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Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect

January 12, 2018 by David Herd

The end to another great year

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect place to live for a guy like me. Good friends & great restaurants, what more could I want? Plus a reasonably short plane ride to many outstanding locations. Above is the incredible view from my Markland apartment on the 20th floor.

Birthday July 7

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectWhere else but the magic Mantra?

My brother Warren & Greg Clee on the left.

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect    Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect

David Rose & Ray Ebzery on the right.

Birthday at the Atlantic bar

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectGeorge Hoult with Sharyn & Frank, all Aussies.

One of the many reasons we like the Atlantic Bar

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect Many middle eastern types who don’t spend money & aggravate the girls & customers are turned away, try that in Australia. 🙂 

Two more Aussies agree with the sign.

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectFred & Bill think its a great idea & so do I.

Are you ready for this?

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectBest sunsets in the world.

 Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect

There something special about a silhouette.

Mark Yagala & Anne at Horizons.

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectMark of course is the guy who knocked off $50,000,000 on Wall St a few years ago, apart from that he is a very nice fellow. 🙂

The sign said “boat for sale”.

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectThe fine print said “needs a little work”. 🙂

I’m sure Mark Yagala could sell it. 🙂

One of my breakfast haunts.

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectThis is the branch at Central Marina shopping mall, I’m also a regular at The Bay on Beach Rd,

Celebrating my birthday

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect The girls stuck a candle in my croissant. 🙂

Huge renovation at the Amari Hotel.

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectThis work will go on for a couple of years, it’s only 2 blocks from my condo.

From the Amari to the Dusit Thani

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect Dim Sum is usually at the Peak restaurant but was relocated to the Bay restaurant for a few weeks.  

Probably the best dim sum in Pattaya

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect Follow THIS LINK for some other good restaurants.

Shakariki 432

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect

An excellent authentic Japanese restaurant in 2nd Rd opposite Mike Hotel. 

Beach Road empty???

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectA rare sight in Pattaya, traffic was stopped for a parade.

Dinner at Leckerle (again)

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectJohn Hunjadi with cousin Greg & his wife.

Of course I had the pancake. 🙂

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectLately when I have dinner here I take away six servings of their pea soup.

Sometimes we wonder why we have problems with our internet at Markland

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect

These highly trained 3BB technicians are quite fastidious as you can see.

Bacco Beach Italian restaurant

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectLocated beside the Glasshouse at Na Jomtien, very good food & right on the beach.

Wood fired Pizzas

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectThe pizza was excellent but I think the Holiday Inn on Beach Rd is better.

Justin & Steve Bates & Patrick Taylor

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectWe went to Chiang Mai for 4 days which was excellent then 8 days in Cambodia which was not so good. Reason being we all caught a dose of the flu which really took the shine off our holiday.

Surf & Turf at Wongamat

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectA terrific beach side restaurant with very good food.

Surf & Turf hamburger

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectGuaranteed to fix your appetite.

Geriatrics are us. 🙂

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectI think the combined ages were 272 years, from the right we have David Herd, Richard (Stingy) Blair, John Hunjadi & David Robertson who is even more Stingy than Stingy. 🙂

Bali Hai wharf.

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectThis was supposed to be completed by October 2017, however given the fact that this is Thailand it will more likely be Xmas 2018.

And so this is Xmas….

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectLight show at the A-One hotel.

One last Mantra dinner on December 28

Dec 28 Dinner (1) Hamish & I had a 20% discount voucher. 🙂

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect     Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect

Fabulous food as usual.

Finally on the subject of food which is very dear to my hear.

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect Fresh prawns & Aussie lamb chops & cutlets from Big C.

Now you can understand why I make the following claim “Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect.”

Here are some more posts to check out

         Life 2015                     Family history                   Life 1982

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  Adelaide 1972                 Iron Bar Freddy               Sydney 2006

417091_10150704751043594_62315468_n          Susies home Newport 1 (1)        April24FreewayHotel-33 (1)

Thailand 2008                Gold Coast Babes               World trip 2003

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             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
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.               

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

 
Newport-peninsular-Sydney

Newport peninsular Sydney Home 1984

June 30, 2016 by David Herd

Newport peninsular Sydney is my personal photo history not part of my travel blog.

Newport peninsular Sydney

 Newport peninsular Sydney was my home for three years from 1984 to 1987. After becoming engaged to a beautiful Melbourne lady Karen Smith, I purchased a timber home perched on a hill above the Royal Motor Yacht Club. The cost was $128k, and I sold it after our engagement fizzled out 4 years later for $360K. I guess it would be worth nearly 2 million dollars today.

