Hello from the Five Star Vagabond

Welcome to 700 travel blogs, to access a full index on your mobile please scroll to the bottom & choose from 700 locations. Email is [email protected]

Chinese storm Thailand beach

August 4, 2015 by David Herd

They arrive in their thousands every day

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Chinese storm Thailand beach

 Chinese storm Thailand beach every day of the year and climb aboard powerful speedboats which take them to nearby Koh Larn or para sailing in Pattaya bay

South Pattaya

Chinese storm Thailand beach

In the background on the right if the famous Walking St, you can see restaurants built (many illegally) over the water. The tall condo building has only recently been completed during the current Pattaya building boom.

Thousands arrive every day

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Of course there is some controversy about who receives the revenue as most of the money is paid on packaged tours in China when they book their trip. Pattaya is suffering from a downturn in tourism, here are comments made in a recent article in June 2015 in the Bangkok Post; “Pattaya hotels are struggling to survive and are being pressured by Chinese travel agents to reduce their room rates by 30-40%. Hoteliers in the resort city have been relying mainly on Chinese tourists after the sharp fall in European tourists, particularly Russians, due to the economic recession in their countries. Locally run Pattaya hotels have faced an oversupply since last year and the situation… “

Slightly over powered

Chinese storm Thailand beach

An example of one of the speedboats with three 225 HP Yamaha motors, a slight case of overkill. Are there any accidents you ask? Of course there are, many of the Thai skippers are unlicensed and high on drugs or booze, if an accident occurs they invoke the well used Thai strategy of “run & hide”. 🙂

Para sailing on Pattaya bay

Chinese storm Thailand beach

The buzz around like mosquitoes and yes sadly accidents often do happen here as you will see in the following news video.

Para sailor killed on honeymoon

This sad incident happened in 2011 however the safety situation does not seem to have changed since then.

Hundreds of boats

Chinese storm Thailand beach

This is a huge business in Pattaya taking Chinese tourists to Koh Larn.

About to land

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Lets hope he has a soft landing. 🙂

Whew! back safe & sound

Chinese storm Thailand beach

I’m sure many of these tourists will never forget their Pattaya holiday.

Buzzing like mosquitoes

Great vision of Parasailing in Pattaya, Thailand

Even the storms don’t stop the boats.

Chinese storm Thailand beach

An awesome sight watching the storm roll in over Pattaya bay.

Screaming Yamahas

Screaming Yamahas Pattaya beach

I mentioned earlier I don’t have much confidence in the Thai boat divers, here is how they cope with sandbanks.

 Chinese storm Thailand beach. If you build it they will come. 🙂

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Every day of the week they come from China and elsewhere.

Lined up ready to go

Chinese storm Thailand beach

The fleet is ready and waiting.

August 4th 2016 at 7am

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Lots of boats and one rainbow. 🙂

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Chinese storm Thailand beach

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

The mob arrives

Chinese storm Thailand beach

I have a sneaking suspicion some of these boats may be overloaded.

May 27 2021 see no Chinese tourists in Pattaya

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Many tour boats based in this resort city will be moored for at least the next three months, based on the number of cancellations by Chinese tour group agents, according to a large tour operator.

The Chinese government’s suspension of outbound Chinese tours to contain the coronavirus had  been a direct hit for boat operators, who mainly serve Chinese tour groups.

“Chinese tour agencies were closed for a month from Jan 29 to wait and see how the situation developed… As a result, boat operators have to halt services for three months, based on the agencies’ tour programs.

“Since the closure of Chinese outbound tours, there has not been a single customer.”

Here is a perfect Pattaya day

Chinese storm Thailand beach

What a view from the balcony of my apartment.

Peace & quiet at sunset

Pattaya life FiveStarVagabond 2017

Thanks for visiting my Chinese storm Thailand beach post, there is never a dull moment in Pattaya.

