beach | Hello from the Five Star Vagabond

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

September 30, 2013 by David Herd

Buzios-Cabo-Freo-Brazil-brigitte-Bardot-beaches-

João Fernandinho Beach Buzios

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil, are resort towns located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2012, the Buzios population consisted of 23,463 inhabitants and its area of 69 km². Today, Búzios is a popular getaway from the city and a worldwide tourist site, especially among Brazilians and Argentinians. In the early 1900s Búzios was popular with the Carioca’s high society, who wanted to escape from the chaotic city life of Rio de Janeiro and enjoy over 23 beaches that the peninsula offers. But it wasn’t until 1964, when the famous French Actress Brigitte Bardot visited Búzios, that it grew to be a popular tourist destination. (From Wikipedia)

One of 23 beautiful beaches.

During the 16th century, the Tupinanbás Indians occupied the area, which is now known as Búzios. During the 17th century, the Europeans invaded what was then a small village and as a result, the Tupinanbás developed strict relationships with the French pirates and smugglers, who were interested in smuggling pau-brasil (famous Brazilian reddish wood) and selling African Slaves. Eventually the French were expelled by the Portuguese due to their bloody disputes with the Tupinambás, which resulted in a significant decrease in the Indian population in that region. (From Wikipedia)

Taxi

An interesting taxi in Buzios.

Peaceful setting

Half the beaches are quite and peaceful and half a good for surfing.

Buzios

Búzios is located at 105 miles NE from the city of Rio de Janeiro, about a 2 hour drive from that city. You come to a fork in the road, straight ahead for Cabo Frio and left for Buzios.

Follow @David_Herd

Buzios was made famous by Brigitte Bardot.

Brigitte Bardot was a famous French Actress in the 1960s that decided to go to Rio with her Brazilian boyfriend, Bob Zagury. However due to the intense amount of paparazzi following them, Bob took his girlfriend to Búzios in order to enjoy the rest of their trip in a quieter and more exclusive site. At the time, the small town had no electricity and life there was quite bucolic yet it was the simplicity of the place, in conjunction with the peninsula’s natural beauty, that made Brigitte Bardot fall in love and declare her admiration for the small fishing village. Inevitably, Búzios became a global spotlight and although other famous stars like Mick Jagger and Madonna followed her path, none left such an impression as Bardot did.

One of the many restaurants in Buzios.

I must say I have never been a fan of Mexican food.

Please click on Google + to help my ranking.

Cabo Frio.

Cabo Frio is a popular beach destination which draws a lot of beach goers and surfers from around the state, as well as the neighboring landlocked state of Minas Gerais. It was founded in the 16th Century, after the Portuguese chased the French away from the area, and remained small for most of its history. In recent years, with the income from the growing tourism industry and the influx of retired folks from Rio de Janeiro, it has grown to a city of over 185,000, with a wide range of amenities for the traveller.

Cabo Frio restaurant.

A beautiful sunny day in Cabo Frio.

Cabo Frio cruise boats.

Cruise boats waiting for customers.

My friend Renilda.

Here is my friend Renilda, she lives at Cabo Frio with her son and lots of pet dogs. We met in 1999 on Copacabana beach and have had a lot of fun together. I have not seen her since I took this photo in 2006 but I hope we meet again one day.

Armacao dos Buzios.

These famous Buzios statues are to honour the fishermen.

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

There are beaches all around the peninsular.

Finally one last study of beautiful Brigitte Bardot.

Here is another nice blog on this wonderful Brazilian destination.

Thanks for visiting my Beautiful beaches Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil photo blog.

Many thanks for visiting my Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil photo blog.

Please check out these fabulous posts

Zagreb Croatia Rio de Janeiro Brisbane River

Koh Samui Korea London

Bangkok Osaka Pattaya

Chiang Mai Pattaya Chao Phraya river

Pattaya live webcam

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

That’s all folks

Check out these great photo blogs.

Rio beach babes

Florianopolis Brazil

Bangkok river ferry

Fabulous HCMC

Amazing World Food

Lyme R

egis Jurassic coast

Hiroshima Japan

Sydney Harbour

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

Koh Larn Island is close to Pattaya

September 27, 2013 by David Herd

Koh-Larn-beach-island-Pattaya-Thailand-ferry

Here is my live webcam from my balcony overlooking Pattaya beach in Thailand.

