asia | Hello from the Five Star Vagabond

Wan Chai Hong Kong

April 19, 2014 by David Herd

Wan Chai Hong Kong in mid February, it was so cold, you must be joking I thought. Last week the temperature was 18 degrees, when I arrived it was 8. The first stop on my “seven Super Cities” adventure in a city I had not visited since 1980, 34 years ago.

Wan Chai Hong Kong

Wan Chai Hong Kong is one of the busiest commercial areas in Hong Kong with offices of many small and medium-sized companies. Wan Chai North features office towers, parks, hotels and an international conference and exhibition centre. As one of the first areas developed in Hong Kong.

Gloucester Rd Wan Chai

Wan Chai’s Gloucester Road, a east-west trunk route along the northern coast, is connected to Cross-Harbour Tunnel, the first undersea tunnel in Hong Kong. This tunnel is connected to the south by a direct viaduct from its landing point on Hong Kong Island to the Aberdeen Tunnel towards the southern coast.

Wan Chai Hong Kong opposite my hotel

Prostitution has been one of the oldest occupations in Wan Chai. There are numerous historical accounts of women trading sex for western merchandise, especially from visiting sailors who got off the trading ships and visited this area.

Lockhart Rd Wan Chai

In the 1960s, Wan Chai became legendary for its exotic night life, especially for the US servicemen resting there during the Vietnam War.

One Aussie, one Kiwi & 3 Filipinos.

For bars, restaurants and night clubs Wan Chai Hong Kong is a great part of the city. The area towards the western end of Lockhart Road, including a small part of the parallel Jaffe Road, is one of Hong Kong island’s two main bar districts (the other being the more upmarket Lan Kwai Fong in Central). Once considered primarily as a red light district, this area is now more diverse with bars, pubs, restaurants and discos.

A number of the raunchier bars still remain, however, their doorways festooned with women from Thailand and the Philippines. The famous novel and film “The World of Suzie Wong” sets many scenes in this area. The bar district has been popular with visiting sailors and navies, when Fenwick Pier, west of the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre, was in use as a military pier.

Wan Chai Hong Kong

Only a 10 minute walk from my hotel to the ferry.

Short ride across the bay

About a 30 minute ferry ride to Star terminal at Kowloon.

Hong Kong bus

Or is it a tram?

View of Hong Kong island from the ferry.

The island is home to many of the most famous sights in Hong Kong, such as “The Peak“,Ocean Park, many historical sites and various large shopping centres. The mountain ranges across the island are also famous for hiking. The northern part of Hong Kong Island together with Kowloon forms the core urban area of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong island from the ferry.

The island is often referred to locally as “Hong Kong side” or “Island side”. This description was formerly applied to many locations (e.g. ‘China-side’ or even ‘Kowloon Walled City-side’) but is now only heard in this form and ‘Kowloon side’, suggesting the two sides of the harbour.

Star Ferry pier in Kowloon

Quite a contrast between these two vessels.

Star Ferry Pier

The “Star” Ferry Company, is a passenger ferry service operator and tourist attraction in Hong Kong. Its principal routes carry passengers across Victoria Harbour, between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. It was founded in 1888 as the Kowloon Ferry Company, adopting its present name in 1898.

Kowloon

Large-scale development of Kowloon began in the early 20th century, with the construction of the Kowloon-Canton Railway and the Kowloon Wharf, but because of Kowloon’s close proximity to Kai Tak Airport, building construction was limited by flight paths. As a result, compared to Hong Kong Island, Kowloon has a much lower skyline.

One Peking building

Located at the heart of the Tsimshatsui district, One Peking has stunning panoramic views of Victoria harbour.

Wan Chai Hong Kong Lotus Vietnamese restaurant

Good food and service at this nice Vietnamese restaurant at 118 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai Hong Kong.

Mango & sticky at the Lotus.

One of my favourite deserts in Wan Chai winter Hong Kong.

Brighton Hotel 128 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai

This is a terrific small hotel in a great location. Book here for a good discount.

Hong Kong 1980

Here is a shot from my first visit to Hong Kong in 1980, how things have changed.

Somebody has to do it. 🙂

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Asia best city Tokyo

April 17, 2014 by David Herd

Tokyo Skytree

Asia best city definitely Tokyo Japan

Asia best city Tokyo Japan, this was my 3rd visit after being there twice in 2007. There is so much to see and do in this fantastic city. I guarantee I won’t wait 7 years before I visit again.

Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting, restaurant, and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo, Japan. It became the tallest structure in Japan in 2010 and reached its full height of 634.0 meters in March 2011.

Asakusa

Looking down at Asakusa from the Skytree. Asakusa is a district in Taitō, Tokyo, Japan, most famous for the Sensō-ji, a Buddhist temple dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon. There are several other temples in Asakusa, as well as various festivals.