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.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

36555237616_da3ed73d6a_o

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

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

                    Please check out these fabulous posts 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

 
       Gold Coast                              Pattaya                          Cinque Terre
bd96516a-84df-4ca0-86e6-c757cc9053d1          01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f          e18b6c87-5adc-4a80-92cf-6c643ad130c1
 
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

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

More great posts here;

Rio beach babes

Florianopolis Brazil 

Bangkok river ferry

Fabulous HCMC

Lyme Regis Jurassic coast

Hiroshima Japan

Sydney Harbour

Pattaya live webcam

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

July 27, 2015 by David Herd

Soho Village Plaza

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

  Soho Village Plaza Pattaya is an outdoor market on 2nd Rd near Soi 1 & Big C. Good low price food and a pleasant outdoor atmosphere & lots of fresh seafood. 250 Baht is about $7.20 USD as at July 2015.

Decisions decisions

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

Decisions decisions. 

Scallops, Calamari, Octopus & roast pig

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

 

Too much food is never enough. 🙂

Vietnamese tourists

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

  Last year in 2014 the place was full of Russians but with the collapse of the Rouble they have all disappeared. I much prefer these gorgeous Vietnamese girls anyhow. 🙂  

Fresh fish, wine from 7 11 and my Kindle.

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

  They do sell Thai wine at the market however if you prefer an Australian drop just buy it from 711 across the road.  

Location

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya is diagonally opposite the Sabai Empress, which is a good value budget hotel with nice rooms.  

Sabai Empress

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

Also around the corner is the Sabai Wing which is a little cheaper.

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

    Fabulous Thai street food here.

Open air dining

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

  Good food at low prices.

Beautiful fresh prawns & scallops

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

    Fresh seafood is hard to beat.

Barbecue

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

Watch the food being cooked.

Thai wine

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

  It’s drinkable and very cheap, however as I said if you prefer an Australian drop just buy it from 711 across the road.  

 Fresh fruit

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

Mango & sticky rice is a Thailand specialty. 

Sophisticated cocktail bar.

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya


There is a clown in every market. 🙂

Lots of variety available here

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

Lots of fresh product to choose from.

Eye candy as well

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

 

A long legged Russian no doubt. 🙂

Phad Thai

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

 

Only B100.

Roast chicken

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

 

This stall has gone since the renovation in 2016.

Ribs

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

 

The ribs are excellent.

Fresh seafood

Market seafood 1

 

The seafood is my favourite.

What a way to finish

IMG_5100

Mango and sticky rice one of Thailand’s great dishes, only 50 Baht here or $2 aud.

A very pleasant place to eat

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

Check out my webcam 24/7.

                        Here are some more posts to check out         

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.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

36555237616_da3ed73d6a_o

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

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

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

 
  Please check out these fabulous posts
       Gold Coast                              Pattaya                          Cinque Terre
bd96516a-84df-4ca0-86e6-c757cc9053d1          01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f          e18b6c87-5adc-4a80-92cf-6c643ad130c1
 
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)

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

Check out some of the crazy things I see every day at my home in Thailand

 

Before I arrived in Cape Town I was in Brussels

 
 

Here is my post on the Italian Alps

Counter only started February 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

July 25, 2015 by David Herd

Get ready

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo takes place at the famous intersection outside Shibuya Station. the traffic is stopped in all directions, which allows pedestrians to walk & scramble in every direction across the intersection.

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

 The name “Shibuya” is also used to refer to the shopping district which surrounds Shibuya Station, one of Tokyo’s busiest railway stations. This area is known as one of the fashion centers of Japan, particularly for young people, and as a major nightlife area.

The masses collide 🙂

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

 Shibuya Crossing is one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. Shibuya Station is the third busiest station in Tokyo. The busiest in Tokyo and the world of course is Shinjuku.

Beautiful girls

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

You will see all different kinds of people and outfits in Shibuya, that’s why it’s one of my favourite places in Tokyo.

Fabulous faces in Shibuya

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the world’s best cities for people watching.

Shibuya Scramble Tokyo

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

Something to see around every corner.

Tokyo fashion

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

Of course close to Shibuya on a Sunday morning you can also see the fabulous Harajuku girls.