Koh Larn Island

Koh Larn Island is close to Pattaya, in fact it is only 35 minutes by ferry from Bali Hai Wharf at the end off Walking St. Many people take the speedboats every morning from Pattaya beach, they cost between 1,500 and 2,500 Baht depending on the size of the boat.

Pattaya City sign

I guess Pattaya wanted to be like the Hollywood of Asia.

Thousands head for Koh Larn.

Every morning thousands of Chinese tourists head for Koh Larn.

Dolphin seafood restaurant.

As we get under way we pass the Dolphin seafood restaurant which doesn’t look too impressive in daylight but when lit up at night it is quite spectacular. One the right overlooking the bay is the Pattaya Hilton.

Royal Cliff Hotel.

Looking to the left or Port to be more accurate we see the Royal Cliff Hotel, it opened in 1974 & in fact was where I stayed on my first visit to Pattaya in 1980. Look closely and you will see the elevator that takes you down to Cosy beach.

Behind the ferry is Royal Cliff hotel.

Please always make sure you have a life jacket close by.

Koh Krok.

Koh Krok is a small island about 8 km off Koh Larn, popular for diving and snorkeling.

Na Ban pier Koh Larn

Ferries go to both sides of the island, Tawaen beach is on the other side.

The crowd arrives.

B30 is great value for the 40 minute trip.

Tawaen Beach.

Every morning on Pattaya beach thousand of tourists, mainly Chinese (some Indians) climb aboard at least one hundred speedboats and head for Koh Larn. There is one place on Koh Larn where they all gather like lemmings, Tawaen Beach. They really should change the name to China beach, they are all here crammed together like sardines, but I guess if you come from China you are used to crowds.

Tawaen Beach on Koh Larn Island.

Two Russians among 2000 Chinese on Tawaen beach at Koh Larn.

Tawaen Beach.

As you can see the water is so much nicer than Pattaya.

Glass bottomed boat for viewing fish.

Boats of all shapes and sizes come to the island.

Fresh seafood at Tawaen beach.

Lots of fresh seafood here, the restaurants are huge and packed with people from 11 am.

At 11 am everyone is hungry.

Thousands of Chinese tourists visit every day. They travel by speedboat not by ferry.

Tawaen pier.

This is the most crowded beach on Koh Larn Island.

Sangwan beach

Unless you are completely crazy and love being swallowed up by thousands of Chinese tourists, walk 5 minutes around the corner to a much quieter and more peaceful Sangwan beach.

Beautiful Sangwan beach Koh Larn Island.

Now this is more my style, not so busy and close to the pier.

Lookout point at Sangwan beach.

The colour of the water here reminds me of when I was in Cancun in 2001.

Photo shoot at Sangwan beach.

The water here is so clear and clean unlike Pattaya beach only a short distance to the east.

Tai Yai beach Koh Larn Island.

At the north of the island is a delightful little beach named Tai Yai. Almost deserted with beautiful clear water. Only one small Thai restaurant but very few people on the beach.

Posing on Tai Yai beach Koh Larn Island.

Gorgeous young girl striking a pose on Tai Yai beach.

The only restaurant on Tai Yai beach.

A very peaceful part of the island.

Samae Beach

The solar array looks like a weird spacecraft. There is a very nice, large Resort located just steps from the beach called Xanadu. They have free shuttle service from Naban Pier for their guests. They also have a conference hall that can accommodate 200 people.

Samae Beach Koh Larn Island

Here I am with my friend Irina from Ukraine in November 2014.

Ferries waiting for the crowds.

Make sure you check the timetable so you don’t miss the last ferry.

David Herd at Koh Larn Island.

Well folks, many thanks for visiting my blog on Koh Larn Island, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed being there. Please send the link to your friends https://fivestarvagabond.com/

Sabai Wing Soi 1 North Pattaya

Sabai Wing Soi 1, 3 swimming pools and nice rooms, 100 meters from BigC, great value at only $30 usd per night as of 2017. I live in the high-rise in the background, Markland. For a great room rate book here.

For something a little more upmarket overlooking the beach book through THIS LINK.

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

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

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

When you come back from Koh Larn check out the Pattaya beer bars

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Make sure you see the LadyBoy show in Pattaya.

