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Nana Plaza

Nana Sukhumvit area Bangkok

Nana Sukhumvit area Bangkok is where I have been staying for 20 years. Lots of hotels bars & restaurants & close to the sky train. Plus of course the infamous Nana Plaza.

Quintessential Nana Plaza

To anybody who has been to Nana Plaza this photo captures the irony of the situation. 🙂

There is more than just the plaza

Right beside Nana station are some skyscrapers including the Landmark hotel.

Nana Skyline

The small brown building in the centre is the Dynasty Grande a hotel where I often stay.

This hotel is very good except for 2 things, no Australian TV channel which they used to have in previous years. Secondly I thought the food was very average indeed, especially the bread in my club sandwich was terrible. The rooms and facilities are excellent as are the staff, but the 2 things I mentioned let the hotel down.

Citadines

The rooms are compact and nicely laid out including a kitchen if you like to prepare some food. This is now my hotel of choice, plus Soi 11 is a great street for bars and restaurants.

Excellent pool & Gym at the Dynasty Grande

Monsoon restaurant

Located near the Dynasty in Soi 8 is one of my favourite restaurants, put it on your list.

Great food

Great food and wine at a reasonable price at Monsoon in Soi 8.

Next to Nana station

Another huge building going up beside Nana station.

Progress February 21

The 2 br condos are advertised starting at B26 million or just over $1 million AUD.
Mayhem in 2003

The photo above shows the exact spot where a group of criminals totally wrecked what was then called Clinton Plaza, dozens of vendors were put out of business because somebody decided they wanted to develop the site. Now in 2015 the people responsible still have not been convicted.

Breakfast at the Marriott

Excellent Breakfast at the JW Marriott hotel on Sukhumvit.

David Herd and Tony Murphy

Enjoying another great breakfast at the Marriott.

Terminal 21 Asoke

This shopping mall is located next door to Asoke station which is one stop away from Nana. There are lots of restaurants and bars in this area, in particular the famous Soi Cowboy.

Soi Cowboy

The lights are much brighter and more interesting here than Nana Plaza, more expensive as well.

A great tasting meal.

The bus stop in Soi 4 Nana serves one of my favourite meals, I have been eating their Oxtail stew for over 15 years.

February 2016. I had an unhappy experience at the Bust Stop in Soi 4 Nana in Bangkok 2 weeks ago. For many years I have been ordering the oxtail stew which is fantastic, lunch on the Thursday was excellent, then I returned for dinner on Friday night and they only served 2 pieces of oxtail instead of the normal 3. I complained as the price of B350 remained the same, well the chef was quite rude and unhelpful and refused to make it right, so I paid for my wine and left. After around 16 years of enjoying this great dish I guess it is time for a break, just saying………

Check out this link for more Bangkok restaurants.

Modern buildings & messy wiring

Quintessential Bangkok, one one hand you have beautiful modern buildings and on the other hand 3rd world electricity wiring. 🙂

Hooters has arrived

Opened in Soi 4 Nana on December 23rd 2015, sadly I believe it is destined to fail, wrong location, local “Cheap Charlies” will never pay extra for their drinks. They will sit opposite where the drinks are cheaper and the bar girls are available for extra activities.

Armoni Hotel Soi 11

Just a few meters from Nana station is this excellent small hotel tucked away is a lane off Soi 11. If you use this link you will get a room for around B1100.

Hooters Bangkok Nana Plaza

Watch this video on YouTube

The entrance to Nana Plaza, Hooters and the Hillary bar.

A lot of bull happening here

Thanks for visiting my Nana Sukhumvit area Bangkok post.

Here are some more posts to check out

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.

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

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.

Soi Cowboy Nana Plaza Patpong

Please check out these fabulous posts

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through these links below. Book now & pay later.

Free Cancellation.

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That’s all folks

Pattaya live webcam

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

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Sydney Harbour

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Two Thailand trips 2002

May 1, 2015 by David Herd

This it not part of my travel blog, just my personal photo & travel history from 2002.

Two Thailand trips

Two Thailand trips in 2002, by my standards it was a very quiet year for travel. Shanghai & Beijing however gave me a great introduction to China. Digital cameras were in their early stages so the photo quality is very average indeed.

The photo above shows the team in Bangkok celebrating John Sinclair turning 60. From the left is John Martin aka Pothole, Michael Dowd, John Sinclair, Apple Pie, David Herd and Tony Murphy.

Happy birthday John

Birthdays seem to roll around so fast the older you get.

Christy’s in Soi 33 Bangkok

Soi 33 Sukhumvit in Bangkok.

Here was my choice.

That is a super smile.

This really needs no caption.

You gotta love Thailand.

Hit the road Jack

John Sinclair and Bruce Donnachie outside the Office in Soi 33, it is a terrific sports bar with lots of TVs and good looking staff.

Phung, aka Cleopatra

My favourite Nana Plaza girl, we met last year in 2001 and hooked up with each other for quite a few years until about 2009. I believe she found a sponsor and is living in Europe now.