Absolutely gorgeous.

 As you can see Karen was a beautiful lady, it took me anther 10 years before I realised I was just not cut out for marriage or long term relationships. There is probably a multitude of reasons why, fear of commitment, too independent etc etc.

Dinner party at Herbert Avenue

We were very happy at Newport 80% of the time, I tried hard to settle down and enjoy life as a couple, every now and then however the “call of the wild” would interrupt our utopia.

Wolf Wottke (with the beard) had been my best friend for a number of years, I left him renting my Drummoyne apartment for a year or so until I got fed up chasing the rent. Consequently I sold it which in hindsight was probably a mistake.

Lots of birds & wildlife

These beautiful Rainbow Lorikeets would visit every day for their snack on the balcony.

Life was very good

I had all the toys, a beautiful Mercedes Sports, a cabin cruiser moored at the yacht club, a liquor store in Sydenham which I was in the process of selling and a good sales job with Canon Australia.

Lion Island

This great photo (excuse the quality) was taken on Lion Island in the Hawksbury River, from left to right we have Graham La Roche aka “Biff”, his girlfriend at the time Mona, Ross Ansell from Melbourne and Karen Smith & I.

Me Tarzan

Ross doing his Tarzan impersonation on Lion Island.

31 Herbert Avenue Newport

About 25 years later around 2012 I paid a visit to Herbert Avenue to see if things had changed. Apart from the colour scheme and far less vegetation nothing much had changed.

 Another day on Pittwater

My good friend Tony Murphy and his beautiful wife Inge join Karen & I on my 26 foot cabin cruiser. After 29 years I caught up with Inge in Melbourne in 2014.

My back veranda overlooked Bayview

Here is my good friend Paul Slaughter with two gorgeous girls, on the left is Trish and on the right an old girlfriend of mine Shirley.

Big Tim Bristow, dinner at Herbert Avenue.

 Tim Bristow was a friend of mine dating back from the time we met in 1971 when he was on my tail to give me a hiding, but that’s another story just follow THIS LINK. In the 70s just the name Tim Bristow struck fear into the heart of all those who knew him, an enforcer with a reputation of being one of the most brutal street fighters in Australia. Put simply he was legend, a bouncer at the Newport Arms hotel, would be contenders for his crown would travel from all over Sydney to try their luck, many came and all of them were sent packing battered and bruised.

 Sydenham Cellars

I sold my liquor store in late 1984 which took the pressure off me. I had been working with Canon for a few months and travelling to Sydenham (a one hour drive each way) at weekends to work in the liquor store. Meanwhile I dug a wine cellar underneath my Newport home and stored a huge amount of wine that I took home from the shop.

Unwins Bridge Road

 That’s Madison my beautiful 4 year old German Shepherd who used to diligently guard the store overnight.

Brian Millard on Newport peninsular Sydney

Brian was a boat broker at Newport and a regular drinker at the Newport Arms hotel. He lived just up the road at Bungan Beach before moving to Noosa where I believe he still resides.

 Richard on the left and Rob Carnahan

Two very nice guys who were customers of mine when I was with Canon. Their office was opposites the Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay so more often than not we would meet in the pub. 🙂

A bunch of my nephews & nieces come to visit.

Amazing seeing these old photos, all of these cute kids now have children of their own.

Sue and John Heatherington

A lovely couple who lived in the next street from us, John also worked at Canon in the computer division.

Malaysia 1985

John & Sue, Karen & I went on a Canon conference to Penang, here we are driving from Penang to Singapore via Kuala Lumpur.

Singapore Xmas 1985

Here we are in Singapore, notice the cigarette. I smoke on and off for most of my life until 2003. Usually 2 or 3 years then I would quit for a similar time before returning to the grip of the nicotine.

 Newport peninsular Sydney with Phil Parkinson 

Phil has lived most of his life on the Newport peninsular Sydney and I believe still does in 2016. He is the brother of my ex girlfriend Di Parkinson.

Melbourne Cup 1985

Karen & I at the cup with friends including another ex girlfriend Helen Burke who is on the left of the photo. Helen has a vineyard at Dromana on the Mornington Peninsular, I spent a few day there in October 2014 drinking wine with her and her partner Jack.

Oscars Coolangatta 1985

I can’t remember the name of the beautiful dark haired princess, she was the girlfriend of my crazy chiropractor from North Sydney.