Fabulous at night

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway, but for me Tokyo is the neon capital of the world. The Ginza, Kabukicho and Shibuya are just three of the districts that will blow your mind.

Shibuya 109

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

Here is a popular shopping mall where the trendy Tokyo teenagers shop in more than 100 boutiques.

Dusk in Shibuya

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

 The crowd seems to increase when the sun goes down  and all the workers head for the shops, restaurants and bars.

Merry Xmas 2007

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

My first visit was December 2007 then March 2014 and I’m returning in September 2015 & October 2016..

Cool dude

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

I wonder what type of music he likes?

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

The specialty here is sweet, fluffy cheese tarts, with a gooey core that oozes out when you cut it open.

Shibuya hamburger

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

The food is one of the main attractions for me.

The Cellar Grill

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

One of my favourite restaurants is only a 15 minute walk from Shibuya station. Good food and a great atmosphere.

Wine at Cellar Grill

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

Thanks for visiting my Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo photo blog, I’m really looking forward to my next trip in September 2015, I’ll be staying at the Shibuya Granbell Hotel.

Granbell Hotel

Shibuya Chaotic Scramble Tokyo

I got an excellent deal booking through this Agoda link.

One last look at Shibuya crossing.

Favourite photos JapanAn awesome view from above.

                         Live link

【LIVE CAMERA】渋谷スクランブル交差点

   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
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.               

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

                              

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Magic Marble Mountain Vietnam

July 24, 2015 by David Herd

Marble Mountain Vietnam

Marble Mountain Vietnam

 Marble Mountain Vietnam where the statues are hand carved by certified and regulated stone mason artists. These artist begin a lifelong apprenticeship from a very young age and spend their life learning the trade.

 Huge statue

Marble Mountain Vietnam

 Mined from the famous Marble Mountain, in Vietnam, the premium marble offers quality and colours that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Plus the skill of the Vietnamese ensures a wonderful product.


 

Many beautiful statues

Marble Mountain Vietnam

I had to stop myself from sending a whole container home. TripAdvisor rate Marble Mountain 2nd out of 97 things to do in Danang.

Marble Mountain Vietnam

Marble Mountain Vietnam

 The stone carving village of Dong Hai, located next to the Marble Mountains in Vietnam is famous for traditional stone engraving and stone-cutting craft.

 

A Vietnamese Venus de Milo

Marble Mountain Vietnam

The statues here are rather extraordinary, all shapes and sizes. 

Bangkok to Danang

Marble Mountain Vietnam

There are about seven low cost flights per week from Bangkok to Danang, it only takes around 90 minutes.

Tiger on the prowl

Marble Mountain Vietnam

This guy is a rather mean looking beast. It reminds me of a funny story of my brush with a tiger in Chiang Mai, check out THIS LINK for the full story.

David Herd at Marble Mountain

Marble Mountain Vietnam

Thanks for visiting my Marble Mountain Vietnam post, please have a look at some more posts if you have the time. For great hotel rates simply use this link.    

         Hoi An, midway between Hanoi & HCMC, fly into Danang take a taxi south, on the way make sure you visit Marble mountain.

 

               

                      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.

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck


  • Lyme Regis Jurassic coast

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

July 24, 2015 by David Herd

White sand & a bright blue ocean

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

 Beautiful China Beach Vietnam is in Da Nang, a port city along the coast of the South China Sea. While there is not a great deal in the city in terms of restaurants and bars at the moment, Da Nang has been targeted for massive investment by both the government and private companies alike, and is tipped to be a major destination for both tourism and commerce.

Beach Vendors

Beautiful China Beach VietnamAlthough I was last there in 2003 I’m sure nothing has changed with the persistent beach vendors. They do not like taking no for an answer and there is really no escape from them.


Everything is for sale

Beautiful China Beach VietnamJohn Martin aka Pothole examining the merchandise.

 

Two Americans

Beautiful China Beach VietnamWe met two nice Americans on the beach and had lunch together washed down with some cold beers. Notice my Lee Child novel close by. 🙂

For a great hotel rate just book through THIS LINK.