The Bus Stop in Soi 4 Nana

Mike Dowd, David Herd, Pothole Martin and John Sinclair. Once again I’m so disappointed with the photo quality, early days of digital cameras. This was actually AFL grand final day 2002 when Brisbane Lions beat Collingwood.

The Office in Soi 33.

Even now in 2015 the Office sports bar in Soi 33 is still open.

Pothole Bin Ladin and Apple Pie.

Our regular village idiot with his new girl. When things became serious we were not allowed to call her Apple anymore, Champen was her name. 🙂 I really have to relay this funny story, Pothole took Apple to Australia a couple of times and they planned to marry. At that time in 2003 little did he realize she was actively managing 4 or 5 other suitors from Europe and America. He only discovered the truth much later after cracking into her Hotmail account.

Anyhow Pothole actually used some common sense (most unusual for him) and presented Apple with a pre nuptial agreement for her signature. Her assets were about $16,000 worth of jewellery that he had given her, his were way in excess of $1,000,000. This all happened on a Thursday night, then Friday he came home early from work to discover her jewellery laid out on the bed alongside a suicide note. I think I already mentioned that he was known as the village idiot, and in keeping with this image he raced up to North Sydney police station distraught and weeping, and pleaded with the local cops to help him find her. They came to his apartment, took photographs and asked many questions.

He called me during the day totally distressed and I gave him the following advice, I said “pack all her clothes etc in her suitcase, leave it outside the door and get your locks changed. Naturally my advice didn’t go down all that well. Much later that evening who should turn up all bright and bubbly, you guessed it, Apple Pie, aka Champen. 🙂 He of course forgave her and took her back, even after finding out she was in fact having a long lunch (and who knows what else?) with a friend of his.

Two things about Apple however, she was the best Thai cook I have ever seen, secondly she finally moved to England, married an ex cop and had a lovely daughter. The husband was awarded an MBE or similar around 2013 and Apple rolled up at the Palace with him when he received his award. Not a bad ending for a chick from Nana Plaza. 🙂

As I said previously, Pothole is known by many as “the village idiot”, but he is our village idiot and he has provided us with a huge amount of entertainment over the years. His final piece of stupidity in the above “Apple Pie” saga was showing her my texts and relaying the advice I gave him to her, consequently I had abusive phone calls from Apple indicating I was the villain in the whole fiasco. That’s our Pothole for you. 🙂

Master chef 2003

This girl could really cook Thai food. What a difference in photo quality in just one year.

From 2003

Sue on the right was one of my girlfriends from Shanghai, I took her to Sydney for a weekend. The other girl is Apple.

Bee from Bangkok on her 21st birthday.

Another funny story, I was drinking in the Big Dog bar in Nana plaza when this gorgeous little girl rolled up about 8pm to the hamburger stand in her pyjamas and slippers. She looked so cute I went and spoke to her, well to cut a long story short the next night we got together for her 21st birthday, you gotta love Thailand.

You saw Bee, well here is Beer. 🙂

Beer was a dancer at Rainbow 3 in Nana Plaza and a girl with a terrific personality.

Na was one of my favourite girls.

Another funny story, as you can see I met Na in a beauty salon in Soi 22 when she was giving me a pedicure. For a couple of years every time I came to Bangkok we would get together. Mostly she would arrive at my hotel around midnight after she finished work.

Lovely Na

Things were fine for a long time until one day she said to me “I can’t see you any more David”. I was very surprised and asked her “why not, have you found another boyfriend”? She said “no, I have found a girlfriend”. Looking back I guess this was a “George Costanza” moment, I had driven a girl to lesbianism. 🙂

John settles Murphy’s debt

Luk closed her shop for 10 days to look after one of our friends. When he left to go back to Australia he completely forgot to leave her any money (on purpose I might add). John Sinclair being the gentleman he is made sure she had enough to cover her expenses.

The result

Luk is a lot happier now.

Two Thailand trips 2006.

As I am so disappointed in the photo quality I have jumped forward to 2006 to show better shots of my favourite Bangkok girl Cleo.

Thanks for visiting my Two Thailand trips photo blog.

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Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book

through these links below. Book now & pay later.

Free Cancellation.

Bangkok Hotels Pattaya Hotels

Brazil Hotels

That’s all folks

Pattaya live webcam

A-One hotel on Beach Road

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

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Soi Cowboy Nana Plaza Patpong

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Three Fabulous Thailand trips 2003

April 29, 2015 by David Herd

Atlantic Bar Pattaya

Three Fabulous Thailand trips

Three Fabulous Thailand trips 2003, in fact the whole year was frantic, not sure how I survived, it was one of the busiest & best years for travel that I have ever experienced. I went to Vietnam twice in January & April, Thailand in April & July, then around the world in November starting in Chile, then on to Rio De Janeiro in Brazil, Barcelona & Bangkok on the way home to Australia.