Newport peninsular Sydney

Prior to buying my cabin cruiser I had this little run-about, it was a lot of fun, do you like the name? 🙂

Another guy from my rogues gallery.

Danny Rose one of Adelaide’s true characters, we had a day of the water, you can see “Stamped Urgent” in the background.

Beautiful Karen Smith

Certainly my life on the Newport peninsular Sydney revolved around lots of good friends and my beautiful fiancee Karen. My thanks to her for being the most important part of my life for those great years.

Thanks also to you for visiting my Newport peninsular Sydney photo blog.

Here are some more posts to check out

         Life 2015                     Family history                   Life 1982

2835141a-02cf-4cda-a909-2a8408a99f47
6a173a01-9744-404a-a45f-87a975ec90fa
d5436828-abbc-4da1-a638-7f90436c6417

  Adelaide 1972                 Iron Bar Freddy               Sydney 2006

417091_10150704751043594_62315468_n
Susies home Newport 1 (1)
April24FreewayHotel-33 (1)

Thailand 2008                Gold Coast Babes               World trip 2003

Fun in Pattaya-116
92bfa275-a122-4078-9970-1e24188a5917
CopacabanabeachNov2003-124

             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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Brazil Hotels That’s all folks

1g Duck

Pattaya live webcam

9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)
A-One hotel on Beach Road

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

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

Soi Cowboy (5)
e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e
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https://s214.photobucket.com/user/zulu928/embed/slideshow/David/84%20to%2087

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Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

November 27, 2017 by David Herd

Fascinating Thai history

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand is about 80 kms north of Bangkok, however we were travelling from Pattaya so it was a 2.5 hour drive. The first thing we saw was this little dancing elephant.

I don’t like to see them trained like this.

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

 They are treated cruelly in the training process which is very sad.

Enjoying the ride

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

 This activity is fine, but I wish they would stop the cruel training.

These ruins are all over the city.

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

It seems 90% was destroyed by people from Myanmar.  It was capital of the Kingdom of Siam, and a prosperous international trading port, from 1350 until razed by the Burmese in 1767.

 My travelling companions

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

The 3 Amigos, Bill, Paul & Ron.

The local transport

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

 These little Tuk Tuks are very cute.

 Hotel ext door to Temple

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

 For an excellent room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Very impressive

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

 I was surprised to see how many ruined temples there were.

Quite spectacular

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

 Certainly exceeded my expectations. 

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

 We struck a beautiful day with a light breeze.

Very popular with tourists

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

Buddhist temple in Ayutthaya Lots of tourists everywhere.

Lots of cameras here. 🙂

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

I prefer my Canon Ixus however I also use my phone or some.

There is a lot to enjoy here.

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

We were too lazy to go up the stairs.

Too may Buddhas are never enough. 🙂

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

I do like the yellow scarves. 🙂

Here we are at  Wat Phra Sri Sanphet 

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the holiest temple on the site of the old Royal Palace in Thailand’s ancient capital of Ayutthaya until the city was completely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. Wikipedia

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

 Not may tourists here.

Why did the elephant cross the road?

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

Because anything the chicken can do he can do better. 🙂

Temple flooded October 3 2021

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

A section of the wall on the southern side of Wat Chula Manee in Bang Ban district collapsed at about 5.30am after the Chao Phraya river overflowed, inundating communities around the temple. The grounds of the ancient temple were left 2 metres under water, damaging about 20 pagodas containing ashes of local residents’ ancestors.

Finally lunch then back home.

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

 Col One Love Restaurant was a bit of a tourist trap, we didn’t do our research & took our drivers advice. (kickbacks would apply here) Food was ok but not good value.

Thanks for visiting my Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand photo blog.

Holiday Inn

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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.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

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The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Sutus Court is a great budget hotel right i the heart of one of Pattaya’s main bar areas, just use THIS LINK for a terrific room rate. 420/100 Moo 9 Soi Buakhao.

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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               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

 

 

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Sokha Beach Resort Sihanoukville

October 29, 2017 by David Herd

Ideal spot to chill out

Sokha Beach Resort Sihanoukville

Sokha Beach Resort SihanoukvilleSokha Beach Resort Sihanoukville has a great pool & a beautiful private sandy beach. Exceptional food & very good rooms, what more could you possibly want? 🙂

Pool bar

Sokha Beach Resort Sihanoukville Cocktails or a cold beers at the pool bar.

There are two room sections, we stayed at the cheaper option, the Sokha Express. You still have full use of all the facilities, for a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

If you prefer the Sokha Beach Resort use THIS LINK for a discount.