Sky Tree at night

I rarely use a photo I have not taken myself, however this one I found on Twitter is an exception as it is so spectacular.

Sensō-ji, a Buddhist temple

Sensō-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Taitō. It is Tokyo’s oldest temple, and one of its most significant. Formerly associated with the Tendai sect, it became independent after World War II. Adjacent to the temple is a Shinto shrine, the Asakusa Shrine. Want to see more photos just CLICK HERE.

Tsukiji Honganji Temple

Hongwan-ji, is a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temple located in the Tsukiji district of Tokyo. Tsukiji Hongan-ji’s predecessor was the temple of Edo-Asakusa Gobo, built in Asakusa in 1617 at the behest of the 12th monshu, Junnyo Shōnin. The temple burned during a city-wide fire in 1657, and the shogunate refused to allow it to be rebuilt in Asakusa due to a prior project there. Instead, the temple was moved to a new parcel of land being reclaimed by the Sumida River—today’s Tsukiji. This land was said to have been reclaimed by Jodo Shinshu followers themselves who lived at nearby Tsukudajima. The name Tsukiji comes from the kanji characters meaning “reclaimed land”. This new temple, named Tsukiji Gobo, stood until it was leveled by the Great Kantō earthquake of 1923.

New Sanno Hotel

Dinner with Clai & Dan at the New Sanno Hotel. It offers a swimming pool, recreational facilities, a Navy Exchange, and other services designed for military travelers. The hotel is regulated and controlled by the U.S.–Japan Status of Forces Agreement. In addition to active duty and retired US military personnel eligible to use other Armed Forces Recreation Centers, DoD civilian employees duty stationing in Japan, contractors on DoD orders to execute contracts for the US Armed Forces stationed in Japan, US Embassy Tokyo personnel and individuals administratively attached to US Embassy Tokyo are eligible to use the hotel.

New Sanno Hotel

I dined with friends at the US military hotel in Tokyo (New Sanno Hotel). You actually need a passport checked by an armed guard just to get in the door.

Met a couple of military guys, one was an ex Lieutenant Colonel whose name is Lance Gatling, you guessed it, his great great Grandfather was Doctor Richard Gatling who invented the Gatling gun in 1861 during the American civil war. Naturally talking to these guys I learnt some interesting facts, America lost about 600,000 in the civil war. In World War II, they lost about 200,000, & 54,000 in Vietnam. The primary cause of death in the Civil War was disease and infection.

Metro cafe

Metro cafe is one of our favorite Tokyo bars, you can always meet delightful Japanese ladies there. It is located at Omotesando Station.

The Cellar Grill at Omotesando

Not far from the Metro Cafe is a great little restaurant called the Cellar Grill.

Bob Bitzer & I at the Cellar Grill

A great night with lots of laughs.

The Cellar Grill

Feeling no pain at the Cellar Grill, now lets get back to Cafe Metro.

Friends in Tokyo at Metro cafe

Here we are back in our favorite drinking spot in Asia best city at Omete-Sando station. I’m with Clai, Dan and Bob.

kabuki theatre tokyo

The building was destroyed on October 30, 1921. Since it burned down from an electrical fire, the second building was designed to “be fireproof, yet carry traditional Japanese architectural styles”, and at the same time using Western building materials such as lighting equipment. The reconstruction commenced in 1922, and was uncompleted when the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake struck and caused it to burn down. It was rebuilt in a baroque Japanese revivalist style, meant to evoke the architectural details of Japanese castles, as well as temples of pre-Edo period. The theater again burned down in the Allied bombing during World War II. It was restored in 1950 preserving the style of 1924 reconstruction, and was until recently one of Tokyo’s more dramatic and traditional buildings.

The Ginza

The Ginza is known as an upscale area of Tokyo with numerous department stores, boutiques, restaurants and coffeehouses. Ginza is recognised as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world.

Asia best city definitely Tokyo Japan

A great people watching corner.

Shabusen in the Ginza

Kobe beef at Shabusen at the Ginza A terrific restaurant for Kobe beef, go at lunch time for special prices.

Near the Tsukiji Market

The Tsukiji Market is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and also one of the largest wholesale food markets of any kind.

Tsujiki Market

The market is being relocated.

Sumida River

Sumida river flows through Tokyo, Japan. It branches from the Arakawa River at Iwabuchi and flows into Tokyo Bay.

Sumida River

I must say Tokyo 2014 was better for me than Tokyo in 2007, it certainly helps now I know the city better and I have some friends to mix with.

Sushizanmai

Sushizanmai at Tsujiki is still my favourite restaurant in Tokyo.

Sushizanmai

I met this lovely lady called Mammi at Sushizanmai.