Shelter from the sun.

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

 In more recent history, Danang is best-known for its role in the American Vietnam War. The Danang Airbase was a major American airbase, used both by the Americans and the South Vietnamese. Nearby China Beach, named after its beautiful china-white sand, was home to the 510th Evacuation Hospital, where wounded American soldiers would come to recover. China Beach itself was an American in-country R&R spot, nicknamed the “Five and Dime”. The Vietcong, meanwhile, had their own hospital surprisingly close by in the caves of the Marble Mountains.

 Beautiful Vietnamese face

Beautiful China Beach VietnamMy travelling partner John Martin aka “Pothole” was a bit of a lunatic, he is an excellent reason for travelling alone. 🙂

I forget what the young girl was selling however I just had to capture that beautiful face.

Marble Mountain

Beautiful China Beach VietnamIf you find yourself travelling from Da nang to Hoi An make sure you visit Marble Mountain.

China Beach Vietnam

Beautiful China Beach VietnamChina Beach Vietnam is a great place to relax however I would suggest you stay at Hoi An which is only 45 minutes away by taxi.

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

 


Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

 Who needs people when you have beautiful white sand & a bright blue ocean. 🙂

David Herd at China beach.

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

Thanks for visiting my Beautiful China Beach Vietnam travel page, one of my favorite places in Vietnam, however the image that sticks in my mind most of all are the beautiful faces of the people and their children in this amazing country. Have a look at some of my other Vietnam posts.

For a great hotel rate in China Beach just 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
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.

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

                            

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

July 22, 2015 by David Herd

On a Sunday morning sidewalk

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo originated among teens on the streets near Harajuku Station in Shibuya, Japan. It may have been brought to many people’s attention by American singer Gwen Stefani, but the evolution of the style certainly didn’t begin with her and it certainly won’t end with her. Like many “street fashions” it is difficult to characterize because it is constantly changing and because it has many manifestations.

Very cute indeed

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

These photos were taken a few years ago, I believe now in 2016 there are not as many girls gathering here every Sunday.

Comparing notes

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

Mix and (mis)match different fashions. What is now known as Harajuku (like Halloween in Japan every Sunday) style started as teens in the district began to integrate traditional Japanese attire, especially kimonos and geta sandals, into their wardrobe. Before, they wore primarily clothes that were influenced by the West, but by mixing the traditional with the modern, they created a new style. Other examples of mixing and matching including the punk look with the schoolgirl uniform or a goth look with designer clothes. In Harajuku, mixing different styles and mismatching colours and patterns is encouraged – you can do anything you want, as long as your outfit is a thoughtful expression of your individuality.

Lots of style here

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

It’s impossible to pinpoint one “Harajuku style.” Many styles have originated or developed on the streets of Harajuku, and many Harajuku girls (and boys) integrate one or more of these somewhat more defined styles into their outfits.


Pink is my colour

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

Decora style favours bright colours, flamboyance and accessories from head to toe. You decorate yourself with plastic toys and jewelry, and it’s not uncommon to have so many that you can hear them click together when the person moves

Here I am

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

I just had to get a shot with the Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo.

Love the purple hat

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

A beautiful Japanese face.

Lots of style this girl

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

A very interesting fashion statement.

Panda hat

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

A great hat & a nice tie.

Perhaps I’m a little confused

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

 Don’t be worried what other people think of you. People might think your weird, Asian people might call you gaijin, but if you’re happy, don’t change for other people. Advice from this webpage.

Ah! What the heck

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

  Many styles have originated or developed on the streets of Harajuku, and many Harajuku girls (and boys) integrate one or more of these somewhat more defined styles into their outfits.

 Pink panthers

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

I must say I’m not a fan of body piercing.

Painted faces

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

A couple of very cool dudes.

I’m guessing they are Goths

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

A good horror movie outfit.

A gathering of Goths

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

Harajuku girls are one of the most interesting sights to see in Tokyo.