It doesn’t get much better than this. 🙂

Sokha Beach Resort SihanoukvilleRarely were there many pople in the pool which made it absolutely ideal.

But wait, there’s more……

Sokha Beach Resort SihanoukvilleThe beautiful beach has pure white sand and warm tropical water.

The beach goes on forever, where are the people???

Sokha Beach Resort SihanoukvilleGenerally Asian people like to stay out of the sun so us foreigners have the place to ourselves. 🙂

 The main building

Sokha Beach Resort Sihanoukville Breakfast is served here & it’s as good as it gets a you can imagine.

The property is huge

Sokha Beach Resort Sihanoukville The deck is around 500 meters from the main building & pool. It’s worth the walk however, you have the choice of two excellent restaurants, Lemongrass & the Lotus.

Why do they call it “The Deck”?

Sokha Beach Resort SihanoukvilleWell it’s pretty bloody obvious if you ask me. 🙂

Lemongrass Restaurant

Sokha Beach Resort Sihanoukville Food was very good & the place almost deserted.

Soup to die for.

Sokha Beach Resort Sihanoukville

I really do love my soup.

Serendipity Beach

Serendipity Beach SihanoukvilleThis is where most people dine at night, it’s the net beach & all the action is here. Only a 10 minute Tuk Tuk ride.

Tuk Tuk

Sokha Beach Resort Sihanoukville The ten minute ride to Serendipity is only $2 or $3 USD.

Lovely ladies They were working at a wedding that was in the hotel grounds.

This is supposed to be happy hour. 🙂

Sokha Beach Resort Sihanoukville Nobody looks happy, & in fact there certainly were not. 🙂

Drinks are 2 for one at happy hour between 5 & 7 pm.

Sokha Beach Resort Sihanoukville  Sokha Beach Resort Sihanoukville

Pizzas & burgers are reasonably priced as well.

The Beach Bar

Sokha Beach Resort Sihanoukville Sadly is closes around 7.30 pm.

I guess they want you at their casino.

Sokha Beach Resort SihanoukvillePart of the hotel & when we went there there were more staff than customers.

Sadly this lovely coastal village is never going to be the same, just read THIS STORY.

 Zagreb Croatia                      Rio de Janeiro                  Brisbane River 

Zagreb Croatia bars restaurants        a7ff7566-9628-434d-a2b1-8c6e8b9a9021       IMG_0100

       

     Koh Samui                                   Korea                                  London

32780a6c-baf6-428a-bd71-68b1bed30b4c         Changdeokgung Palace (2)        IMG_7042

         Bangkok                                   Osaka                                     Pattaya

Soi Cowboy (25)          Osaka 1st night (17)       Walking St Pattaya is wild & sexy 

                                     

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Koh Rong Sihanoukville Cambodia

October 26, 2017 by David Herd

40 minutes by fast boat.

Koh Rong Sihanoukville Cambodia

Koh Rong Sihanoukville Cambodia

Koh Rong Sihanoukville Cambodia is only 40 minutes by fast boat. It seems  a little like Koh Samui 25 years ago, lots of backpackers & hippies.

Leaving Plantation Beach

Koh Rong Sihanoukville CambodiaThe fare each way to Koh Rong Sihanoukville Cambodia is $13 USD.

500 Horsepower

Koh Rong Sihanoukville CambodiaA very fast smooth ride.

 Koh Rong Sihanoukville Cambodia Pommie backpackers

Koh Rong Sihanoukville CambodiaThere were 4 or 5 English backpackers shrieking to each other over the engine noise, as you can see Steve is not too impressed. 🙂

 Our first glimpse of the island.

Koh Rong Sihanoukville CambodiaIt was like travelling back in time. 🙂

Vagabonds

Koh Rong Sihanoukville CambodiaVagabonds cafe I’m sure has seen it’s share of vagabonds, however this is the first visit by the famous FiveStarVagabond. 🙂 🙂 🙂

The Rising Sun

Koh Rong Sihanoukville CambodiaWe settled here for a couple of cold beers and a Phad Thai, the place is run by 3 friendly Italians from Milano.

And here they are…..

Koh Rong Sihanoukville Cambodia Living the dream on Koh Rong Sihanoukville Cambodia.

Hard at work

Koh Rong Sihanoukville Cambodia Well somebody has to do the heavy lifting. 🙂

Crystal clear water here.

Koh Rong Sihanoukville CambodiaAs you would expect for a tropical island.