My favourite Japanese song

David Herd at Shabusen

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What a great year for travel in 2015

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A quaint Tokyo street

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Dotonbori in Osaka

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Shinkansen bullet train

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Canon Camera Love Travelling

December 25, 2013 by David Herd

Hoi An in Vietnam

Canon Camera Love Travelling. When you grow up in Australia you soon realise that every other country in the world is beyond the sea. Somewhere in my teenage years I was bitten by the travel bug, I have been to 50 countries and 600 cities. Here is a collection of my favourite travel photos in no particular order, however the one above just happens to be my number one favourite.

Here is Bobby Darren with the appropriate song.

Copacabana

Perhaps the worlds best beach for people watching. Since my first trip there in January 1999, I returned another 7 times, with the last time being October 2010.

Future super models in Rio

As soon as I raised my camera they struck a pose, did not have to be asked to do it, the spirit of Rio

My boulevard of broken dreams.

W48th st & 8th ave Manhattan there is a nice French bistro, Pigalle. New York is my favorite city, it seems like six different cities molded together, there is such an exciting diversified collection of people and places make sure you give yourself enough time to soak up the atmosphere.

Tell us what you think Billy.

Canon Camera Love Travelling in Lisbon

Canon Camera Love Travelling Lisbon is recognised as a global city because of its importance in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education and tourism. It is one of the major economic centers on the continent, with a growing financial sector and the largest/second largest container port on Europe’s Atlantic coast.

Koh Chang Thailand.

Koh Chang is the 2nd largest Thai island after Phuket. Stay in a bungalow on the beach and enjoy the terrific Thai food. In many ways Koh Chang reminds me of Koh Samui 15 years ago. I used to love Koh Samui in the 90′s but the more it developed the more the attraction faded.

Valparaiso in Chile

Valparaiso is by the sea in Chile about 100 kilometres from Santiago. I bet this fantastic house has been photographed millions of times, perched on the edge of a sheer drop you would not want to be a sleep walker. This is one of the escalators (Ascensores) connecting the harbor area to the hills, and the building is the restaurant Las Brujas.

Sanctuary Cove on Australia’s Gold Coast

The Gold Coast has many world class golf courses, it was the home of Adam Scott who is currently number 2 in the world.

Canon Camera Love Travelling in South Beach Miami

The fabulous art deco towers are unique examples of this form of architecture, they along the eight and a half mile stretch of Beach. All told there are twenty five towers guarding those who use the beach. At once functional and decorative, they contribute beautifully to the overall aesthetic of this Floridian resort city.

Beautiful faces in Rio De Janeiro

Carnival in Rio is awesome, it is really the greatest show on Earth. I was at the Sambadrome in 1999 and 2005, then I celebrated Carnival at a Bloco in Ipanema in 2008. I was way up in the bleachers in 1999 so in 2005 I paid about $500 to have a front row seat. Therefore I have been fortunate enough to have experienced Carnival from 3 different aspects.

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Fishing fleet in Nha Trang Vietnam

I went to Nha Trang twice in 2004 and hope to return July 2014.

Take us to your leader.

Once a year, when the great Rio De Janeiro carnival takes place, the coastal town Paraty which is located 250 km south west to Rio, holds a unique carnival. In Paraty’s Mud Carnival – (Portuguese: Bloco da lama) the costumes that its participants wear is black sticky mud which is smeared on their bodies.

The carnival preserves the ancient local tradition when the Indians smeared their bodies with black mud for medical reasons, and held ritual ceremonies in order to bring cure to the ill. In contrary to Rio carnival where the participants wear marvellous coloured costumes, in Paraty carnival the fiesta is based mostly on the simplicity of the junction between men and nature.

Fantastic seafood in Salzburg.

So much wonderful seafood on sale at a city nowhere near the ocean.

Salzburg is the fourth largest city in Austria and the capital of the federal state of Salzburg. Salzburg’s “Old Town” has internationally renowned baroque architecture and one of the best-preserved city centres north of the Alps.

The Old Bridge on the river Arno in Florence

Florence is a beautiful city, I have been there 3 or 4 times and can’t wait to visit again. I saw a lot of the city and surrounding areas thanks to my good friend Francesca.

View from my condo in Pattaya Thailand.

I wake up every morning to this wonderful view of Pattaya beach.

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De Wallen Amsterdam

One of the truly great European cities, this is their famous red light district.

Gorgeous girls & Manneken Pis.

Brussels is a great city for food.

Roast pig at Tram Chim Saigon

HCMC or Saigon is a truly wonderful experience, I was there in 2015 and millions of $$$$ are being spent to transform this amazing metropolis.

From as early as 1980 I knew I would Have Camera Love Travelling around the world & often to Thailand, but I never thought I would live there permanently. However in October 2011 I left Australia and moved to Thailand. This is probably the final stage in my wonderful life.