Low tide at Pattaya beach

The skyline has changed a lot since 2003, now in 2015 there is a building boom in condominiums and hotels.

Golf at Phoenix with John and Andy

Andy got tied up with a Thai girl who relieved him of his one million GBP inheritance.

Surrounded by caddies at Phoenix.

Now this is the way to play golf. 🙂

Marta was a pole dancer from Prague

Marta was quite a wild Russian girl, I chatted to her on Walking St and invited her to join us at Cosy Beach. We had a great day culminating in an even better night. 🙂

The rear view

Here is Marta again at my hotel, the Sunshine Vista in Soi 3. There are more photos in the slide show at the end, I can’t show them in this part of the post as Photobucket censor any bare boobs. 🙂

John Martin aka Pothole at the Sunshine Vista

Certainly one of the craziest people I know. He moved to Pattaya a year or two after this, grabbed a girl off the pole and produced two children with her.

John Sinclair, Sinclair Waters (RIP) and Bob Dark.

Sinclair is famous for adding people to his “black list”, after a couple years of being in favor in 2016 he put me back on it. 🙂

We are just a bunch of naughty little boys. 🙂

Thai music on Beach Rd Pattaya

Traditional Thai music.

Here are some gorgeous Thai girls from 2003

How sweet they were. 🙂

Oysters

At the Lobster Pot in Walking Street, there are many seafood restaurants where you overlook the bay.

Lunch at Fuji

Here is a typical Thai story, I invited Ja in the yellow to lunch, she worked in the phone section of Big C. However unbeknownst to me she then invited 4 of her friends to come and enjoy a free lunch at my expense. 🙂 This is quite normal in Thailand and it’s not the first, and won’t be the last time I have been caught.

Soi 4 hotel Pattaya

New hotel Soi 4, + North Shore in the background.

Fresh food in Soi 3

Thai people have taken street food to an art form.

Still same price in 12 years later in 2015

Foot massage still same price 12 years later in 2015, however the Thai massage is now 200. I still have 4 or 5 foot massages every week.

Songkran in Pattaya

This is one of my all time favourite photos. Songkran is a week of madness in Pattaya to celebrate the Thai New Year.

Songkran Pattaya

Another tradition is plastering the face with white powder.

Pothole, prince of fashion.

Here is another weird sight around Songkran, John Martin aka Pothole Bin Ladin and his wonderful Thai style shirt.

Chinatown Bangkok

Always lots to see in Chinatown.

Chinatown Bangkok

Chinatown is a “must see” part of Bangkok, another good look into the past is “Jim Thompson” house. I also love taking a cruise on a long tail boat along the mighty Chao Phraya river. Make sure to stop off at Wat Arun, “The Temple of Dawn”.

Here is an amazing sight in Chinatown.

Fresh fish in Bangkok Thailand

Watch this video on YouTube

Bangkok babe

Some of the most beautiful babes in the world.

Lovely Jane from Bangkok

This is my friend Jane, we first met in 1999 at Nana Plaza. I took her to Koh Samui for a holiday.

John Sinclair and David Herd

It’s 2017 & John still lives in Soi 4 Nana.

Three Fabulous Thailand trips

Elephants have now been banned from the city streets.

I remember this happening

It is now 2016 and they are still prosecuting the criminals.

Atlantic Bar Princesses

On the left is Nok in 2003, the next photo shows her in January 2011. A couple of years later she quit Pattaya to live in the country with her new baby.

Here is Nok in 2011.

Here is a coincidence for you, I published this post two days ago on April 30 2015, then last night on May 1st I ran into Nok who is back working at the Atlantic. Her theme song should really be “All my life’s a circle”.:)

Harry Chapin - All My Life's a Circle

Watch this video on YouTube

Mable from Beijing

I met Mable online in a chat room, she was one of my excellent guides when I went to Beijing where she lives. In 2003 I flew her to Thailand to meet me for a holiday. We visited Bangkok, Pattaya and Koh Chang.

Cosy Beach Pattaya

The elevator to the beach is the Royal Cliff Hotel.

Notice how the sand enhances the colour of the towel.

Towel, what towel? I don’t see a towel. 🙂

John Sinclair at Cosy Beach

In 2015 the Navy removed all the food vendors from Cosy Beach, such a shame.

Many thanks for visiting my Three Fabulous Thailand trips photo blog.

Three Fabulous Thailand trips, Citadines in Soi 11

The rooms are compact and nicely laid out including a kitchen if you like to prepare some food. This is now my hotel of choice, plus Soi 11 is a great street for bars and restaurants.

Excellent pool & Gym at the Dynasty Grande

For an excellent room rate just book through THIS LINK.

That’s all folks, thanks for visiting.

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book through these links below. Book now & pay later.

Plus free cancellation .