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Some great views in Pattaya

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Check out Walking St

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Soapy Massage Pattaya Bangkok

Spectacular Bangkok Sky Bars

Fresh seafood Bangkok

Pattaya live webcam

Hawker Chan Hollys Coffee

Le Bordeaux Pattaya Restaurant

Flashback Sydenham Cellars

Art of desert Pattaya

Breakfast Bake n’ Brew

Food review Pattaya 2020

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

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. 😆

Follow @David_Herd

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. 🙂

Please click on Google + to help my page ranking.

Thanks for visiting my Hua Hin popular resort photo blog.

Please check out these fabulous posts

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

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

Check out these great photo blogs.

Rio beach babes

Florianopolis Brazil

Bangkok river ferry

Fabulous HCMC

Amazing World Food

Lyme Regis Jurassic coast

Hiroshima Japan

Sydney Harbour

Lake Como Lake Garda Italy

Pattaya live webcam

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Langkawi island Malaysia

September 23, 2013 by David Herd

Asian Tropical Island

Langkawi island Malaysia

Langkawi island Malaysia which many people have never heard of. My apologies if I sound a little negative about this tropical island, however it really offered nothing that couldn’t be found on other islands which I prefer. Such as Koh Samui or Koh Chang in Thailand.

Our hotel on the beach.

Langkawi island Malaysiawas traditionally thought to be cursed. However, in 1986 then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad decided to transform it into a tourist resort, helping to plan many of the islands buildings himself.

Restaurant on the beach.

Our hotel on the beach was fine, the beach was nice but there was nothing there that rang any bells for me. I am sure however there is a lot more to the island than we saw.

Langkawi island Malaysia para sailing

As you can see they have all the usual water sports here, Para Sailing and Jet Skis.Cocktails on the beach.

Cocktails on the beach.

Even my brother Warren who is virtually a non drinker is enjoying a cocktail on the beach in Langkawi island Malaysia.

Langkawi island Malaysia, a cluster of 105 islands separated from mainland Malaysia by the Straits of Malacca, is a district of the state of Kedah in Northern Malaysia and lies approximately 51 km west of Kedah. The total land mass of the islands is 47,848 hectares. The main island spans about 25 km from north to south and slightly more for east and west. The coastal areas consist of flat, alluvial plains punctuated with limestone ridges. Two-thirds of the island is dominated by forest-covered mountains, hills and natural vegetation.

Bungalow on the beach

Thanks for visiting my Langkawi island Malaysia photo blog.

Click here to see one on my Brazilian posts.

Istanbul Budapest London

Mostar Dubrobnik Split

Saigon Zagreb Vung tau

Bangkok Hotels Pattaya Hotels

Brazil Hotels

Pattaya live webcam

That’s all folks

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.

Check out these great posts

Fabulous Soi 11 Bangkok

French village Breil Sur Roya

Breil Sur Roya devastated

Hong Kong 2014

Bradford on Avon

Coogee Beach Australia

Pattaya Thailand 2013

Amazing Iguazu Falls

New York City

Buddhist Temple Asakusa Tokyo

Pattaya live webcam

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Songkran madness Pattaya Thailand.

September 19, 2013 by David Herd

Songkran April madness.

Songkran madness Pattaya Thailand, the festival is celebrated in Thailand as the traditional New Year’s Day from 13 to 15 April. It coincides with the New Year of many calendars of South and Southeast Asia. Songkran has traditionally been celebrated as the New Year for many centuries, and is believed to have been adapted from an Indian festival. It is now observed nationwide, even in the far south. However, the most famous Songkran celebrations are still in the northern city of Chiang Mai, where it continues for six days and even longer. It has also become a party for foreigners and an additional reason for many to visit Thailand for immersion in another culture.

Songkran bazooka.

Songkran is scheduled to last 2 days which would be entertaining, however in Pattaya and some other areas the madness goes on for 8 or 9 days. For us locals that is 5 days too long, so we either stay indoors most of the time or take a holiday away from Thailand. Otherwise every time you step out your door you get soaked.

Are you feeling lucky punk?

I really love the the “don’t mess with me” look this guy has on his face. 👿

Dressed for the fight.

Songkran is so much fun for everybody young and old. Often however there is ice in the water which can kind of sting when it hits you.

Songkran madness Pattaya Thailand

This is at 2nd road at the top of Soi 6, that bar in the background has since closed.

Resting before the battle.

Troops must always try to rest before the battle begins, any footpath will do. Sadly there will be casualties. 😆

On the hunt in Beach Road.