Lets finish with “cute”

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

Bye bye girls, nice to meet you.

Harajuku station

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

Here is where it all begins, Harajuku Station is a railway station near Shibuya.


Here is where they buy their clothes

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

A nearby busy street is where many of them buy their clothes.

Don’t buy anything

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

What you are wearing now is perfect. 🙂

Just walking the dogs

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

They all seem to be the same breed. 🙂

Hmmm, not sure he approves.

Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo

A very interesting face in the crowd.

 This should explain everything

What Harajuku Girls Really Look Like | Style Out There | Refinery29

Thanks for visiting my Harajuku Girls High Fashion Tokyo photo blog.

                              Here are some more posts to check out           

  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
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.               

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

【LIVE CAMERA】渋谷スクランブル交差点

Fukuoka Hiroshima Sapporo Sendai

Tokyo Kagoshima Kanazawa Nagoya

Nagasaki Yokohama Kyoto Kamakura

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens

July 21, 2015 by David Herd

A great day out.

Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens

Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens

 Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens is a nice day out especially if you have children. A 30 minute drive from Pattaya and you can watch elephants play soccer.

Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens

Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens

Pisit and Nongnooch Tansacha purchased the 600-acre (2.4 km2) plot of land in 1954 with the intentions of developing the land as a fruit plantation. However, the owners instead decided to plant tropical flowers and plants as a wildlife conservation project. The garden opened to the public in 1980, and management was transferred to Pisit and Nongnooch’s son Kampon Tansacha in 2001. The garden currently fills 500 out of the 600 acres (2.4 km2).


 

No need to walk

Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens

  If you are lazy like me just jump on a bus or an elephant.  

Bus or elephant?

Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens

I thought my 110 kilo may have been too heavy for the poor elephant. 🙂

I still prefer the bus. 🙂

Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens

They are such magnificent animals.

Skinny legs

Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens   

All sorts of bird life at Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens.

Are you looking at me punk?

Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens

  Great colours on this guy.  

He’s not looking at you but I am

Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens

There is lots to see and do at Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens  

 Up close and personal

Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens

The little guy is about to have a bath.

Time for a bath

Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens

He is loving every minute of being hosed down.

Thirsty work at Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens

Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens

Carrying people around all day is thirsty work, but this hose really hits the spot. 🙂

Jeff Gill

Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens

  Here is my friend Jeff Gill from Melbourne, he fell in love with Pattaya and the Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens.  

After a few hours in the sun I’m cactus 🙂

Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens

Sorry folks that’s just Aussie slang for “I’m worn out”. 🙂

Thanks for visiting my Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens photo blog.

                          Here are some travel posts to check out 

           

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.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

36555237616_da3ed73d6a_o

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

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

 
  Please check out these fabulous posts
       Gold Coast                              Pattaya                          Cinque Terre
bd96516a-84df-4ca0-86e6-c757cc9053d1          01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f          e18b6c87-5adc-4a80-92cf-6c643ad130c1
 
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)
     
                 
 

Click here to see some sexy Thai LadyBoys.

 

Thai Street food is world famous

 
 

Check out these great posts

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Dusit Thani Hotel Pattaya

July 21, 2015 by David Herd

Dusit Hotel

Dusit Thani Hotel Pattaya

Dusit Thani Hotel North Pattaya

Dusit Thani Hotel Pattaya sits on a prime location on the headland in Pattaya with wonderful views of the Bay. Two nice pools and a good restaurant selection.

Hotel foyer

Dusit Thani Hotel Pattaya

 

For an excellent room rate at this five star hotel please use this link.

The Dusit Thani garden

Dusit Thani Hotel Pattaya

 

The gardens are huge and beautifully maintained as you would expect.

Hotel entrance

Dusit Thani Hotel Pattaya

The hotel is on a huge property, in fact the Woman’s Thailand open tennis is held here every year.

Dusit Thani Hotel Pattaya

Dusit Thani Hotel North Pattaya

The hotel entrance is beside the Dolphin roundabout at the start of Naklua Rd where there are many good restaurants.

