellow one will get noticed.

Amazing Bangkok buses

There are so many amazing styles, this one looks like a huge yellow monster. 🙂

The Eagle has landed.

Amazing Bangkok buses

And the beat goes on, it must be a prestige thing the way some of these guys push it to the limit.

 You light up my life

Amazing Bangkok buses

Or so the song goes, I really want to ask a question, do you think this guy is trying just a little too hard?

Amazing Bangkok busses

36000 buses idle

Amazing Bangkok buses

Tour bus operators are in dire need of measures to cushion the impact of the coronavirus crisis, as an idle fleet of 36,000 buses countrywide has already missed out on 7 billion baht in income during the sluggish tourism period.

President of the Thai Transportation Operators Association, said that while tourism was at its peak, each bus could generate 50,000 baht a day from tour services.

The current lack of income has led operators to carry a cost burden of roughly 2 million baht from each bus leased, and they don’t have enough cash for installment payments.

Many thanks for visiting my Amazing Bangkok buses photo blog.

    Great hotel rates here, just book on THIS LINK.

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Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate. 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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Koh Samui sports bars

June 26, 2016 by David Herd

Henry’s Africa

Koh Samui sports bars

Koh Samui sports bars

Koh Samui sports bars have increased quite a bit since I was there in 2007. Most of the beer bars etc have numerous screens showing sport from all over the world. The header for this post show my friend John Martin aka Pothole & I on our first night in Chaweng at Henry’s Africa which seems to be the best bar in town.

Koh Samui sports bars

Koh Samui sports bars

 Henry’s Africa is a huge bar with lot’s of girls, some pool tables and TV screens. As you can see Pothole is enjoying himself. 🙂

Henry’s Africa

Koh Samui sports bars

Early in the evening they offer Chang beer at B79.

Best racks in town

Koh Samui sports bars

Or so they claim.

Opposite Henry’s

Koh Samui sports bars

There are a couple of small bars struggling to attract customers because of the low number of tourists in June 2016.

Green Mango

Koh Samui sports bars

This iconic bar nightclub is a little further along the street, it is arguably Chaweng’s most popular nightspot. It boasts of one of the largest dance floors on the  island, Green Mango is large, loud, & very busy from around 11 pm.

Green Mango

Koh Samui sports bars

A great effect with the green and orange decorations.

Happy Bar

Koh Samui sports bars

A little further around the corner from the Green Mango there are quite a few smaller bars.

Pothole finds another friend.

Koh Samui sports bars

Of course I’ll buy you a drink my dear. 🙂

Interesting bar

Koh Samui sports bars

It was a little early and there were no customers, most of the young tourists in Samui don’t go out until around 11 pm. Geriatrics like us are living in a different time zone. 🙂

Hard Rock Cafe

Koh Samui sports bars

Keep walking back to the main street and you will find the Hard Rock.

 Bondi Aussie Bar & Grill

Koh Samui sports bars

Another sports bar where the Aussies gather for obvious reasons. I was rather put off by the B210 price for a Jack Daniels. So I went to the bar next door to watch the State of Origin played on June 22nd, which QLD won.

The bar next door.

Koh Samui sports bars

A glass or red here was only B80.

The Islander

Koh Samui sports bars

200 meters down the road from the Aussie bar is the Islander where I watched the AFL, next door is Legends, another well known sports bar.

Tropical Murphy’s Irish Pub

Koh Samui sports bars

Quite a way up the road past Central Festival is Tropical Murphy’s another popular sports bar.

Tropical Murphy’s

Koh Samui sports bars

A fairly normal layout, however a funny thing happened as I took this photo, initially the Thai barman was standing towards the front of the bar, but as soon as I raised my camera he ran like a rabbit to get out of the shot. I’m guessing he is hiding from somebody. 🙂

 VW sidewalk bar

Koh Samui sports bars

There are lots of these great mobile bars where I live in Pattaya.

Bye from the Koh Samui sports bars

Koh Samui sports bars

Thanks for visiting my Koh Samui sports bars photo blog, check out the local restaurants and my road trip around the island.

Check out the webcam.

           Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.       

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Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets Europe     Hungarian Parliament Building (2)       The Walkie Talkie (5)    

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Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam       Main Square (3)     Vung Tau statue (6)

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Lots of good restaurants in Koh Samui

June 25, 2016 by David Herd

 

Koh Samui Island restaurants Thailand.

Koh Samui Island restaurants Thailand

Koh Samui Island restaurants Thailand have improved out of sight since I was last there in 2007. There are so many great choices now, here are a few I have no hesitation in recommending. We hit the jackpot on our first evening when we dined at Il Duomo which is rated 3 out of 154 by TripAdvisor.

Pothole & I at Duomo

Koh Samui Island restaurants Thailand

The food prices were very reasonable, a bottle of red from Sanama Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile B1100. My Aussie friends can buy it at Petersham Liquor Mart for $10.