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Hua Hin popular resort

September 25, 2013 by David Herd

Nice town south of Bangkok

Hua Hin popular resort

Hua Hin popular resort combines the attractions of a modern holiday destination with the charm and fascination of a still active fishing port. While most other Thai holiday destinations cater mainly to foreign tourists, Hua Hin Thai resort is a holiday destination for foreigners and Thais.

Besides it’s great 5 mile long beach Hua Hin provides the highest density of world class golf courses anywhere in Thailand while it’s yet virtually undiscovered as an international Golf destination. Green-fees and other costs are currently among the lowest in the world while course maintenance and services are superb.

Fishing boats

Hilton Hua Hin Thai resort

In 1928, the late King Rama VII built Klai Kangwon Palace which remains until this today an official royal residence. It is still frequently used by members of the royal family and is open to the public for visits.

Hua Hin Thai resort continued to develop in its own leisurely way, with the added attraction of an 18-hole golf course, and as a fishing port. The Railway Hotel, today’s Sofitel Central Hua Hin, was built by the State Railways of Thailand in 1923 in the architectural style of old Siam.

Many of Bangkok’s rich and famous built their own beachfront summer homes to the north and south along the curving sandy bay, enjoying leisurely family weekends in a resort which has maintained its unique identity.

Packing up the tiny shrimps.

The guys here are preparing the tiny shrimps for the market.

David Herd shovelling shrimps.

Well known for my generosity, here I am pitching in and shoveling shrimps. 😆

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Hua Hin popular resort Master & apprentice.

Father & son prepare the nets.

The quintessential night market.

As in 100,000 other Thai villages here is your quintessential night market, the goods on sales rarely vary too much. However everything is cheap and the food is fresh and authentic Thai.

Fresh seafood at the market.

Fresh seafood is always a good choice.

My brother Warren with a monster shrimp.

Barbecue shrimp does not get much better than this in Thailand.

Hua Hin popular resort

My brother Warren & I waiting patiently for the seafood feast to arrive.

Once again we ordered too much. 😳

As usual we ordered way too much, I’m a big eater however Warren has the appetite of an ant so we could only get through about half of the food on the table.

Hilton Hotel Hua Hin Thai resort.

Hua Hin Thai resort is located 190 km south west of Bangkok on the gulf of Thailand, about a two hour 15 minute drive.

Hilton Hotel

A great location but above my pay grade.

Seafood restaurant on the beach

Where are all the people? It si now 2016 and many of these buildings have encroached on public land and may be removed.

Here comes the sheriff

On patrol. 🙂

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Pattaya Hilton

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

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White Sands Beach Koh-Chang

September 12, 2013 by David Herd

Welcome to Koh Chang

White Sands Beach Koh-Chang

White Sands Beach Koh-Chang I first visited 10 years ago & I wanted to see whether there were many changes on this lovely island. This jetty is the first thing you see upon arrival, then after a 10 minute hilly drive down the west coast you arrive at White Sands Beach.

It really has not changed much since I was there in 2003.

Ferry was a rust bucket.

The ferry service is very good, 1/2 an hour across the water and only 280 Baht or $9 for our SUV & 2 people. Lots of drinks & snacks on board as well. For those without a vehicle there are busses waiting to take you to your hotel.

White Sands Beach Koh Chang

In many ways Koh Chang reminds me of Koh Samui 15 years ago. I used to love Koh Samui in the 90’s but the more it developed the more the attraction faded. That is until I returned in 2015 and found Chaweng had much more to offer with restaurants, bars & shopping centres.

Pool at the Kacha Resort.

The Kacha Resort was a great place to stay, close to lots of restaurants and bars and probably one of the best hotel rooms I have ever stayed in. This time I lived up to my name, the Five Star Vagabond. Here is a short video showing some details of this terrific hotel.

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Kacha Resort

A great location on the beach & near lots of restaurants & shops.

Nice pool

Pool or beach, decisions decisions. 🙂

A cold Singha beer hits the spot.

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Banpu Resort, White Sands Beach.

A more conventional Thai resort which is right ext door to Kacha.

Nong Bug restaurant.

This Thai seafood restaurant with the great name was the busiest in White Sands Beach by a long way. To us that meant the food was fresh because of the turnover. The price was low and the food excellent.

Street market White Sands Beach.

All the usual stuff is on sale at the street markets, a sexy ladies bikini can be bought for 250 Baht or $8. Naturally you are expected to haggle.

Genuine reproductions here.

There are many art shops in Thailand where you can have your favourite painting copied for a very low cost, want a Picasso? Well this guy will paint you one. 😳

Happy beach vendors.

The beach vendors here are a happy bunch, lots of bracelets, and goodies for 50 to 100 Baht.

Amari Emerald Cove hotel Koh Chang.

The Amari Hotel Emerald Cove is quite an amazing property, absolute luxury. It is on the beach and has the biggest swimming pool I have ever seen in a hotel. If you want to spoil yourself this could be the place for you.

La Dolce Vita.

La Dolce Vita is a very good Italian restaurant in White Sands Beach, the staff are friendly and the food is good. The owner hails from Milan and knows how to make a very good pizza.

Caught up with the owner

A happy Italian who serves up good food.

Beautiful Coconut Beach.

Just 6 kms south of White Sands Beach is Coconut Beach, a beautiful almost deserted stretch of white sand where the water is clean and calm. A number of resorts are here for those who prefer a quieter more peaceful environment. The Coconut Beach Resort is one worth considering.

Coconut Beach Resort.

Much quieter than White Sands Beach, and a much nicer stretch of sand, I imagine it would be an ideal honeymoon destination.

Koh Chang sunset.

Koh Chang is famous for beautiful sunsets, I never get tired of watching the sun set in the west. My next Thai island adventure will probably be a return to Koh Samui.

In fact I went back to Koh Samui in June 2016, & was pleased to see it has improved out of sight.

Pothole is happy

Pothole aka John Martin loves Thai ladies & orange clothes. 🙂 He is with Tom & Annie from the Double Lucky bar.

Motorbike taxi

I gave this nice lady 100 Baht to drive me 500 meters to the hotel before the rain, a small price to pay to stay dry.

Farewell to Annie & her friend.

A nice friendly island.

Fun with the elephants

Here is my friend Hamish Elton having fun with the elephants.

This is lovely Nitt

The gorgeous Thai girl is Nitt from Khon Kaen, Hamish of course is known is Thailand as the king of selfies. 🙂

White Sands Beach Koh Chang

About a 40 minute cruise from the mainland.

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Well folks, many thanks for visiting my White Sands Beach Koh Chang photo blog, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed being here.

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Pattaya is only a 4 hour drive away

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Yangon Rangoon Myanmar Burma

September 7, 2013 by David Herd

Magnificent reclining Buddha

Yangon Rangoon Myanmar

Yangon Rangoon Myanmar Burma, Yangon with a population of over four million, continues to be the country’s largest city and the most important commercial center. The city features a lengthy rainy season from May through October where a substantial amount of rainfall is received; and a dry season from November through April, where little rainfall is seen. It’s primarily due to the heavy precipitation received during the rainy season that Yangon falls under the tropical monsoon climate category. During the course of the year, average temperatures show little variance, with average highs ranging from 29 to 36 °C (84 to 97 °F) and average lows ranging from 18 to 25 °C (64 to 77 °F). I was there in June 2011 and it rained heavily every day.

Shwethalyaung reclining Buddha.

The Shwethalyaung Buddha is a reclining Buddha in the west side of Bago (Pegu), Burma (Myanmar). The Buddha, which has a length of 55 m (180 ft) and a height of 16 m (52 ft), is the second largest Buddha in the world, after the 74 m reclining Buddha in Dawei (Tavoy). The Buddha is believed to have been built in 994, during the reign of Mon King Migadepa. It was lost in 1757 when Pegu was pillaged.

The Buddha’s feet

During British colonial rule, in 1880, the Shwethalyaung Buddha was rediscovered under a cover of jungle growth. Restoration began in 1881, and Buddha’s mosaic pillows (on its left side) were added in 1930.

Maha Vizaya Pagoda in Yangon.

I really enjoyed my short visit to this mysterious country which has been closed to tourists until the last couple of years. There is an amazing number of wonderful temples or Pagodas to investigate, as well as many beautiful old seemingly abandoned mansions waiting for restoration. Most of the people I met were incredibly polite and spoke perfect English. Yangon Rangoon Myanmar is a place you should put on your bucket list.

Maha Vizaya Pagoda

Rather spectacular don’t you think?

Many run down stately homes

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Shwedagon Pagoda

The jewel in the crown.

Amazing Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.

The guys I travelled with saw none of these magnificent temples & statues, instead they played golf every day, what a shame.

Backup power generators are needed in Yangon.

The infrastructure in Myanmar is under extreme pressure, there were power blackouts nearly every day we were there. Consequently most buildings and businesses have a huge power generator, usually on the footpath in front of their building.

Young Monks at Chinatown in Yangon.

Walking distance from our hotel, local markets are always fascinating.

Flowers in Chinatown

Life at the market.

Lots of rain

When it rains it pours and it seems to rain every day. 🙂

The Strand Hotel

During the colonial period, The Strand was one of the most luxurious hotels in the British Empire with a clientele of exclusively whites. The Sarkies Brothers sold The Strand to Rangoon restaurateur Peter Bugalar Aratoon and Ae Amovsie in 1925. In 1941, during World War II, following Japanese occupation of Burma, the hotel was used to quarter Japanese troops.