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

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Thailand Europe Vietnam Japan

February 23, 2015 by David Herd

Roast pig in Saigon

Thailand Europe Vietnam Japan

Thailand Europe Vietnam Japan were my favoured destinations in 2015. Still living in Pattaya & loving it, beginning in January with my 3rd trip to Vietnam then my east European odyssey in February and March took me to Istanbul, with a cruise along the Bosphorus, Dubrovnik, Split , Zagreb in Croatia, Mostar & Sarajevo in Bosnia-Herzegovnia, Budapest and London.

September found me in Korea for the first (certainly not the last) time then another fantastic trip to Tokyo and Osaka.

I created a separate post on the fantastic new London Skyscrapers.

This is not a travel blog just a personal photo collection from the 1st half of 2015. Part 2 will commence July 1st.

Nana Plaza Bangkok

This is one of my favourite 2015 photos, anyone who is familiar with the infamous Nana Plaza in Bangkok with appreciate the irony.

With Hamish Elton at the Party Bar

Hamish’s ex girlfriend Noi bought a share in a beer bar behind the Avenue in 2nd rd. This was their opening night party.

The lovely ladies at the Party bar.

They look terrific in their cowgirl outfits.

Magnificent Mantra

With Benjamina the lovely public relations girl at the Mantra restaurant in Pattaya.

Mantra seafood

Alaskan crab and Oysters from France, the Mantra has seven different kitchens, I find it very difficult to tear myself away from the seafood.

Pattaya sunset mid February

I can watch the sunset from my condo.

Boom is giving me a pedicure

First a pedicure followed by a haircut and a one hour foot massage, 600 Baht and a 150 Baht tip, total $23 usd.

Dr Tapasit

My dentist is a little more expensive, but far cheaper than Australia or America, $500 usd including x-rays.

Watching soccer in Soi 6

Todd, Matt, David and Hamish watching Australia win the Asian cup.

Jaeb at the Cherry Bar.

One of the long term girls at this bar.

Party bar drinks & chat

Party Bar with Hamish Elton (Pattaya), Gordon Shanks (New York), Jamie Lord (Australia) and Phil Barkin (Manila, ex NYC).

Magic Mantra

Another enjoyable lunch at Mantra on April 5th with Rung, John Broadbent, Phil Barkin, Hamish Elton, David Herd, Robbie Elder, Greg Clee and David Elder.

A bunch of Aussies at the Cherry Bar

Three of us live in the same condo block.

Friday night drinks May 1st

Hamish Elton, Matt Harkness, David Herd and Bow.

Bow working out

Just a public interest photo to show how much Thai girls like to work out. 🙂

Cherry Bar with Mark Yagalla

A meeting of the minds, the Wall St Ponzi Pirate and the FiveStarVagabond swap tales at the Cherry Bar. Mark has just released his book about the time he spent in jail for stealing $50,000,000 from investors on Wall St.

Skechers the perfect sport shoe.

My meagre contribution towards physical fitness is to walk 25 to 35 minutes every morning before breakfast. I’m over the moon with my new Skechers “Air”, they are without a doubt the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn.

Here they are

I bought 4 pair to make sure I am covered for the next 5 years. 🙂

Welcome Inn demolished

One of our iconic restaurants in Soi 3 has gone to make way for another hotel. I probably ate there over 100 times, it will be sadly missed.

Soi 3 video of construction sites

Pattaya hotel & condo building frenzy

Watch this video on YouTube

Candy Candy in 2nd road.

One door closes and another one opens, Candy Candy has excellent Thai food at very cheap prices.

Massaman Chicken & Roti at Candy Candy.

A very tasty dish at 85 Baht or $3.30 aud.

Beautiful clouds on June 4th

I love photographing Clouds, storms & sunsets from my balcony.

Packed like sardines

A couple of the workers saw me as I took this photo in Soi 1 and let out a cheer, so I just had to take a 2nd shot of their happy faces, you gotta love Thailand. 🙂

Hi Ho Hi Ho, it’s off to work we go……

Happy faces when they saw the camera.

The story continues

Finally I printed off about 30 photos and gave them to the group, their smiles and laughter made it all worthwhile.

Markland

The condo where I live on the 17th floor.

Dinner at Siam Cuisine

Excellent restaurant located in Naklua Rd opposite La Baguette. Roland Bonnici my barrister friend from Sydney and Hamish Elton my drinking partner from Pattaya.

Two of my foot massage girls from Soi 1.

I probably have at least 4 massages each week.

Soi 4 massage

One of my preferred places for a foot massage.

Beach Rd in the rain

A common sight after a storm.

Cheeky Cherry Bar girl

There is always a smile waiting at the Cherry Bar.

Sabai Wing Soi 1, 3 swimming pools and nice rooms, 100 meters from Big C, great value at only $23 usd per night as of August 15. I live in the high-rise in the background, Markland. For a great room rate book here.

What a great looking bus

Glenn Frey can describe where I am right now. 🙂

Here are some more posts on my wild wicked ways. 🙂

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.

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. Thanks for visiting my Thailand Europe Vietnam Japan photo blog.

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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Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book

through these links below. Book now & pay later.

Free Cancellation.

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Pattaya live webcam

If you ever need some inspiration just listen to this guy.