The 2nd pool

Dusit Thani Hotel Pattaya

 

The pool area and others sections have just been upgraded. I often use this as a short cut when I walk to Wongamat as the pathway around the waterfront has collapsed.

Beach Rd view from the Dusit.

Dusit Thani Hotel Pattaya

 

The building next to the Holiday Inn is Markland condos, I have lived on the 17th floor on the south side since 2011. In my opinion I have the best view in Pattaya.

Yum Cha at the Peak Restaurant

Dusit Thani Hotel Pattaya

I am a regular customer here for their fantastic Yum Cha, the restaurant is quite hard to find, take the elevator near the pool to the 9th floor. The food is fantastic and the service is excellent.

Very sad to say the peak restaurant is closed permanently.

More of my favourite dishes

Dusit Thani Hotel Pattaya

For a five star hotel the dim sum lunch is reasonably priced, about B550 for 5 baskets, plus the quality is exceptional.

Dusit Thani Hotel Pattaya is perched on the point

Dusit Thani Hotel Pattaya

Guests have one of the best views in Pattaya.

Dusit Thani Hotel Pattaya

Dusit Thani Hotel Pattaya

Thanks for visiting my Dusit Thani Hotel North Pattaya photo blog, put it on your bucket list it really is a great place for lunch.

Dusit Thani Hotel Pattaya

Dusit Thani Hotel Pattaya

The Dusit Thani Hotel North Pattaya is a fine hotel in a great location, use this link for an excellent rate.

               

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.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

36555237616_da3ed73d6a_o

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

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

 
  Please check out these fabulous posts
       Gold Coast                              Pattaya                          Cinque Terre
bd96516a-84df-4ca0-86e6-c757cc9053d1          01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f          e18b6c87-5adc-4a80-92cf-6c643ad130c1
 
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)
  • Breakfast Bake n’ Brew

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

July 18, 2015 by David Herd

This section of the hotel has been demolished to make way for a new tower in 2019.

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya is on Beach Road opposite the beach and has beautiful gardens and grounds. If you can afford it stay in the Ocean Tower, good rates through this link.

It is May 2017 & a huge renovation is underway, the Garden section is being totally demolished & a new tower will be constructed in its place. Tavern by the sea on Beach Rd will also be demolished.

Two fabulous pools

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

Lots of places to relax & chill out.

Relax at the bar

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

This is my kind of bar. 🙂

Ocean tower room

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

  Sorry about the unmade bed but it was a little early for the maid service, which is a very high standard I might add.   Check the Webcam here for the Ocean Tower view.  

View towards Wongamat beach

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

  The yellow building on the left is the Dusit Thani and the 2nd high-rise from the left is Cape Dara Hotel.   The high rise buildings overlook my favourite bar, the Beach Club at the Pullman Hotel.  

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

  No bar here but ideal if you want to do some laps.  

Beautiful garden

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

In May 2017 & a huge renovation commenced, the Garden section is being totally demolished & a new tower will be constructed in its place. Tavern by the sea on Beach Rd has also been demolished.

Amari garden reception

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

  The Amari garden section was the low rise lower price accommodation.

Restaurant overlooking the gardens

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

In May 2017 & a huge renovation commenced, the Garden section is being totally demolished & a new tower will be constructed in its place. Tavern by the sea on Beach Rd has also been demolished.

Ocean Tower reception

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

A nice modern reception.

November 2007 Ocean Tower opens. 

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

I’m with a group of acquaintances from Australia at the opening of the Ocean Tower in November 2007.  

Opening night

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

  Here are the happy entertainers on opening night of the Ocean Tower in November 2007.  

Tavern By the Sea

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

  This is part of the Amari hotel and offers many great food specials. Two for one drinks between 5 & 7pm each night.  

Ribs & Wings

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

  All you can eat for 469 Baht every Wednesday, in fact I was there last Wednesday July 15 2015.  

Terrific duo

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

  This duo were fantastic entertainers, both have great voices and they perform a really good style of dinner music.  