Yangon Rangoon Myanmar at the Strand Hotel

The following year, the Strand’s ownership was transferred to the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. For the first time in 1945, since the Strand’s establishment, the Burmese became part of the hotel’s clientele. After Burma achieved independence in 1948, the hotel was neglected by post-colonial governments.

50th St Restaurant in Yangon, American style food.

The 50th St Restaurant is in, you guessed it, 50th St, very good atmosphere & big comfortable leather lounges, the food is ok as well.

Pre dinner drinks

A real “old world” atmosphere.

This street cafe is not as fancy as 50th St. 😆

Something to suit everyone.

Golf

Quite a beautiful course.

Pun Hlaing Golf Club in Yangon

About 45 minutes from the city is the Pun Hlaing Golf Club, quite a spectacular course. Here I am with Trevor (Australian) Clive (English) & Chris (German) we all live in Thailand, my 3 friends are all low handicap golfers , and I am the only hacker. 😳

Clive likes his food.

Travel tip. Hotels are a little expensive are in short supply in Yangon Rangoon Myanmar so make sure you make a booking before you arrive & use THIS LINK for a good discount. We stayed at The Alfa Hotel which was only 2 star, but the location was good and the staff very friendly. NB. I have just heard they have completed renovations.

Another tip. Make sure you have USD, preferably new smooth notes, as the locals do not like to accept old dirty currency.

Super travel tip. Ko Soe Lwin was our driver in Yangon, his old station wagon was certainly not a luxury vehicle but he was reliable, cheap and spoke perfect English, phone him at +95 4925 9082 or e-mail [email protected]

AS I said earlier Yangon was Rangoon, Myanmar was Burma, other Asian countries have also changed their name, Thailand was Siam & Taiwan was Formosa. So Yangon Rangoon Myanmar, call it what you wish but it is certainly worth a visit.

Istanbul Budapest London

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Holiday Inn

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.

This mass slaughter is taking place as I write, it is heartbreaking to see what is happening to the citizens of Myanmar. Here is the sad story of a beautiful 19 year old girl they called Angel who was shot dead.

Kyal Sin’s last minutes, she was seen leading a group of young protesters. When tear gas rained down and shooting came from security forces at the other end of the road, all of them looked worried but she shouted: “Are we united?”, and they chanted “United, United”. A family friend later said she was a truly inspirational leader.

Kyal Sin is one of several teenagers who gave up their lives on Wednesday. Gen Z, as they are called, believe their future must not be shaped by a military regime. But the same old army again committed atrocities even in urban areas where people film on their mobile phones.

One protester told me that he had never seen this kind of inhumane cruelty by police and soldiers who are shooting unarmed protesters with live ammunition, many of them in the head. But he insisted they would not be silenced and the military’s barbaric acts made him even more determined.

At Kyal Sin’s funeral, her aunt also vowed: “I feel sad but they must fall soon. Our fight must win.”

Click here to see a Thai City due east of Yangon.

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

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Southern tropical Thai island

August 30, 2013 by David Herd

Koh Chang is a place to relax

Southern tropical Thai island

Southern tropical Thai island, beautiful white sand beaches and pristine clear water. Koh Chang is one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands with long white sandy beaches, most half deserted. The island is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including a good selection of birds, snakes, deer and a number of elephants. The island and its vicinity are great places for snorkeling, diving and jungle hiking. The “discovery” of the island as a tourist destination since 2000 has brought on a large amount of rapid development, and while still far quieter than places like Phuket or Koh Samui, it’s probably better to go now than later.

The beach at Coconut resort.

Ko Chang has the same seasons as Bangkok. The best season to go is the (comparatively) cool season between November and February. March to May are roasting hot and between June and October it rains, and a lot at that: 4,000 mm in an average year. Many guest houses close during this season, so accommodation is limited.

Coconut beach resort

Coconut beach resort is just south of White Sands beach, it is very peaceful and relaxing with some bars & restaurants across the road. They have bungalows on the beach or more modern rooms if you prefer.

Bungalows on the beach

Koh Chang has turned into a major tourist destination, both for foreigners and local Thais. This sudden tourism boom however, has been fraught with controversy concerning land use, etc. The government is trying to “develop” it from a backpackers’ paradise to a top-level destination, and construction work is going on throughout the island, with basic huts torn down to make way for fancy resorts. Sadly it will end up being another case of “paradise lost”.

Southern tropical Thai island White Sands Beach

White Sands Beach has lots of hotels and restaurants.

My friend from Beijing

Mable & I met in Beijing last year so I flew her over to spend some time with me in Thailand.

Southern tropical Thai island beach bungalows

When you stay in a bungalow it seems to feel more like a Southern tropical Thai island.

Peace and serenity

Beautiful calm waters of Koh Chang.

Gorgeous children

Such happy beautiful faces

Starting very young

They start learning to box at a very young age.

Chang means Elephant in Thai.

Elephants are such wonderful beasts.

Koh Chang sunset

There are some wonderful sunsets in Thailand.

Beautiful Koh Chang

It would be ten long years before I would go back to this lovely Southern tropical Thai island

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

Pattaya Hilton

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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Sihanoukville Cambodia Coast

August 7, 2013 by David Herd

Cambodia, interesting friendly & mysterious.

Sihanoukville Cambodia coast

Sihanoukville Cambodia Coast is about 3 hours by bus from Phnom Penh. We were sad to leave the city however with the high May temperature we were looking forward to relaxing on the beach while sipping on a few cold beers.

Nice sand & lots of activity

The beaches were more crowded than usual due to a public holiday. Never the less it was great to enjoy the casual atmosphere and sea breeze.

Busy beach

Public holiday to celebrate the Kings birthday.

One of the many beach bars.

Lots of casual bars along the beach where you can get a nice cold beer.

Old boat in Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville was the place of the last official battle of the United States Army in the Vietnam War, although the incident took place outside Vietnam. The Mayaguez incident of 12–15 May 1975 involved US forces and the Khmer Rouge. Currently, divers at Koh Tang, one of the Sihanoukville islands where the major battle to free the USS Mayaguez took place, can see two shipwrecks on the sea floor 40 metres (130 ft) down.

Sihanoukville Cambodia Coast

Reminds me of Pattaya 30 years ago.

Nice beach with fine white sand.

I will visit again in October 2017.

Sokha Beach Resort

Luxury five star hotel on the beach, for a great room rate book here.

Sokha Beach Resort

Lovely grounds and right on the beach.

The bride at the Sokha Hotel

Ah! The blushing bride. 🙂

Sihanoukville Cambodia Coast

These little guys are always hungry.

The navy arrives

I’m fairly sure is was the U.S. Navy.

David Herd & Tony Murphy with Ziggy.

Ziggy was running a small hotel in Sihanoukville in the town center, next time I return I will stay on the beach.

My main impression of Sihanoukville is don’t expect too much in the way of luxury unless you check into an upmarket hotel, just enjoy the casual atmosphere and super low prices compared with other Asian countries.

Thanks for visiting my Sihanoukville Cambodia Coast photo blog.

Tip. Here is a very good site with lots of travel tips & advice, please click here.

Super tip. Book your hotel here, get a great deal & pay later or cancel.

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A-One hotel on Beach Road

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Nathan Corbett world champion

July 14, 2013 by David Herd

Nathan “Carnage” Corbett, Muay Thai Champion.

Nathan Corbett 11 times world champion in Muay Thai is in Pattaya Thailand training for his Chicago fight which was on October 12 2013. You can watch a replay at the end of this post. His next event is December 14 at the gold Coast Convention centre.

Nathan has held 11 World Champion titles in three different weight divisions, not only is he a champion fighter he is a very nice person. Here are some photos of Nathan training and relaxing with some of his friends in Pattaya.

Nathan is action

A great action shot.

Nathan Carnage Corbett vs Henriques Zowa

Nathan in full flight is an awesome sight.

Nathan Corbett

His lethal elbows are his greatest weapon.

Check out Nathan’s phenomenal history.

Nathan trains at Fairtex, the best gym in Pattaya. Part of the complex is a nice hotel, very good rates if you book here.

Nathan Corbett’s final training session in Thailand in July 2013

Nathan Corbett's final training session in Thailand.

Here are some more photos of Nathan & friends, below everyone is enjoying the sunset at the Beach Club at the Pullman Hotel. Nathan stays at the Amari hotel with great ocean views when he is in Pattaya.

The Beach Club in Wangamat.

Take a look at Nathan training in Pattaya just click here. Here is another short video, please click here. After 2 weeks training Nathan was looking a lot sharper, click here.

RIP Dang

We all all in shock this week to learn that his great little sparring partner Dang died in his sleep on Monday July the 28th, RIP Dang you will be missed by many friends.

Nathan is coming back to Pattaya to continue his training on August 24. Once again Brendan Daly GM at the Amari hotel is making sure Nathan enjoys his stay by giving him a room with a view over the ocean, my thanks once again to Brendan for looking after my friends. Sadly tough little Dang won’t be training with Nathan this time, RIP.

Sparing with Dang

Please play the song below while you are reading about Nathan.

Nathan takes on the Pork Knuckle, what a challenge. 😆

Nathan arrived back in Pattaya August 24th to continue his training, here he is doing battle with the huge pork knuckle at the Beerfest restaurant in 2nd rd Pattaya. The Pork knuckle won by a narrow margin, possibly because of the chicken kebab Nathan demolished 30 minutes prior to this bout at the Cherry Bar.

Sunday brunch at the Mantra.

The Mantra in Pattaya is part of the Amari Hotel and is our favorite restaurant. Here is Vetea Tiare & David Herd with Nathan at the Sunday brunch on 1-9-2013.

The Mantra restaurant.

Nathan always stays at the Amari Hotel in Pattaya, above is the General Manager Brendan Daly and his lovely daughter Hannah, Brendan always ensures Nathan has a memorable stay at his wonderful hotel.

Recovery massage for Nathan & the boys.

Ready for a Thai massage.

October 12 Chicago, Nathan loses to Sprong.

Carnage v Spong rematch

Watch this video on YouTube

Istanbul April 12

The Istanbul showdown.

Nathan Corbett vs Gokhan Saki

Watch this video on YouTube

The battle is on

The fight was all action.

Battered & bloody warrior

Only good thing that came out of getting my ear half ripped off was being in the same hospital as Tyrone hanging out at 3 am after I travelled around Istanbul to 3 different hospitals to find a plastic surgeon that could stitch it back together!!
Not a good night for the both of us I guess!! Hope his leg heals fast and well

Istanbul hospital

Both fighters wound up in hospital, a tough way to make a living.

Ocean Road Magazine has a very good article about Nathan in his retirement. His record of 60 wins from 64 fights – 45 by knockout – makes him one of the most successful fighters in the history of Muay Thai.

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Istanbul Budapest London

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Holiday Inn

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

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

Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book

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Beckington Trowbridge

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Singapore safe exciting city.

July 11, 2013 by David Herd

Singapore, home of the Chili Crab.

Singapore safe exciting city, and one of the cleanest cities on the planet, and the food is to die for. The monster chili crab above weighs 3.5 kilo and comes from Sri Lanka. I used to catch these delicacies from my jetty on the Gold Coast in Australia, and the biggest I ever caught was just under 2 kilo, no comparison to these monsters. If you are looking for an exciting safe city with great food and a fantastic skyline Singapore is the place for you.

Live seafood, it can’t get any fresher than this.

Live seafood in Singapore, it can’t get any fresher than this. Here is my friend Steve Bates examining the catch.

Boat Quay Singapore

Super travel tip. Ask the taxi driver to take you to Boat Quay, there are 30 to 40 restaurants beside the river, don’t be afraid to bargain a little on the price of the crab and the wine.

View from Boat Quay

Sitting here at sunset sipping a cold beer, life does not get much better than this.

Boat Quay, best Chilli crab in the world.

There must be 50 restaurants here offering live seafood, don’t forget to haggle over the price.

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is a waterside building located on six hectares of waterfront land alongside Marina Bay near the mouth of the Singapore River, purpose-built to be the centre for performing arts for Singapore. Apart from the shows, Singaporeans usually visit the Esplanade for its scenic outdoor view. It overlooks the Singapore river and is in between the Singapore Flyer and Merlion park, making for a good stroll around the vicinity. River ferries stops have been added recently, enhancing its accessibility.

Newton Circus.

The food centre was promoted by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) as a tourist attraction for sampling Singaporean cuisine. It was first opened in 1971 and it closed down in 2005 as the government wanted to revamp the food centre. The food centre then went through a major renovation before reopening on 1 July 2006.

Parkview Square wine angel.

The “wine angel” at Parkview Square is lifted 6 meters into the air to retrieve your wine selection. A nice quiet bar to enjoy a drink in this well known office block.

Your wine sir. 😛

Not to sure whether Duncan is checking out the wine or the angel. 🙂

One of the safest, cleanest cities in the world.

Singapore is the world’s fourth-leading financial centre, and its port is one of the five busiest ports in the world. Over five million people live in Singapore, of which 2.91 million were born locally. The population is highly diverse; the majority are Chinese with almost 75% of the total population, while Malays and Indians forming significant minorities. Reflecting this diversity, the country has four official languages: English, Malay, Chinese, and Tamil.

The Singapore lion closeup.

One of Singapore’s many iconic landmarks.

Marina Bay Sands Resort

This is the fabulous infinity pool at Ku Da Ta, the restaurant on top of Marina Bay Sands Resort, the hotel is an integrated resort fronting Marina Bay in Singapore. Developed by Las Vegas Sands, it is the world’s most expensive standalone Casino property at $8 billion, including cost of the prime land.

Marina Bay Sands Resort

The magnificent building is absolutely breathtaking.

Marina Bay Sands Resort

This view is from The Fullerton Bay Hotel. Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort fronting Marina Bay in Singapore. Developed by Las Vegas Sands, it is the world’s most expensive building, at US$ 5.7 billion, including the cost of the prime land.

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