The essence of Koh Rong

Koh Rong Sihanoukville Cambodia This shot captures the essence of Koh Rong for me,  a lazy tropical island full of backpackers & hippies.

Talking about backpackers…..

Koh Rong Sihanoukville CambodiaHere is a perfect example, sadly I arrived 30 years too late. 🙂

Guess I’ll go fishing instead. 🙂

Koh Rong Sihanoukville Cambodia Crystal clear water & lots of fish big & small.

Koh Rong Sihanoukville Cambodia

Koh Rong Island Sihanoukville CambodiaA nice way to explore the island would be to hire a log tail boat.

Life is very very casual here.

Koh Rong Sihanoukville CambodiaYou can rent a room overlooking the beach for around $10 USD per night.

Use THIS LINK to book & get an excellent discount.

Back to Sihanoukville

Koh Rong Sihanoukville Cambodia We had a bigger boat which took 5 minutes longer.

Sadly this lovely coastal village is never going to be the same, just read THIS STORY.

 Zagreb Croatia                      Rio de Janeiro                  Brisbane River 

Zagreb Croatia bars restaurants        a7ff7566-9628-434d-a2b1-8c6e8b9a9021       IMG_0100

       

     Koh Samui                                   Korea                                  London

32780a6c-baf6-428a-bd71-68b1bed30b4c         Changdeokgung Palace (2)        IMG_7042

         Bangkok                                   Osaka                                     Pattaya

Soi Cowboy (25)          Osaka 1st night (17)       Walking St Pattaya is wild & sexy 

                                     

             Chiang Mai                      Pattaya                      Chao Phraya river

Chiang Mai with Tone        9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)   191de3bb-38fc-45cd-bce7-ef24081c554b

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great photo blogs.

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Chiang Mai Doi Suthep

October 24, 2017 by David Herd

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai Province Sacred site

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep, this temple is often referred to as “Doi Suthep” although this is actually the name of the mountain where it’s located. Perched on top of the mountain 15 kms from the city. 

You have a choice

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep

Climb the 300 steps to the top or take the tram. I compromised by taking the tram up & walking down. 🙂

At peace among the trees

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep

Our driver told us there were 2,200 temples in Chiang Mai province. 

Lots of gold here.

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep 

Featuring a photo of the new King.

Lots of Thai people paying respect.

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep

As well as Thai there seemed to be a lot of Chinese tourists.

 Lots of steps

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep

Lots of steps & it was a very hot day, like most days in Thailand. 🙂

A view of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep 

The view from the Temple.

Posing with the bell.

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep

My friend Steven Bates & I taking a photo opportunity at the Chiang Mai Province Sacred site.

Naga decoration

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep

Background on Thailand: A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US ally following the conflict. 

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep

Steve has found a new friend.

More elephants

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep

Magnificent animals, magnificent statues. 🙂

Shame about the advertising.

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep

The signs do seem out of place here.

It’s a long way down.

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep 

As I said earlier I took the steps. 🙂

I really like this shot. 🙂

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep

The children look great in their traditional clothes.

Coffee time before heading to our hotel.

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep

The coffee here is quite famous, sadly I prefer Starbucks. 🙂

Asia’s best coffee

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep

Is the claim, this nice lady ran the coffee shop.

   Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

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

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

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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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Four Aussies Chiang Mai

October 18, 2017 by David Herd

Our Hotel was in a great location

Four Aussies Chiang Mai 

Four Aussies Chiang MaiFour Aussies Chiang Mai Adventure, our hotel the Dusit Princess is the white building on the left. Without a doubt this is the very best location in Chiang Mai.

A terrific hotel in the very best location in Chiang Mai, book through THIS LINK for a discounted room rate.

 Across the road from our hotel

Five Aussies Chiang MaiBurger King & Hard Rock Cafe are there if you don’t want to eat Thai food. 🙂

Of course sometimes it rains.

Four Aussies Chiang MaiWhen it rains in Thailand it really rains. 🙂

 Opposite the Dusit Princess.

Four Aussies Chiang MaiOnly 50 meters up the road is the famous night market.

 Entrance to the night market

Four Aussies Chiang MaiNot just a night market but lot’s of bars & restaurants, many specializing in live seafood.

Forty winks

Four Aussies Chiang Mai Adventure

Relaxing at the night market.