Sanama

Koh Samui Island restaurants Thailand

Very smooth, a bit like myself. 🙂

Tell them my dear.

The owner comes from Milano.

Koh Samui Island restaurants Thailand

A very interesting guy who enjoyed having a chat. There was one very nice touch, we ordered a main course each and asked for extra plates as we wanted to share the meals. We were pleasantly surprised when they actually served us both half portions separately, we didn’t need to do it ourselves, very classy indeed. Apart from that the food was exceptional.

Prego Italian Restaurant

Koh Samui Island restaurants Thailand

Located at the Amari hotel TripAdvisor only rate it 13 out of 154 restaurants in Chaweng. Al I can say if there are 12 better restaurants then Samui dining is in great shape. Lovely decor, great food and excellent service. Once again the price was reasonable and they also had a red wine from Chile on special.

Pothole pulverizes pizza

Koh Samui Island restaurants Thailand

My ravioli was superb as was Pothole’s pizza.

Ravioli was superb

Koh Samui Island restaurants Thailand

 Put Prego on you list of must do restaurants in Samui. The Amari has been totally renovated and rates very highly among Samui hotels, for a very good room rate just book through THIS LINK.

 Wine Connection

Koh Samui Island restaurants Thailand

My favourite, they also have several in Bangkok although the Silom branch is the only one I have been to. The best garlic prawns I have had in 20 years, I have had them both at Samui & Bangkok & they are perfect.

Wine Connection at Central Festival Samui

Koh Samui Island restaurants Thailand

 We only spent 4 nights in Samui and chose to eat here twice.

Low cost wine

Koh Samui Island restaurants Thailand

They offer a wonderful selection of wine from all over the world at liquor store prices. Our red wine from Chile was a bargain B650.

The chain I’m told is owned by a French group, I only wish they would open a branch in Pattaya.

Lamb shank at the Wine Connection.

Koh Samui Island restaurants Thailand

The food choices are extensive, lots of terrines a a big range of pasta.

Coffee club

Koh Samui Island restaurants Thailand

I saw two Coffee club restaurants, one in Central Festival and one in the main street opposite the Ark Bar.  Very good eggs Benedict and coffee.

Eggs Benedict

Koh Samui Island restaurants Thailand

Absolutely delicious.

Bar Baguette

Koh Samui Island restaurants Thailand

Located at Bophut beach this was really a good little cafe for lunch, the avocado & bacon baguette was perfect and the staff were really friendly.

For more good restaurants in Bophut just follow THIS LINK.

Lots of choices on the main street.

Koh Samui Island restaurants Thailand

There are many restaurants offering fresh seafood and lots of sports bars offering good pub food. Sadly we only had four days to sample the Koh Samui Island restaurants Thailand, however I guarantee I shall return.

Lots of fresh seafood

Koh Samui busy main street

In the nine years since I was in Samui I can’t believe the incredible improvement in the restaurant scene, the choices are endless.

Thanks for visiting my Koh Samui Island restaurants Thailand photo blog. Book through THIS LINK for a discount on your hotel room.

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Big Buddha Koh Samui

June 24, 2016 by David Herd

Taxi around Koh Samui

Taxi around Koh Samui

 Taxi  around Koh Samui starting at the Big Buddha then circling clockwise around the island. It took about 4 hours and the taxi cost was B2000 or $57 usd. Our hotel was on Chaweng beach about 15 minutes drive from the big Buddha. Our very nice lady drivers name is Ying and her mobile is 09 1128 3867.

Beautiful bougainvillea

Taxi around Koh Samui

This beautiful flower reminds me of my home in Newport Beach Australia where I lived in the 80s, I had many beautiful bougainvilleas on the property.

Big Buddha & slightly smaller Buddha

Taxi around Koh Samui

My 115 kilos certainly puts me in the Buddha category. 🙂

One of two statues guarding the Big Buddha

Taxi around Koh Samui

Located as you enter the square below Big Buddha.

Here is a short video

Big Buddha Koh Samui

Looking back towards Chaweng

Taxi around Koh Samui

We stopped at a popular lookouts to take in the wonderful view.

Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks

Taxi around Koh Samui

The rocks, known as Grandpa (Ta) and Grandma (Yai), look, just like male and female genitalia.

A very popular tourist stop

Taxi around Koh Samui

Located two kilometres south of central Lamai Beach and about 11 kilometres away from Chaweng Beach.

Lamai Beach

Taxi around Koh Samui

The next beach around the coast from Chaweng.

Lamai beach bar & restaurant

Taxi around Koh Samui

Lamai is like a mini version of Chaweng, nice beach and lots of bars and restaurants.

 Next stop Guan Yu Chinese shrine.