No one is safe, lucky April the the hottest month of the year in Thailand, the best thing you can do is wear some old clothes and prepared to be soaked.

My friends join in the fun.

Here are my friends Justine, Nui & Macca joining in the fun.

The kids reload.

As you can imagine the kids think it is the greatest time of the year. Here they are reloading their guns.

You can run but you can’t hide.

Nowhere are you safe from being soaked, as you can see the main form of transport in Pattaya are the Baht buses, and they have open sides and become prime targets for the predators.

Thai people love Songkran.

For Thai people it is such a happy joyful time of the year, I feel rather guilty for not being a great supporter, well that’s not entirely true, I would love Songkran if it only lasted for 2 or 3 days.

Bacardi Breezer promotion.

Here we have the ultimate wet tee-shirt celebration. The Bacardi Breezer promotion always has lots of gorgeous girls getting soaked.

Beautiful Thai girls having fun.

Move baby move, get in the grove now.

Sexy Thai girls celebrate Songkran in Beach Rd Pattaya Thailand, April 19.

Watch this video on YouTube

Shake it baby shake it!

Well I know I am repeating myself but Thai people really love Songkran, plus thousands of travellers from all parts of the world come here to join the fun, why don’t you?

The fun police are here.

Here are the cops making sure nobody goes overboard, I have never seen these uniforms before, I think they are military police from the navel base. If you want to communicate with them I suggest you learn some Thai.

Thanks for visiting my Songkran madness Pattaya Thailand photo blog, I’m looking forward to Songkran 2017.

Songkran Pattaya Thailand, crowds gather on beach road

Watch this video on YouTube

Thanks for visiting my Songkran madness Pattaya Thailand photo blog, check out the road carnage that sadly goes hand in hand with this celebration, just follow THIS LINK.

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

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

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

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

Click on the photo to check out the Babushka post.

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Great golf courses near Pattaya

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Walking St Pattaya is wild

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Pattaya LadyBoy show

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Fortaleza Canoa Quebrada Brazil

September 17, 2013 by David Herd

Canoa Quebrada

Fortaleza Canoa Quebrada Brazil

Fortaleza Canoa Quebrada Brazil, we were in a beach buggy to ride along the beautiful long beaches and wander through the amazing coloured sands. Canoa Quebrada is 164 kilometers from Fortaleza.

Canoa Quebrada

The terrain really looks like red rock however it is in fact sand.

Beach buggy and a long deserted stretch of sand.

Getting ready for a trip along the beautiful beach.

Speeding along the sand

This was a terrific experience.

Fortaleza Canoa Quebrada Brazil

Canoa Quebrada (meaning broken canoe in Portuguese), known as the pearl of the east coast of Ceará, Brazil, is an international tourist beach resort 164 km from Fortaleza, in the municipality of Aracati. This small fishing village, among dunes and cliffs, has good views and is becoming popular with tourists.

Magnificent sand dunes

One of my favourite photos from this mini tour of the coast.

For a great hotel room rate in Brazil just book through THIS LINK.

Fascinating foamy water.

Coming from Australia I grew up around some of the best beaches in the world, I have always been interested in the sand & the surf. So you can probably understand why I was keen to photograph the foamy Canoa Quebrada surf. 😎

If you are more interested in bikinis than foam this link is for you.

Canoa Quebrada Church.

This city is certainly worth having on your bucket list.

Fortaleza high rise.

Fortaleza (Portuguese pronunciation: [foʁtaˈlezɐ], Fortress) is the state capital of Ceará, located in Northeastern Brazil. With a population close to 2.3 million (metropolitan region over 3.4 million), Fortaleza is the 5th largest city in Brazil. Fortaleza is one of the three leading cities in the Northeast region together with Recife and Salvador. The city will be one of the host cities of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, for which Brazil is the host nation.

Fortaleza Canoa Quebrada Brazil

Fortaleza is a good place for single guys, in 2010, the city had 433,942 opposite-sex couples and 1,559 same-sex couples. The population of Fortaleza was 53.2% female and 46.8% male.

Fortaleza main street.

I enjoyed visiting Fortaleza however it is not a city I will rush back to.

Lovely Brazilian family in Teresina.

One the way to Fortaleza I stopped for a few days in Teresina, the hottest city in Brazil, to visit a friend I met online, Sueli Oliveira Mesquita and her lovely family.

Sueli Oliveira Mesquita

Enen now in 2016 we still stay in touch on Facebook.

Sueli’s lovely sister Silmarinha

Both sisters were very sweet ladies.

David Herd in Teresina Brazil.

Teresina is the capital and most populous municipality in the Brazilian state of Piauí. Being located in North-central Piauí 366 km from the coast, it is the only capital in the Brazilian Northeast that is not located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. With 814,439 inhabitants, Teresina is the 19th largest city in Brazil, and the 15th largest state capital in the country. Teresina is the hottest city in the country and the third city with the major incidence of lightning in the world.

For a great hotel room rate in Brazil just book through THIS LINK.

That’s all for Fortaleza Canoa Quebrada Brazil

Please check out these fabulous posts

Zagreb Croatia Rio de Janeiro Brisbane River

Koh Samui Korea London

Bangkok Osaka Pattaya

Chiang Mai Pattaya Chao Phraya river

Pattaya live webcam

That’s all folks

Click here for my road trip around northeast Brazil.

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Samba dancers in Paraty

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Florianopolis is fantastic

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Check out these great photo blogs.

Rio beach babes

Florianopolis Brazil

Bangkok river ferry

Fabulous HCMC

Amazing World Food

Lyme Regis Jurassic coast

Hiroshima Japan

Sydney Harbour

Lake Como Lake Garda Italy

Pattaya live webcam

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Belem Amazon Gateway Brazil

September 17, 2013 by David Herd

Fresh fish in Belem.

Belem Amazon Gateway Brazil

Belem Amazon Gateway Brazil which represents more than half the planet’s remaining rain forests and comprises the largest and most species-rich tract of tropical rain-forest in the world. Founded in 1616 by the Kingdom of Portugal, Belém was the first European colony on the Amazon but did not become part of Brazil until 1775. The newer part of the city has modern buildings and skyscrapers. The colonial portion retains the charm of tree-filled squares, churches and traditional blue tiles. The city has a rich history and architecture from colonial times. Recently it witnessed a skyscraper boom.

Discussing the day’s catch.

Waiting for customers to buy their fresh fish.

For a great hotel room rate in Brazil just book through THIS LINK.

Ancient fishing boats.

All the fishing boats at the docks make it a fascinating area to wander around and soak up the atmosphere, you get the feeling nothing has changed here for centuries.

Old man of the sea.

Can you imagine how many years this old man has been standing here on the wharf casting his net into the river?

The banks of the mighty Amazon.

Naturally I took an interesting river tour along the mighty river to add to my river bucket list which includes the Nile, The Mississippi, the Mekong and the Murray. Most of the city seemed old and ancient with many old rusting boats of all shapes and sizes lining the waterfront. However according to Wikipedia Belem has it witnessed a skyscraper boom, which is a shame. Here is a video clip of two Brazilian dancers on the cruise.

Belem waterfront

One of the passenger boats that will take you as far as Manaus.

Downtown Belem.

In the heart of this fascinating city.

Belem Street market.

As you can see the market was not very organised. 🙂

Friendly little Brazilian guy in Belem.

This little guy was staying at my hotel with his parents, he liked to come and visit me.

For a great hotel room rate in Brazil just book through THIS LINK.

Does my bum look big in this?

The question women all over the world ask their husbands, well in this case the answer is a resounding YES. 🙂

Great faces in Belem

Thanks for visiting my Belem Amazon Gateway Brazil photo blog.

The slideshow has lots of photos from Belem, Canoa Quebrada, Fortaleza & Teresina.

Beautiful sexy dancer in Belem on an Amazon river boat.

Click on the photo below for another Brazilian post.

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Please check out these fabulous posts

greb Croatia Rio de Janeiro Brisbane River

Koh Samui Korea London

Bangkok Osaka Pattaya

Chiang Mai Pattaya Chao Phraya river

Bangkok Hotels Pattaya Hotels

Brazil Hotels

Pattaya live webcam

That’s all folks

Check out these great photo blogs.

Rio beach babes

Florianopolis Brazil

Bangkok river ferry

Fabulous HCMC

Amazing World Food

Lyme Regis Jurassic coast

Hiroshima Japan

Sydney Harbour

Lake Como Lake Garda Italy

Pattaya live webcam

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

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.

Use THIS LINK for a great room rate.

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.

Please click on Google + to help my page ranking.

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.

Thanks for visiting my White Sands Beach Koh-Chang photo blog.

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

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

That’s all folks

Pattaya live webcam

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.

Please send the link to your friends https://fivestarvagabond.com/

Click here to see one of my popular Thailand posts.

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

If you like to play golf click here.

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Pattaya is only a 4 hour drive away

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Fabulous Soi 11 Bangkok

French village Breil Sur Roya

Breil Sur Roya devastated

Hong Kong 2014

Bradford on Avon

Coogee Beach Australia

Pattaya Thailand 2013

Amazing Iguazu Falls

New York City

Buddhist Temple Asakusa Tokyo

Pattaya live webcam

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Travelled Natal Recife via Pipa.

September 8, 2013 by David Herd

Praia de Pipa, paradise.

Travelled Natal Recife via Pipa

Travelled Natal Recife via Pipa traveling 300 kilometers by taxi from with my friend Simone, we found what was like a beautiful pearl in a juicy oyster. The oyster was north east Brazil and the beautiful pearl was Praia de Pipa.

Low tide at Pipa

I remember sitting in a bar in Rio Di Janeiro with two friends Dave Wylie & Doug Roarke, (RIP) and when I asked what was their favorite place in Brazil, Doug briefly considered the question before saying “Praia de Pipa”. Until that moment I had never heard of the place, but on Doug’s recommendation I planned my trip.

Travelled Natal Recife via Pipa

Lots to look at on the beach. 🙂

Fresh fish at Pipa.

Each day they would bring the fresh fish into the beach and restaurant owners would buy them to put on the menu.

Another perfect day at Pipa.

Pipa was a small fishing village until the 1970s. Then it was discovered by surfers and backpackers, attracted by a set of natural attributes rarely found even in other Brazilian beaches:

Boats waiting for high tide.

Wonderful crystal-clear waters, fine, white sand, 10-meter-high vertical cliffs, and friendly locals.

Beautiful girl in Pipa.

Brazil has so many beautiful girls.

Didjeridoos at Pipa.

What a surprise for me to stumble across these guys in Pipa playing Australian Aborigine Didgeridoos.

For a great hotel room rate in Brazil just book through THIS LINK.

Morro do Careca (Bald Hill) Ponta Negra.

Ponta Negra is the most affluent area of the city and also where most tourists stay. Here you will find most of the upscale hotels, shopping malls and restaurants

Ancient warrior at Ponta Negra.

Please click on Google + to help my page ranking.

Pancakes on the beach.

An ideal snack after a swim.

Simone Cristina Oliveira

My lovely traveling companion Simone Cristina Oliveira was living in Uberlândia in Minas Gerais at the time, she now works at a bank in Sao Paulo.

Porto de Galinhas.

The origin of the name is well known. Porto de Galinhas means “Port of Chickens” in Portuguese. In the second half of the 19th century, the Brazilian government imposed restrictions to the commerce of slaves, which were widely used as manpower in the sugarcane farms around Recife to circumvent the prohibition, the “black ships” (which transported slaves from Africa to Brazil) looked for other places to harbor, far from Recife. One such place was in the bays around Suape and Ipojuca, about 60 km to the South of Recife. When a ship arrived in town, as it was prohibited to mention slavery, the word spread as “there are new chickens in the port”; hence, the place gained its name Porto de Galinhas.

Porto de Galinhas.

This town has a wonderful lay back feel about it.

Wonderful colorful buildings.

I would certainly recommend you add Porto de Galinhas to your agenda.

Porto de Galinhas.

Check out the chicken phone box.

Music on the beach.

Entertainment on the beach.

The beautiful city of Olinda.

Adjacent to Recife this old town is rather wonderful.

Wonderful old church in Olinda.

I have seen churches like this all over Brazil.

Beautiful Olinda.

Olinda is a city in the north-eastern Brazilian state of Pernambuco. It hosts one of Brazil’s most famous carnivals and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its XVI and XVII-century buildings. Many bars, restaurants, artist and craftspeople studios add charm to the old-town setting.

Recife via Pipa Condos near the beach.

Recife is a very modern city as you can see.

Beach in Recife.

Our hotel was right opposite the beach.

For a great hotel room rate in Brazil just book through THIS LINK.

My friend Simone & her cousin Pedro.

Here we are exploring Olinda.

Click on the photo below to see another Brazil post.

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Please check out these fabulous posts

Sydney Paris Bangkok

Tokyo Rio De Janeiro Budapest

London Beijing Capetown

Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you

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

Plus free cancellation .

Bangkok Hotels Pattaya Hotels

Slide show here.

Pattaya live webcam

That’s all folks

Check out these great photo blogs.

Rio beach babes

Florianopolis Brazil

Bangkok river ferry

Fabulous HCMC

Amazing World Food

Lyme Regis Jurassic coast

Hiroshima Japan

Sydney Harbour

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Gold Coast Australia beaches

September 4, 2013 by David Herd

Surfers Paradise

Gold Coast Australia beaches, my home for 25 years from 1987 and have many wonderful memories. It is like a smaller version of Fort Lauderdale in Florida, miles & miles of canals with luxury homes enjoying waterfront living.

Surfers Paradise sunset.

Buildings overlooking the Nerang river in Surfers Paradise.

Gold Coast Australia beautiful beaches

The Gold Coast in Australia is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, 80 kilometers south of Brisbane and 800 kilometres north of Sydney.

David Herd relaxing on the Broadwater.

Leisure activities for the locals revolve around spending a day on a boat on the Broadwater, or enjoying the world class beaches. Surfing is a huge sport on the Coast, visitors from all over the world flock here to enjoy the pristine white sandy beaches.

Southport skyline.

Boating is one of the main pastimes on the Gold Coast.

Point Danger in NSW.

I am virtually standing on the border of NSW & QLD taking the above photo.

Rainbow Bay Gold Coast beach

Watch this video on YouTube

Surfers Paradise beach.

The are miles of beautiful white sandy beaches, sadly council planning over the years has been 2nd rate by allowing high rise structures to be built along the beach, resulting in encroaching shadows on the beach from mid afternoon.

Amazing seafood on Gold Coast.

My good friend Phil Thomson & I decided to enjoy some amazing seafood for lunch. The Gold Coast definitely has some of the finest in the world, it is one of the few things I really miss about Australia.

Charis seafood market at Labrador.

Check out the magnificent selection of fresh seafood.

This was my home on Australia’s Gold Coast for 21 years.

I mentioned earlier the miles of canals with luxury homes enjoying waterfront living. This was my home in Surfers Paradise for 21 years from 1990 until I sold up and moved to Thailand in October 2011. It was 503 square meters with 7 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms a jetty and a sandy beach. I designed the home, and added a 2nd story in 2004, and did we have some great parties there? You bet we did. 😎

The Gold Coast Turf Club.

Horse racing is a huge industry in Australia, I could actually see this course from my home, it is the only track in the country which has a race meeting every week of the year.

Beer from a semi trailer

Every knows Australians love their beer, they even bring a semi trailer to the race track to make sure everyone has enough to drink.

Hang gliding on Mount Tambourine.

A 45 minute drive west from the coast is Mt Tambourine which is part of Australia’s Great Dividing Range. A popular place for hang gliding as well as many quaint little restaurants and hotels if you fell like getting away from the coast.

Byron Bay lighthouse is Australia’s most easterly point.

This is the place in Australia hit by the first rays of the morning sun. Byron Bay is one of the most popular beach side backpacker destinations in the country.

Secluded beach south of Byron Bay

Gold Coast Australia beaches.

Please click on Google + to help my ranking.

Diving Dolphins at Sea World.

Personally I would prefer these beautiful animals were set free in the ocean.

I guess Dolphins like a tummy rub.

There are many theme parks on the Gold Coast, Sea world, Dreamworld, Movie World, Wet & Wild and many more. So it really is a wonderful family destination.

Sea World Polar Bear.

Beautiful creatures but sad to see them in captivity.

Water Ski stunts.

These guys put on quite a show.

Prepare for take off.

You can stay right beside Seaworld at their nice hotel.

Chevron Renaissance.

In the heart of Surfers Paradise the Chevron Renaissance holiday apartments have many interesting cafes & restaurants to dine at.

Colonial golf club at Robina

The Gold Coast has many world class golf courses and the Colonial at Robina is no exception, there is water on almost every hole so take plenty of balls.

For a great hotel room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Cararra stadium aka Metricon

Home ground for the Gold Coast Suns AFL team.

My beautiful Mercedes Sports.

I just could not do a post on the Gold Coast without slipping in a photos of my beautiful yellow canary. This magic little car carried me around the Gold Coast for 17 years.

My two beautiful chariots.

These were my two babies when I lived on the Gold Coast, it was compulsory to have the proper toys. Many Australians consider the coast to be a flashy superficial place, and frankly I agree with them. However flashy & superficial can be fun when you are young enough to enjoy it. Sadly it seems when you get a little older you seem to tire a little with this life. I did, so I moved to Thailand in October 2011 and have replaced flashy & superficial with down & dirty, only joking folks. 😆

Listen to Harry Chapin describe my life in about 7 minutes.

Farewell Australia

Farewell drinks at Melbas on the Park with the usual suspects.

Please check out these fabulous posts

Istanbul Budapest London

Mostar Dubrobnik Split

Saigon Zagreb Vung tau

Bangkok Hotels Pattaya Hotels

Brazil Hotels

Pattaya live webcam

That’s all folks

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.

Here is another beach resort on the other side of the world

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Well folks, many thanks for visiting my blog on Gold Coast Australia, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed living there. Please send the link to your friends https://fivestarvagabond.com/

Here I am with friends on the Gold Coast before moving to Thailand

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Visiting friends November 2014

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

HCM City in January 2015

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com”.

Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.

Brussels for mussels

Upmarket Portofino

Barcelona

Prague way back in 93

Amsterdam

Sarajevo

Beautiful Budapest

Fabulous Dubrovnick

Ancient Lisbon

Summer in St Moritz

Pattaya live webcam

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 4 photos

João Fernandinho Beach Buzios

One of 23 beautiful beaches.

Taxi

Peaceful setting

Buzios

Buzios was made famous by Brigitte Bardot.

One of the many restaurants in Buzios.

Cabo Frio.

Cabo Frio restaurant.

Cabo Frio cruise boats.

My friend Renilda.

Armacao dos Buzios.

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

Finally one last study of beautiful Brigitte Bardot.

That’s all folks

Here is my live webcam from my balcony overlooking Pattaya beach in Thailand.

Pattaya City sign

Thousands head for Koh Larn.

Dolphin seafood restaurant.

// <![CDATA[ agoda_ad_client = "1613551_5292"; agoda_ad_width = 468; agoda_ad_height = 90; agoda_ad_language = 1; agoda_ad_country = 106; agoda_ad_city = 8584; // ]]&gt;

Behind the ferry is Royal Cliff hotel.

Koh Krok.

Na Ban pier Koh Larn

The crowd arrives.

Tawaen Beach.

Tawaen Beach on Koh Larn Island.

Tawaen Beach.

Glass bottomed boat for viewing fish.

Fresh seafood at Tawaen beach.

At 11 am everyone is hungry.

Tawaen pier.

Sangwan beach

Beautiful Sangwan beach Koh Larn Island.

Lookout point at Sangwan beach.

Photo shoot at Sangwan beach.

Tai Yai beach Koh Larn Island.

Posing on Tai Yai beach Koh Larn Island.

The only restaurant on Tai Yai beach.

Samae Beach

Samae Beach Koh Larn Island

Ferries waiting for the crowds.

David Herd at Koh Larn Island.

Nice town south of Bangkok

Hilton Hua Hin Thai resort

Packing up the tiny shrimps.

David Herd shovelling shrimps.

Hua Hin popular resort Master & apprentice.

The quintessential night market.

Fresh seafood at the market.

My brother Warren with a monster shrimp.

Hua Hin popular resort

Once again we ordered too much. 😳

Hilton Hotel

Seafood restaurant on the beach

Here comes the sheriff

Asian Tropical Island

Restaurant on the beach.

Langkawi island Malaysia para sailing

Cocktails on the beach.

Bungalow on the beach

That’s all folks

Songkran April madness.

Songkran bazooka.

Are you feeling lucky punk?

Dressed for the fight.

Songkran madness Pattaya Thailand

Resting before the battle.

On the hunt in Beach Road.

My friends join in the fun.

The kids reload.

You can run but you can’t hide.

Thai people love Songkran.

Bacardi Breezer promotion.

Beautiful Thai girls having fun.

Shake it baby shake it!

The fun police are here.

Canoa Quebrada

Canoa Quebrada

Beach buggy and a long deserted stretch of sand.

Speeding along the sand