LadyBoys everywhere. 🙂

Four Aussies Chiang MaiIt looks like Patrick has found some soul mates. 🙂

Of course if you want a massage

Four Aussies Chiang MaiThere are many available not as suspect as this one. 🙂

 Three Aussies

Four Aussies Chiang Mai AdventureHere are 3 of the 4 Aussies on this trip besides Patrick, Steven & Justin Bates & yours truly David Herd.

Patrick is around 200 cm tall. 🙂

Four Aussies Chiang Mai Adventure He returned to his home in Singapore for his 51st birthday on October 8.

 Le Meridien Hotel

Four Aussies Chiang Mai AdventureAnother great location, for a terrific room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Four Aussies Chiang Mai Adventure      Four Aussies Chiang Mai Adventure

The Meridien has an excellent Italian restaurant.

So many food outlets

Four Aussies Chiang Mai AdventureIn fact I’m doing a separate blog on some of the great Chiang Mai restaurants we found, including David’s Kitchen & Whole Earth which were both excellent. 

Four Aussies Chiang Mai Adventure

Four Aussies Chiang Mai Adventure We flew Nok Air return from Bangkok & I must say it was an absolute pleasure, the best budget airline I have flown with.

Dusit Princess good rooms & great location

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai Thailand

A terrific hotel in the very best location in Chiang Mai, book through THIS LINK for a discounted room rate.

Thanks for visiting my Four Aussies Chiang Mai Adventure photo blog.

       Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

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

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

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)

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great photo blogs.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai

October 18, 2017 by David Herd

You gotta love a pink elephant. 🙂

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai 

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai Thailand, Wat Ban Den is the most impressive I have ever seen. It was totally renovated in 1998 after the new Abbott Kru Ba Tuang raised huge amounts of money from people all over the country.

Work is still in progress

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai

 As you can see from the first 2 photos work is still in progress. 🙂

Incredible works of art

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai

The detail and the beauty really takes your breath away.

They could be twins. 🙂

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai

Patrick Taylor is an Aussie living in Singapore, he loves having his photo taken & is fully certified selfie expert. 🙂

The Tigers are here.

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai

 Everywhere you look there is another fabulous statue.

Totally spectacular

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai Thailand

As I said before Wat Ban Den is the most impressive Thai Temple I have ever seen. 

Absolutely brand new.

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai

It’s a huge credit to Abbott Kru Ba Tuang & all the generous Buddhists who donated money to completely renovate the original structures as well as adding new.

Magnificent dragon

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai

This would be a great location for an Asian version of “Game of Thrones.” 🙂

Renovated in 1804 & 1998.

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai Thailand

 In  1804, Kruba Thueang Natsilo, a former abbot, also had the temple renovated. It became far more exquisite with Lanna-style architecture. The abbot intended to turn it into a beautiful place of worship with religious teachings. He hoped this would attract more people to the temple so that they would have a chance to learn about the religion. 

Ring the bell folks. 🙂

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai

 The temple stands prominently on top of a small hill and can be easily seen from afar.

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai Thailand

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai

As you can clearly see this Temple is a photographer’s dream.

Attention to detail…

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai Thailand

 Perfection is everywhere you look.

My favorite shot

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai

 I think I captured a special moment here.

Reach for the sky

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai Thailand

Surely this has to inspire you? 🙂

Patrick & I enjoying Wat Van Den

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai

As you can see Pat is a very tall happy character.

I have found a new friend.

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai Thailand

Many thanks for visiting my Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai Thailand photo blog.

The Dusit Princess

Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai

A terrific hotel in the very best location in Chiang Mai, book through THIS LINK for a discounted room rate.

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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  Please check out these fabulous posts
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               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

 

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Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Gold Coast Broadwater

August 22, 2017 by David Herd

Spectacular Gold Coast View

 Gold Coast Broadwater

Gold Coast Broadwater Gold Coast Broadwater all add up to a breathtaking view of Surfers Paradise which is located 800 kilometers north of Sydney & 80 kilometers south of Brisbane.

We are looking east to Marina Mirage on the right & the Vercace Hotel o the left.

Broadwater entrance

Gold Coast Broadwater Beside those rocks is the entrance channel to the Broadwater, or the exit depending on which way you are going. 🙂

Blue Sky Boats Gold Coast Broadwater

Gold Coast Broadwater Here is a closer look at the rock wall on the southern side of the seaway entrance.

Hundreds of boats use the seaway every day.

 Gold Coast Broadwater Everything from jet skis to huge luxury cruisers, all hoping to enjoy Blue Sky Boats Gold Coast Broadwater & maybe a bag full of fish.