Hallelujah by Jeff Gutt

Watch this video on YouTube

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Bangkok floating market

February 6, 2015 by David Herd

One of the most popular attractions.

Bangkok floating market

Bangkok floating market is a little over two hour west of the city, a short taxi ride then a long-tail boat will take to the fascinating market.

Long-tail boat

The long-tail boat is designed to carry passengers on a river & may include a lightweight long canoe hull, up to 30 meters long, and a canopy. There is a great variation among these boats, some have evolved from traditional craft types, while others have a more improvised look, the sole defining characteristic is a second-hand car or truck engine.

Crowded and chaotic

This is really a great day out, put it on your bucket list.

Food, food and more food

Bangkok floating market is certainly about Food, food and more food, everywhere someone is either eating or selling food.

Actually it’s not just food

Plenty of stock to sell here.

Clothes & hats a well

This is probably my 3rd visit to the Bangkok Floating Market and I’m sure there will be a 4th.

Long-tail boat

Check out the size of the engine that pushes this little boat along the river and canals.

Bag of bananas 10 Baht

In the supermarket they are 8 Baht each. 🙂

Genuine “copy” Lous Vuitton bags

In Thailand they will sell anything anywhere. 🙂

Bangkok floating market, Rambutans, yum!

This is my 3rd visit to the floating market and is always enjoyable.

Bangkok floating market

The Bangkok floating market is certainly a “must see” when you visit Bangkok. Other interesting tours are of course the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.

Here is our transport

Check out the waterfront homes Thai style.

Bangkok floating market

Lots of waterfront shops and homes.

Thanks for joining me at the famous Bangkok floating market photo blog

A couple of years after this visit I moved to Thailand to live permanently in Pattaya for about 10 years, one of the best decisions of my life.

If you visit Thailand please go and see Famous Bangkok floating market.

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

The best Bangkok budget hotel I have ever stayed in.

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Please check out these fabulous posts

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Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book

through these links below. Book now & pay later.

Free Cancellation.

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That’s all folks

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Damnoen Saduak Floating Market near Bangkok, Thailand

Watch this video on YouTube

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Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Bangkok canal cruise longtail boat

January 7, 2015 by David Herd

Bangkok canal cruise

Bangkok canal cruise in a long-tail boat, which is known as Ruea Hang Yao, a type of watercraft native to Southeast Asia, which uses a common automotive engine as a readily available and maintainable power-plant.

As you can see many of the waterfront homes resemble shanty towns, unlike other parts of the world including the Gold Coast in Australia and Fort Lauderdale north of Miami,where any home on the waterfront is usually an expensive mansion.

No luxury here

In real estate terms this is what we call the poverty pack.

The daily catch

Lunch is ready. 🙂

Bangkok canal cruise in a longtail boat

The craft is designed to carry passengers on a river & may include a lightweight long canoe hull, up to 30 meters long, and a canopy. There is a great variation among these boats, some have evolved from traditional craft types, while others have a more improvised look, the sole defining characteristic is a second-hand car or truck engine.

What a huge engine

And bloody noisy as you can imagine.

Waiting in the lock for the water to rise.

Until recently, the canals of Bangkok accommodated many social, cultural, and commercial activities, functioning as important public places for residents of Thailand’s capital city. Dating from the founding of the city in 1782, the canals in Bangkok are of cultural importance to the Thai people, having originated as a means of providing security against attack, as a source of sustenance (food and water), as the focus of religious ceremonies and celebrations such as the Loy Kratong Festival, and as a site for recreational activities such as swimming and boating activities and competitions.

Luxury waterfront home, I don’t think so.

Faced with the combined threats of land subsidence and rising temperatures and sea levels, the World Bank has predicted that Bangkok’s flood risk will increase four-fold from now by 2050. Bangkok is among the top 10 cities in the world facing the biggest potential impact from coastal flooding by 2070. The Thai capital, built on swampland, is slowly sinking and the floods currently besieging Bangkok could be merely a foretaste of a grim future as climate change makes its impact felt, experts say.

She does not instill confidence

The river and canals are very busy with water craft buzzing past at a rapid rate, on this day out driver was not at all concerned, but I can assure you we were. 🙂 Not everything goes to plan when you take a Bangkok canal cruise, here is a story from a Thai lady who works for the Bangkok Post. So my advice is if an operator seems angry of unfriendly simply try another one until you are comfortable with your choice.

Bangkok canal cruise Wat Khun Chan

From the Phasricharoen canal

Wat Khun Chan Buddha

Lots to see on a Bangkok canal cruise.

Genuine Louis Vuitton copies?

A little river shopping for a bargain.

Waiting for a customer

In the distance is Iconsiam shopping mall.

That’s all folks.

Many thanks for joining me on my Bangkok canal cruise photo blog.

Not everybody is happy on the river

A Vietnamese cargo ship ploughed into riverside houses along the Chao Phraya River in Phra Pradaeng district yesterday April 5t 2017, damaging three homes.

Residents fled to the streets in panic as the cargo ship loomed over them. Three houses were damaged, one badly, but nobody was injured.

iCheck Inn Soi 11

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

Here are some more posts to check out

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.

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

Soi Cowboy Nana Plaza Patpong

Here is an excellent upmarket Bangkok shopping mall

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Walk on the wild side in Soi Cowboy

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Check out my Pattaya web cam here

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

Hilton Pattaya five star hotel

January 6, 2015 by David Herd

Pattaya Hilton

Hilton Pattaya five star hotel

Hilton Pattaya five star hotel dominates the skyline in central Pattaya. Perched above Central festival shopping mall the location is perfect.

Even better at sunset

Certainly one of the best locations in Thailand to watch the magnificent sunsets while enjoying a cocktail.

Captured the flash

What a fluke, I managed to take this photos just as the flash activated. 🙂

Hilton Pattaya Spectacular decor

The modern architecture is absolutely stunning.

Lounge near reception

Hilton Pattaya five star hotel is as modern as any hotel I have ever been in.

Cocktail bar and lounge

The Hilton Pattaya is in a perfect location opposite the beach and above Pattaya’s best shopping malls. Central Festival has a huge amount of restaurants and shops so you never really have to leave the building.

Check out this link to see some of the very humorous sights you see every day on Beach road.

Horizon’s on the top floor.

There is a happy hour here every night between 5 & 7 pm.

Horizon’s on the top floor.

As you can imagine it is a great place to watch the sunset.

Looking south from Horizon’s.

Looking toward Walking Street.

Looking north from Horizon’s.

The building with the green neon sign is the Holiday Inn.

Entree at Horizon’s.

The food is exceptional as you would expect, however take plenty of money because it is priced accordingly.

Far better value at the Edge restaurant

The buffet here is available for lunch or dinner 7 days a week.

The Edge buffet

An excellent choice of food as you would expect.

Hilton Pattaya five star hotel

Hilton Pattaya five star hotel is perched above Central Festival shopping mall.

With friends at the Edge buffet

A mix of American, Australian, English & Thai.

Desert at the Edge

Hilton Hotel Pattaya Thailand chocolate masterpiece. Part one.

Watch this video on YouTube

Making desert part 2.

Hilton chocolate creation by beautiful Thai lady. Part two.

Watch this video on YouTube

Every morning opposite the Hilton the Para-sailors fly around like mosquitoes

Chaotic & crazy Parasailing in Pattaya

Watch this video on YouTube

Thanks for visiting my Hilton Pattaya five star hotel photo blog.

Here are some great views of Pattaya

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Another interesting hotel Siam @ Siam

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Another option is the Holiday Inn.

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Pattaya – Hua Hin Mini Van

If you are in Pattaya and want to go to Hua Hin there is now a daily minivan service, they have offices in Pattaya, Hua Hin and Cha Am, for Hua Hin the mini van leaves at 8:00, 10:00, 12:00 and takes 4 hours to get to Hua Hin, priced at only 400baht.

The Pattaya office is on South Pattaya Road, if your heading towards Sukhumvit road go over 3rd Road and past Soi Ko Pai/ Soi Bongkot and it’s on the left hand side at soi 10, which is around 300 meters or more from Sukhumvit Road.

Pattaya Office 088 709 2365
Hua Hin Office 088 709 2364
Cha Am Office 089 254 1399

Bus leaves Pattaya 8:00, 10:00, 12:00

Please check out these fabulous posts

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.

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

Soi Cowboy Nana Plaza Patpong

Please check out these fabulous posts

Gold Coast Pattaya Cinque Terre

Rio de Janeiro Singapore Eastern Europe

Bangkok Bars Tokyo Cape Town Safari

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

Brazil Hotels

That’s all folks

Pattaya live webcam

Counter only started February 16 2020.

This gallery contains 1 photo.

David Herd Thailand 2014

December 29, 2014 by David Herd

Looking north at Pattaya beach

David Herd Thailand 2014

David Herd Thailand 2014 was another eventful year. Starting with a wonderful trip to Hong Kong, Tokyo, London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Cape Town & Sydney. I have called this 5 week adventure my seven super cities trip.

I flew to Adelaide in October then drove to Philip Island along the Great Ocean Road before staying with friends at the winery in Dromana. A couple of days wandering around Melbourne I flew to the Gold Coast for a week to catch up with friends.

This is not part of my travel blog, just lots of photos from 2014 featuring friends, family & trips.

Drinks at Cherry bar

My brother Warren and his good friend Lenny at the Cherry bar.

Sadly we lost Lenny early 2016 after losing a battle with cancer, RIP.

Here is my webcam

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Para sailing

They buzz around like little mosquitoes.

My condo building is 3rd from the left

This photo was taken from the Dusit Tani.

Golf at Kabinburi

This was my only game of golf in 2014 at Kabinburi, I just find it too hot to play regularly in Thailand.

Lunch with Macca and Herbie

John MacDonald hails from Melbourne and Herb Pastor come from Las Vegas.

Friends at Gullivers

Brad Robbins, Roland Bonicci and Por.

Mata Hari with Irina and Roland

Another terrific night at Mata Hari.

My friend from Ukraine Irina.

Here we are enjoying a cold beer on Koh Larn in November.

Koh Larn ferry with Irina

The ferry takes 40 minutes and costs B30.

Foot massage

One of the joys of living in Thailand, I probably average five each week, one hour just under $10.

Margaritas at the Beach Club

This great song by Glen Frey sums up where I am right now.

Pumps to clear storm water

Beach road pumps really did not make any difference trying to clear the storm water.

Friends drop in

Gordon Shanks from New York and Jonathan Whiting from Brisbane.

David Herd Thailand 2014 having morning coffee

Au Bon Pain at the Avenue with Gordon Shanks from New York.

Doug & Geoff from Australia

These guys really push the envelope when they hit Pattaya several times a year. Their favourite street is Soi 6. 🙂

Talking about Soi 6, here we are

A great bunch of guys, and can they drink.

David Herd Thailand, face under repair

Using Efudix to repair damage from skin cancer.

Crane mishap in Soi 3

I took this photo from the roof of Markland where I live.

Photo shoot in Soi 6

I can spot at least 2 LadyBoys here.

David Herd and Hamish Elton

Here we are in Soi 6 on Xmas day after lunch at the Mantra.

Xmas day at the Mantra with Benjamina

Another great Xmas lunch with Benjamina our beautiful hostess.

Relaxing at Koh Larn

I have to tell you, life is very good in Thailand.

Drinks with Barrie Comfort

A nice Pommie guy who also lives in Markland. I have given him the nickname “Butterfly Dundee”, because he is always photographing butterflies. 🙂

Kayo flew over from Tokyo for a visit.

I have known kayo for around 10 years, we met in Australia when she and I were living on the Gold Coast. I caught up with her in Tokyo in February and she flew to Thailand for a few days in August.

Welcome Inn Soi 3 North Pattaya

One of my favourite places to eat in Pattaya, close to where I live and the food is terrific and very cheap. Sadly it was demolished June 2015.

Greg’s Kitchen

My brother Warren and Lenny Schorsy at Gregs Kitchen. Sadly we lost Lenny in April 2016 to a brief illness, RIP.

Mike Beard the cartoon man.

Mike has lived in Pattaya for 20 years and produces some of my favourite cartoons.

Siam @ Siam with Oy

A gorgeous girl who used to work at the Cherry bar.

Phad Thai at Siam @ Siam

Very good food at this unique hotel.

Bill Edge, Wayne Dent and Greg Clee

Three happy guys who love Pattaya.

The new Holiday Inn

A world class hotel opposite Pattaya beach.

Roland Bonicci and I at Drinking St

Roland is a very happy Sydney barrister who often visits Thailand for business reasons.

Ooa a gorgeous girl at Drinking St

Sadly this gorgeous babe went back home to the country about a month later.

David Herd Thailand 2014 at Drinking St

A week or two after this photo was taken sadly this beautiful young girl decided to leave Pattaya and go back to her home in the country.

I just ordered a double Jack Daniels.

I leave a bottle or two at the Cherry bar then pour my own at my leisure. The charge s only $10 and the girls provide me with ice & soda. Life is good for David Herd Thailand. 🙂

Roasting pigs in Soi 3

Street cooking in Thailand is legendary, this guy charges 100 Baht for roast pork and crackling.

David Herd and Brad Robins.

Brad is a Townsville solicitor who loves Thailand, in 2016 he bought on of the best condos in Markland.

Looking north to Wongamat

North Pattaya and Wongamat.

Young girl at Cherry bar

Just under 17 and learning the ropes at the Cherry Bar.

Big storm coming

I love too see the storms roll in over Pattaya bay.

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

Check out these posts if you have time.

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.

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

Soi Cowboy Nana Plaza Patpong

Please check out these fabulous posts

Gold Coast Pattaya Cinque Terre

Rio de Janeiro Singapore Eastern Europe

Bangkok Bars Tokyo Cape Town Safari

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

Brazil Hotels

That’s all folks

Pattaya live webcam

Some nice views in Pattaya

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Soi 6 is famous in Pattaya

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Holiday Inn is in a great location

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Terrific shopping mall in Bangkok

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Here are some of my most popular posts.

Pattaya live webcam

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Copacabana beautiful beach babes

Nana Plaza Bangkok sex sin sleaze

Sexy Cherry Bar babes Pattaya Thailand

Tim Bristow Iron-Bar Freddy Tropical Joe

Atlantic Bar North Pattaya

Sexy Soi Cowboy Bangkok

Beautiful Budapest

Australian seafood

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Holiday Inn Beach Road

December 16, 2014 by David Herd

Holiday Inn Beach Road

Holiday Inn Pattaya Beach Road, opposite the Beach in North Pattaya. Consisting of two huge towers, several swimming pools and all the usual five star facilities. The tower on the left opened in October 2009 and the one on the right in August 2014.

Click on the photo below for a terrific room rate, you can book now & pay later, plus enjoy free cancellation if you change your mind. Pattaya is a great seaside city, come & enjoy the fun. 🙂

Great location

Away from the crowds and madness of south Pattaya the location is more peaceful and quiet yet only a 10 Baht bus ride to get to the action.

Looking north to Wongamat

Just north of Pattaya is Wongamat where there are some nice bars and restaurants.

November 2007 Holiday Inn Pattaya

There are 367 rooms in this tower.

Here is what you will see from your hotel window every morning.

Great vision of Parasailing in Pattaya, Thailand

Holiday Inn beach Road

There is another on the terrace as you enter from the street. A 4th pool is in the executive tower in the new building.

Flow Coffee shop

This is one of my favourite places in Pattaya for coffee and cake. At 7pm they offer sandwiches, cakes & pies at 1/2 price.

Delicious cakes & good coffee

Here is an example of the terrific Holiday Inn cakes.

Sunset at the Holiday Inn

They make the best pizzas in Pattaya here.

Assorted cold cuts

If you don’t want a pizza there are lots of alternatives.

Terrazzo

Great pizzas here, half price if you order before 5 pm, and half price all night on Tuesdays.

Havana bar at Pattaya Holiday Inn

Holiday Inn Pattaya Beach Road

What a fantastic looking building.

Room with a view

As you would expect the rooms at the front have an amazing view.

The executive tower September 2013

Construction begins on a new tower.

Executive tower opened August 2014

The finished product really doubles the size of the Holiday Inn.

Holiday Inn Pattaya

Great outlook by the pool and across the road from the beach.

Executive club on top floor

Happy hour from 5 to 7pm.

Executive club on top floor

Great facilities for hotel guests.

Executive tower restaurant

Here is my live webcam overlooking Pattaya beach in Thailand.

Wonderful view to Koh Larn Island.

The wonderful view from the Holiday Inn.

From 2nd Rd May 6th 2014

Holiday Inn twin towers on Beach Road Pattaya.

Amari hotel, Holiday Inn and Markland Condo.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn.

There is no doubt Agoda has the best deals for Holiday Inn Pattaya

Saturday night seafood buffet.

Good value at B999 or $40 AUD.

Holiday Inn Beach Road

Thanks for visiting my Holiday Inn Beach Road photo blog, as you can see it’s an excellent hotel in a great location.

Click on the photo below for a terrific room rate, you can book now & pay later, plus enjoy free cancellation if you change your mind. Pattaya is a great seaside city, come & enjoy the fun. 🙂

Krabi is one of my favourite places in Thailand

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Here are some interesting sights on Beach Road

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

While you are in Pattaya check out the LadyBoy show

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Chaing Mai is one of Thailand’s most popular cities.

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Siam @ Siam is one of Pattaya’s most unique hotels.

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Any time I write about a hotel I’m reminded of a favourite song from 1979.

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.

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

Soi Cowboy Nana Plaza Patpong

Please check out these fabulous posts

Gold Coast Pattaya Cinque Terre

Rio de Janeiro Singapore Eastern Europe

Bangkok Bars Tokyo Cape Town Safari

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

Brazil Hotels

That’s all folks

Pattaya live webcam

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

November 21, 2014 by David Herd

It started in Bangkok

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya 2011 without any doubt was one of the best holidays I have ever had. Good friends & close family made it very special indeed. Here is a whole bunch of Herds plus Bjorn from Germany who is Michael’s other half, my two lovely nieces Laura & Elyssa and my brother Warren.

Sadly we lost Bjorn early 2016 after he fought a long battle with cancer.

2011 was frantic, two trips to Thailand in January and July before moving there permanently on October 20th. Including visits to Krabi & the River Kwai. A few days in Langkawi Malaysia with my brother Warren. Sydney twice in September and October, then 3 weeks after settling in Thailand I was off to England for 3 weeks which included a road trip from Edinburgh to Glasgow via Fort William in the north of Scotland. All this coupled with clearing out all my worldly possession from my Gold Coast home before settlement on October 11. I am weary just writing about this frantic life changing year.

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com".

Nana Plaza Bangkok

What sort of uncle would expose his nieces to such a infamous sinful environment? His name is David Herd and I’m guilty as charged. 🙂

Beergarden Soi 7.

First night in Bangkok the games begin. 🙂

Massage to star the day

One of the great pleasures in Thailand.

MBK shopping mall with Tom.

Amazing who you run into in Bangkok. 🙂

LadyBoy delivery

We gave this LadyBoy 400 Baht to knock on Don’s hotel room and say “hello baby” when he opened the door. We were all hiding in the hallway trying not to laugh. After I got the photo Don sent her away. 🙂

Don sadly passed away on 30th May, 2016 after a long battle with cancer, RIP buddy.