Taxi around Koh Samui

It quite a shock when you first see this fantastic huge statue, there are about 12 or more Chinese restaurants in the square. The Guan Yu shrine is the centre of the Chinese community on Samui island.

He looks rather fierce

Taxi around Koh Samui

He does not look like a happy camper at all. 🙂

 Elephants on Koh Samui

Taxi around Koh Samui

What magnificent beasts they are.

Here is a little guy with Mum.

Taxi around Koh Samui

I must admit I have mixed feelings about these beautiful animals being held captive, however that’s an argument for another day.

Here is a video of a dancing elephant

Thailand's dancing elephant.

He certainly was a happy little jumbo.

Some banana for the little dancing jumbo

Taxi ride around Koh Samui

They really enjoy bananas, this is my friend John Martin aka Pothole feeding the little guy.

The popular waterfall was just a trickle.

Taxi around Koh Samui

Many people visit this location but sadly there was not much water flowing.

Please be careful

Taxi around Koh SamuiIn 2019 2 people have died here. Check out THIS LINK for details.

Time for a cool drink

Taxi around Koh Samui

A pleasant place to sit under the shade from the tall trees before continuing our journey.

Nathon pier

Taxi around Koh Samui

Here is where you catch a ferry to the mainland, take your car if you wish.

Bophut beach

Taxi around Koh Samui

 Bophut beach  was the last stop in our Taxi  around Koh Samui road trip. Very close to a large new shopping mall called Fisherman’s village.

 Beach bar

Taxi ride around Koh Samui

Bophut is is near the Big Buddha & less than 10 minutes from the airport. The Ibis is a nice hotel opposite the beach, for an excellent room rate just book through THIS LINK. 

More peaceful and quieter than Chaweng yet only 15 minutes away from the action.

 Bar Baguette

Taxi around Koh Samui

This was really a good little cafe for lunch, the avocado & bacon baguette was perfect and the staff were really friendly.

Taxi ride around Koh Samui

Taxi around Koh Samui

Our taxi around Koh Samui was a great way to explore the delights of this wonderful tropical island, we had a very nice lady driver, her name in Ying and her mobile is 09 1128 3867.     

       Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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            Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.         

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Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets Europe     Hungarian Parliament Building (2)       The Walkie Talkie (5)    

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

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                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam       Main Square (3)     Vung Tau statue (6)

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Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

June 24, 2016 by David Herd

Sensational Samui

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

 Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island is the busiest part of the island. However we were lucky in June 2016 the weather was beautiful and there were very few tourists so it was very peaceful indeed.

Baan Chaweng Hotel

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

I have stayed at this hotel 3 times before, the location is ideal, the rooms are good and the staff is friendly. I have noticed however the prices have certainly risen in the last 10 years. For an excellent rate just use THIS LINK to book.

Hotel pool

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

 

The hotel grounds are a little like a rain forest.

Massage on Chaweng Beach Koh Samui

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

In front of the hotel are four massage ladies, B300 for an hour.

Some nice scenery in front of our hotel.

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

 

A bright green bikini is always going to brighten up my day. 🙂

The Ark Bar

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

The Ark Bar is a huge hotel that’s very popular with the younger crowd, there is a big pool party every Wednesday and Friday. Older dinosaurs like myself are better off 100 meters further on at the quieter Baan Chaweng.

For an excellent room rate at the Ark Bar just book through THIS LINK.

Hillside homes being built

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

What great views they will have overlooking Chaweng beach.

So many hotel choices on Chaweng Beach

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

The hotel choices are endless, everything from ultra modern to traditional bungalows.

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

White sand blue sky what more do you need?

Maybe you need a tattoo?

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

 

I have to admit I am not a fan of heavily tattooed females, but to each his own I guess.

She looks better here

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

Much better because I can’t see her tattoos. 🙂

Breakfast with a view.

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

What a way to start the day, cornflakes and an omelette.

Here is a short video of Chaweng Beach Koh Samui

Beautiful Chaweng beach Koh Samui

Peppina  on Chaweng Beach Koh Samui

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

An unusual building on Chaweng Peppina has a reputation for making great pizzas.

A typical Samui scene

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

Chaweng beach is rather special to me, so many memories over the years. My first visit was 1998 followed by many over the following years including New Years Eve 1999.

Here is the beach massage price list

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

 

Price list, what price list? I don’t see a price list. 🙂

Flashback to December 1999

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

Had a short fling with this beautiful Italian girl from Florence. Her name was Barbara Manelli, I called her “The Gypsy:. 🙂

Thanks for visiting my Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island photo blog, check out my other Koh Samui blogs. I think you will enjoy my road trip around the island. Here are my suggestions on some excellent restaurants.

                   

 Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets Europe     Hungarian Parliament Building (2)       The Walkie Talkie (5)    

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43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837        IMG_7425    Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                     

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam       Main Square (3)     Vung Tau statue (6)

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