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

Some get into trouble when the sea is rough.

Blue Sky Boats Gold Coast Broadwater The rescue boat is always there to lend a hand.

My friend’s catamaran. 

Gold Coast Broadwater

 A nice way to escape the rat race of Surfers Paradise. 🙂

Gold Coast Broadwater

Gold Coast Broadwater

 A great day out on the Broadwater.

Some guys prefer to fish.

Gold Coast Broadwater Boats, who needs boats? We are here to catch a big one.

And I’m here for a sun tan.

Gold Coast Broadwater

 So no matter what you are interested in you will find it n the Broadwater.

Did I mention the seafood?

Gold Coast Broadwater You have two great choices, pull into Charis seafood at Labrador & pick up your lunch. Those of you with a sharp eye will notice the mud crabs are $36.90 a kilo, well tat was 2010, sadly in 2017 they have doubled in price.

Direct from the trawler.

Gold Coast Broadwater This is my preference, they are located just north of Marina Mirage, just call Curly on 0417 668 591, he’s one of the boat owners, he will let you know what they have in stock.

Best prawns in the world.

Gold Coast Broadwater These medium size king prawns are around $25 aud a kilo. Check out more seafood on THIS LINK.

Decisions, decisions.

Gold Coast Broadwater Take the at out or……..

Order lunch at one of the many restaurants?

Gold Coast Broadwater

 So many decisions & such little time. 🙂

Gold Coast Broadwater

Gold Coast Broadwater What a fabulous part of the world.

Houston, we have lift off.

 

The kite surfer is having a ball.

An amazing view.

Gold Coast Broadwater From my friends apartment, it does not get better than this. By the way it’s for sale3 for a lazy $1.5 million AUD.

I’m guessing now in 2021 it will be closer to $2.5 million.

Here is the view from the opposite side of the Broadwater towards Southport.

Gold Coast Broadwater

Over the years I spent countless hours on my boat in this very area.

Finally a birds eye view of Surfers Paradise

Gold Coast Broadwater

Absolutely spectacular, featuring the Southport yacht in the foreground.

For a great hotel room rate on the Gold Coast just book through THIS LINK.

Thanks for visiting my Gold Coast Broadwater photo blog.

                   

                           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
 
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1g Duck

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Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Asiatique Market Shops Bangkok

July 18, 2017 by David Herd

ASIATIQUE The Riverfront

Asiatique Market  Shops Bangkok

Asiatique Market Shops Bangkok Asiatique Market  Shops Bangkok located in the heart of the city on a 30 acre plot. Lots to keep you busy here, there are 1,500 shops & 40 restaurants.

Free shuttle

Asiatique Market Shops Bangkok The easiest and fastest way to get there is via boat. Just catch the BTS (Skytrain) to Saphan Taksin station and board the free shuttle at the end of the pier. It only takes about ten minutes & the boat runs every 30 minutes between 4.00 – 11.30 pm. 

 A word of warning

Asiatique Market Shops Bangkok 

Please be careful if you want to take a taxi from Asiatique, the Bangkok taxi Mafia are in full control of the taxi rank at the center. They will charge you B400 ($12 usd) for a fare that in our case for a 6 km trip should have been B70 or $2.50 usd. It is such a shame that TAT the Thai tourist Authority allows these gangsters to tarnish the image of this great city.

How much does a taxi cost in Bangkok?These fares are estimates; the exact fare will depend on traffic and any other surcharges noted below.

  • A journey of 5km = 55 Baht
  • A journey of 10km = 80 Baht
  • From Terminal 21 shopping mall (Asoke Skytrain station) to Grand Palace = 90 Baht
  • From Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport to MBK shopping centre (National Stadium Skytrain station) = 260 Baht meter fare + 70 Baht express-way tolls + 50 Baht airport pick-up surcharge.
Good vale at Capri

Asiatique Market Shops Bangkok 

As soon as you step off the ferry head for Capri which is right in front of you, they have an extended “happy hour” with 2 for one drinks. We ordered 2 ice cold Chang draught beers for B24o & got the next 2 free.

Wood fired pizza oven at Capri

Asiatique Market Shops Bangkok This is my favorite photo from our night at Asiatique.

   Asiatique Market Restaurants Shops Bangkok          Asiatique Market Restaurants Shops Bangkok

 The finished product arrives. 🙂

Inside Capri

Asiatique Market Restaurants Shops Bangkok 

Sit inside or out whatever suits you. 🙂

Jack lives here.

Asiatique Market Restaurants Shops Bangkok 

Of course he does.

As the sun goes down

Asiatique Market Restaurants Shops Bangkok The cruise boats glide up the mighty Chao Phraya river. Follow THIS LINK for boats & buildings on the river.

Great time of the day for photos

Asiatique Market Restaurants Shops Bangkok Twilight offers a unique lighting scenario, within which ambient light (sunlight) gradually fades, creating a sparse but magical effect that is almost impossible to create artificially. It fades into the artificial light being emitted by street lights. Houses and offices and can sometimes create an ‘un-real’ feel as the shortage of light diminishes the eye’s perception of distance.

Asiatique Market  Shops Bangkok

Asiatique Market Restaurants Shops Bangkok This is a must for your Bangkok bucket list.

 Ferris wheel

Asiatique Market Restaurants Shops Bangkok Looks magic at night.

Time for some food?

Asiatique Market Restaurants Shops Bangkok These roast chickens look terrific at Fine & Dine.

 Chinese food in Market St

Asiatique Market Restaurants Shops Bangkok Decisions, decisions, where to eat?

Finally we chose “Why 97”

Asiatique Market Restaurants Shops Bangkok

Lucky for us they were offering a 30% discount for dining before 8pm. 

Why 97 was good value.

Asiatique Market Restaurants Shops Bangkok Food was good & the wine a little expensive.

 Flesh eating fish

Asiatique Market Restaurants Shops Bangkok Always a popular pastime in Thailand.

One of 1,500 shops

Asiatique Market Restaurants Shops Bangkok Shop till you drop, but be prepared for things to be a little more expensive than some other night markets.

There is the taxi queue

Asiatique Market Restaurants Shops Bangkok Please remember what I said earlier about the taxi rip off.

  When I’m in Bangkok I like to stay in Sukhumvit Soi 11, here is an excellent budget hotel, if you USE THIS LINK you will get a great rate of around B1100 per night, or $30 USD.

The best Bangkok budget hotel I have ever stayed in.

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Close to Nana BTS.

Centre Point hotel

16ea4007-66ab-44bc-9344-726e15950dcb

For something more upmarket near where the ferry docks try Centre Point, fabulous 45M2 rooms, for a great discount book through THIS LINK.

                   Here are some more posts to check out 

         Sydney                               Paris                                   Bangkok           
 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
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                                              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
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

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


Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Buildings Chao Phraya River

July 17, 2017 by David Herd

Up the lazy river

Buildings Chao Phraya River

Buildings Chao Phraya RiverBuildings Chao Phraya River Bangkok are one of the many interesting sights in this great city. Take the Sky Train to Saphan Taksin station or grab a taxi. The river ferries leave from just below the station.

Above is the free shuttle to Asiatique an excellent night market 10 minutes away. Lots of terrific restaurants, be careful if you want to take a taxi home from there, they will quote B400 for an B80 ride, the Bangkok taxi Mafia is in full operation here.

Sathorn Unique Tower

Buildings Chao Phraya River 

Planned as a high-rise condominium complex, construction of the building was halted during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, when it was about 80 percent complete. It’s now the most prominent of Bangkok’s many derelict buildings, and has become a destination for urban explorers.

One of the many skyscrapers.

Buildings Chao Phraya RiverBangkok is really going through a building boom, particularly along the mighty Chao Praya river.

One of the very tall buildings.

Buildings Check out my Bangkok building photo blog on THIS LINK.

Sunset on the river

Buildings Chao Phraya RiverThere are many ferries large & small taking people on a cruise along the mighty Chao Phraya river, follow THIS LINK for another of my photo blogs.

The golden dome

Buildings Chao Phraya River Sirocco Sky Bar is the world’s highest open-air bar on the 64th floor of the State Tower located on Silom Road, Bang Rak business district, Bangkok, Thailand, the second tallest building in Thailand. 

Centre Point Hotel Silom

Buildings Chao Phraya River 

Centre Point Hotel Silom is the white building close to the State Tower, excellent 45 M2 rooms, for a discounted room rate just book through THIS LINK. 

All shapes & sizes

Buildings Chao Phraya River  So many interesting boats on the river.

Buildings Chao Phraya River Bangkok

Buildings Chao Phraya River

How would you ever find a life-jacket if there was a problem with the ferry?

Thanks for visiting my Buildings Chao Phraya River Bangkok photo blog, follow THIS LINK for the Asiatique market.                               

                            Here are some more posts to check out 

         Sydney                               Paris                                   Bangkok           
 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
 

Slide show here.

 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great photo blogs.

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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