The jewel in the crown

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

  The Mantra has been my favourite restaurant since it opened back in 2004, the Sunday brunch is magnificent.

Sunday brunch is the best

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

Without a doubt the Mantra Sunday brunch is the best I have had anywhere in the world. If you visit Pattaya put it at the top of your list. Oysters from France, Alaskan crab, etc etc, nne different kitchens to choose from.

 

The fabulous Mantra restaurant, Amari hotel in Pattaya Thailand.

Birthday

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

  Every year I celebrate my birthday at the Mantra, this was 2014.  Thanks for visiting my Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya photo blog.             

 Brendan Daly with daughter Hannah and Nathan Corbett

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

  Brendan was the Amari General manager in 2013 (Australian) and Nathan (Australian) on the right was 11 times Muay Thai world champion.  

 The Herd family, Warren, Laura, Elyssa and David

Amari Beachside Hotel Pattaya

I’m at the Amari Hotel Pattaya with my brother Warren and his two lovely daughters Laura & Elyssa.             

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
                         d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037              01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f
 
 That’s all folks
1g Duck
Pattaya live webcam 
 
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1) 
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

Check out these great photo blogs.

  • Lyme Regis Jurassic coast

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 1 photo.

A-One Beach Road Pattaya

July 17, 2015 by David Herd

A-One Hotel pool

A-One Beach Road Pattaya

A-One Beach Road Pattaya

Unique Beach Road Pattaya Hotel the A-One has two main pools to enjoy or simply walk across Beach road to the beach. The hotel is in a perfect location next door to my condo. 🙂

Twin ships

A-One Beach Road Pattaya

The main hotel consists of 2 buildings at the front shaped like ships and 2 at the back, in adjacent Soi 3 there are 3 more 6 story hotels and a huge 20 story one under construction. The 27 floor high-rise in the photo is Markland where I live on the 20th floor.


A-One Beach Road Pattaya

A-One Beach Road Pattaya

This is only one of around 6 of there properties in the area.

Stunning at night

A-One Beach Road Pattaya

Unique and unforgettable, no wonder it is one of the most popular hotels in Pattaya. Take a Baht bus in front of the hotel for a short trip to wonderful Walking St for 10 Baht or 30 cents usd.

Seafood BBQ every night

A-One Beach Road Pattaya

Sit beside one of the two large pools and enjoy the seafood buffet.

All aboard

A-One Beach Road Pattaya

Beautifully lit up at night this Unique Pattaya Hotel represents good value. For an excellent room rate just book through THIS LINK.

A-One Beach Road Pattaya

A-One Beach Road Pattaya

Located on Beach Road north Pattaya between Soi 2 and Soi 3.

Exciting & spectacular

A-One Beach Road Pattaya

The view looking down from my condo in Markland.

September 16 2016

A-One Beach Road Pattaya

Big renovation going on around the pools.

Another A-One in Soi 3

A-One Beach Road Pattaya

Ai have quite a few adjoining properties, this one is located in Soi 3.

The big mishap in Soi 3

A-One Beach Road Pattaya

This new A-One hotel will be huge, over 20 floors, they had a little mishap late 2014 when the crane toppled over.

A closer look

A-One Beach Road Pattaya

Luckily there were no reports of any injuries.


 

June 2015

A-One Beach Road Pattaya

One and 1/2 years later they are still at ground level.  Once they start above ground the progress will gain momentum.

September 4 2016

A-One Beach Road Pattaya

On the way to being completed, has reached 19 floors high.

July 2017

A-One Beach Road PattayaThe finished project, they call it the MYTT Hotel.

A-One Beach Road Pattaya, lights at Xmas 2017.

A-One Beach Road PattayaQuite spectacular. 

Thanks for visiting my A-One Beach Road Pattaya photo blog, use THIS LINK for a very good room rate.       

 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
                         d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037              01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f
 
 That’s all folks
Surfers Paradise Party Animals
 
Pattaya live webcam 
 
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1) 
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

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos